The Fall Read Online Free PDF

her.
    “Hello?”
    “Archer, Malachi’s here.”
    “What?” Archer asked, his voice laced with panic. “Where are you? What happened?”
    “Shh, just calm down. I’m at uni. He hasn’t seen me yet. He’s waiting for me at the bus stop.”
    “Addison, stay out of sight and get away from there. Tell me where to pick you up from.” I took a deep breath, appreciative of his concern.
    “No, it’s okay. I’ll, um, go back to the library or something, and wait it out.”
    “Don’t be stupid, Addison,” he said impatiently. “Let me help you.” She bristled at the stupid comment, but his sincerity made her realise he was right.
    “Okay. Come get me from the entrance outside the administration building. There should be signs if you get lost.”
    “It’s okay, I know where it is. I’ll be there in ten. Be careful.” He cut the line, and Addison let out a sigh. She kept an eye on Malachi as she backed away with tentative steps.
    Once she’d made good distance, she increased her pace, almost jogging. She rounded a corner, right into someone’s hard body.
    “Shoot, sorry,” Addison said, turning around but trying not to gain Malachi’s attention. She saw the face that belonged to the body and smiled.
    “Sorry, James.” He smiled back at her, his green eyes glittering with amusement. She and James had shared a few classes over the years.
    “No worries, Addison.  You alright? You seem kinda jumpy.” Brushing her hair from her face, she lowered her shoulders and took a deep breath, doing her best to relax.
    “I’m fine, just late for work, so I’ll have to catch you later, ‘kay?”
    James gave her a gentle squeeze on her shoulder. “Alright Addy, see you around.”
    Addison turned around, facing the car park. She saw Archer immediately, parked right in front of the building in a big 4WD. She ran over and jumped in, relief flooding her body.
    “Who was that?”
    Archer’s lips were a thin line and his body was tense. “Huh?” she said. “James? A guy from class. Why?”
    Archer shook his head, as though he was gathering himself. “Nothing. Is everything okay? Did Malachi see you?”
    “No, he didn’t. I hope he moves the hell away from my school, though.” Her annoyance seemed to amuse him, and the tension in his body seemed to seep out.
    “I’ve got Jake on it. Don’t worry.”
    “Shouldn’t you call the cops or something, if this guy is that dangerous?” Addison was still confused about what the whole situation had to do with Archer and his brother. She planned to find out.
    “It’s complicated.”
    ***
    Oh God , Addison thought. How did I get myself into this? Somehow she was sitting on Archer’s couch with him, and Jake was sitting across from her. The house was gorgeous. Minimalistic, but still comfortable. She was convinced Archer must be wealthy, and she was curious about where that income might come from.
    “I’m sorry, Addison. I know this is probably an inconvenience for you, but we’ll do what we can to make it as easy as possible,” Jake said sympathetically. When he’d gone to the bus stop, Malachi was gone. They had no idea where he was, or what he was up to.
    “I just don’t understand why you can’t call the cops. I’m sure they could figure this all out. Moving in with you guys seems a little over the top.” Her head was in her hands, her eyes closed. She wondered how she’d ended up sitting across from these two men, who were essentially strangers, discussing the situation that was leaving her shit out of luck.
    “We can’t do that, Addison. But I promise you we will protect you with our lives. We aren’t sure what this man wants from you, but we’ll make sure he doesn’t get it. Or get near you.” He reached across and touched her hand. She glanced at it questioningly, and Archer jerked his hand back, looking almost embarrassed.
    “Fine,” she said in surrender. “But no funny business.”
    ***
    Addison couldn’t think of anything more awkward