Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
“Back in the 1930s, Tolkien was a member of a group called “The Inklings”, whose members were budding writers, including C.S. Lewis. They met together for conversation, drinks, and to read from their works-in-progress. Perhaps from inspiration from his circle of companions, Tolkien’s works went on to gain international fame. Why do I mention this? To show you the importance of group work, which is what we are starting today.”
There was a collective groan from the class. I understood; I always hated group work when I was in school, because I always ended up doing most of the projects myself. I even joked that when I died, I wanted my group partners to be my pallbearers so that they could let me down one last time. But, it was part of the college experience, so my students would just have to deal with it. I survived and so would they.
“Yes, I know, I’m a horrible person,” I teased, garnering laughter from some of my students. “Please break into groups of four and…excuse me for a moment,” I added when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I had an app which blocked spam numbers, and I never received calls during school hours, so I assumed it may be important.
My heart leapt into my throat when I read Sterling’s name on the screen. I knew he wouldn’t call during class unless it was an emergency, so I quickly swiped the button and answered with a cracking voice, “Sterling?”
“Beck,” he replied through broken sobs. “I need you.”
I gripped the podium when my knees threatened to buckle. “What happened? Are you okay?” A hush fell over the classroom as all of my students stared at me.
“Yes…no…I’m okay, but…I’m scared.” he broke into tears and my heart shattered; I’d never heard him cry.
“Sweetheart, take a deep breath and tell me what’s wrong.”
He replied through hiccups and sniffs, “When I got home, I knew something wasn’t right. I heard someone behind me when I was unlocking the door. They shoved me inside and pushed me to the floor. Cooper barked and I think he bit them because I heard a man screaming, and then Cooper yelped.” I could barely make out his words, “I think he’s hurt.”
I covered the mouthpiece of my phone to tell the class, “I have an emergency. Class is canceled until further notice.” I didn’t wait for a response before I burst through the doors and sprinted down the hallway. “I’m on my way, sweetheart. Did you call the police?”
“They’re on their way too.”
“I want you to talk to me until they get there, okay? Is the man gone?”
“Yes. He told me to stay on the floor and stay quiet. I think he was stealing stuff from the house because I heard rustling and lots of footsteps through the rooms. When he left, he told me to count to one hundred before I called anyone.”
I ran outside, towards the parking lot. My vehicle was a good distance away, but I knew I could get to Sterling faster in my car than on foot. My soul ached as my feet slapped the asphalt; my sweet man had been through so much trauma in his lifetime, and he was the last person who deserved it.
“I’m getting…in my car,” I huffed as I dove into my driver’s seat. My chest burned with heavy breaths. “Be there…soon.”
“Someone is knocking on the door,” he sniffled. “I think it’s the police.”
“Check their badge,” I requested, “And keep me on the phone.”
I peeled out of the parking lot as I heard Sterling answer the door for someone who identified themselves as Officer Long. Sterling asked to touch his badge before he let him in, and I couldn’t quite make out their conversation as I drove like a bat out of hell through the city streets.
Gravel flew in all directions as I ripped into Sterling’s driveway, my heart sinking at the sight of a police cruiser next to his home. I pulled up beside it and ran onto the porch, where I was met by a uniformed officer.
“Are you Beckett Rice?” he asked, and I nodded while I clutched my chest, still trying to catch my breath.
I managed to squeak out, “Where’s Sterling?”
“He’s inside with my partner, Officer Long. My name is Officer Purdy, and I need you to stay out here with me until Sterling is finished giving his statement.”
Fuck. All I wanted was to hold my man in my arms and see that he was okay, but I understood that the officers had a job to do. “What happened?” I asked desperately.
“It was a robbery. Sterling mentioned that he walks the same path every day, so we’re guessing that the perpetrator has watched him for some time; he’s learned Sterling’s schedule, and seen that he’s always alone and that he’s at a disadvantage. He saw an opportunity to strike, and took it.”