Rundown (Curveball Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

couldn’t.  Even though I
didn’t want to ‘get up’ I at least had the option.  I
wanted to be her champion. 
    The
only time that I haven’t drawn on this phrase following a negative
event in my life was after the plane crash. Not getting up wasn’t
an option…because of Breanne.  Right now, though, I need these
words because I’m not sure how I can get up without her.    
    Over
the last few days, I’ve tried to tell myself that by getting on
another plane, I’m ‘getting up’.  That by going to
California and taking steps to ensure I have a career, I’m not
letting the assholes that took hundreds of lives, win.  Deep
down, though, I know I’m only running.  If I stay here, the
only thing that can keep me from getting up will continue to consume
and change me, and I don’t recognize myself as it is.  Not to
mention, alcohol induced sleep is not a habit I’m looking to
continue.
     “ I’m
going.”
      I
get out of the car and notice that there is hardly anyone around.
  What the hell did I expect for 4:30 in the morning?  
My entourage and I head inside, and thanks to my FBI escorts, getting
through airport security is quick and painless.  I’m sure
Agents Everett and O’Conner would rather be sleeping than be here
with me at this hour, but I’m starting to like the idea of having
them around.  It makes it possible to pretend that I’m not
completely lonely.
    My
flight doesn’t leave for nearly two more hours, so I grab a seat by
the window and wait.  I tip my baseball cap over my eyes, trying
to drown out Everett and O’Conner discussing riffles, and am
thankful when sleep effortlessly takes over.

    “ Hey
man, I’ve been trying to call you!” Brett exclaims, jolting me
from sleep.
    “ Huh? 
What are you doing here?” I ask, sleepily lifting my hat and
sitting up.   Brett hasn’t just shown up to wish me well
or give me a pep talk―he has luggage.
    “ You
didn’t sound so good the other day and your phone’s been off. 
 I thought maybe you could use some company.”  He smacks
my shoulder and takes a seat next to me.
    “ I
have company 24/7.”  Brett nods courteously to Everett and
O’Conner who have positioned themselves at my sides. 
    “ How’d
you know I was already here?” I ask.
    Brett
gestures to my escorts.  “Your friends were kind enough to
answer their phones when you didn’t.”
    I
glance over my shoulder at Everett who keeps his eyes focused ahead. 
I’ll have to look into what information they can share.
    “ Sorry,”
is the only explanation I have at the moment. 
    “ Are
you going to tell me what this is about?” he asks.
    I
shake my head.
    “ You’ve
gotta give me something, Drew.  You call me up after weeks of
putting off appearances and interviews, and demand I get your
endorsements re-engaged.  On top of that you wanted me arrange
for a meeting with the Giants, which I pulled off in record time, and
now you won’t tell me why you had to leave Boston immediately?”
    “ It’s
Breanne,” I sigh, exasperated. 
    “ What
happened?”
    “ It
doesn’t matter.”  With my elbows resting on my knees, I drop
my head into my hands.  “I just need a little space.”
    “ A
little space?  If this goes through you’ll be moving to the
other side of the country.  Does she know that you’re
leaving?”
    “ No,
I haven’t told anyone besides you.”
    “ Look,
I don’t know what happened, but don’t you think she deserves to
know?” he asks.
    “ Why? 
It’s not like she’d care.” I turn my head to look at him
momentarily and then resume shielding my face.
    “ Like
I said, I don’t know what happened, and you don’t have to tell
me,” he pauses.
    “ But,”
I reply, knowing he has an opinion. 
    “ But
after what you guys went through, don’t you think she’d at least
be interested to know you’re going on a plane for the first time
since the crash; that you might not be coming back?” he asks. 
“You two have