Inked Creations

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: "Three Words"

Silence. For the past three damn months, we have had absolutely no sign of Charlie...Fuze... Nothing since Swindle reported he had vanished near the Canadian border back in April.

Agmos had pulled me aside after our picnic, and told me the situation. The panic bubbled up inside me, threatening to spill out. Internally, I had wanted to scream, to explode. I wanted to run as far as my feet would carry me. The stone expression on my face had caused Agmos to wrap his arms around me, while he whispered protective reassurances in my ear.

Nothing he said could ease the anxiety growing in the pit of my stomach. Even with him in the loft at night, I barely slept. Plagued by nightmares from the abuse I suffered at Charlie's hands, I frequently woke up screaming, drenched in sweat. It became routine. Nightmares would wake me in a sweaty panic, and while I showered, Agmos would make me a hot cup of tea.

Silence.... until today.

Agmos, who has barely left my side since April, is back in Ink's Mind Realm today. Swindle finally found Charlie late last night. Asshole was drinking in some bar in New York City. Off the radar for three months, and we finally found him in a goddamn bar. Typical.

When he reluctantly left the shop this morning, Agmos told me he and Swindle needed to go over some of the information gathered. I'd told him I would be fine, and to fill me in tomorrow. Tonight was not the night for worry or strategizing.

I power down my computer, releasing a sigh of satisfaction. Today was hectic in the shop. Always is on the Fourth of July. Our flash art specials bring a fuck ton of customers in, so my girls had nonstop sessions all day. I grab my bag off the desk and lock up.

Checking my phone, the time is only five o'clock. Good. I've got an hour until I need to meet Agmos for dinner. Agmos rented out a small house with a private beach for the entire weekend. Such a lucky score for the Fourth being a Friday this year.

Unlocking the door to my loft, I drop my bag next to the bed. Sergio meows at me, stretched out like a furry king, and I grace his ears with scratches. I flop on the bed, and his royal majesty purrs loudly.

"Oh, Sergio." I chuckle. "You, Kaylee, and Sophie are going to have a grand time this weekend. Just don't cough up a hairball in any shoes this time, okay Buddy?"

Since Sophie has to work over the weekend, she and Kaylee agreed to look after Sergio for me. Kay also agreed to run the shop so I can have a mini vacation without worry. The only people going to the beach house are Ink, Agmos, Bittie, Swindle, and myself. While I've spoken to Swindle via text a few times, this will be our first time meeting face to face.

With a heavy sigh, I push myself up. "Aiight, Serg. Time to get ready."

I roll off the bed, and walk to the closet. I grab my black duffle bag off the shelf. Bag in hand, I make my way to the dresser, and pull out three pairs of shorts, and t-shirts. I pause as I start pulling out panties... Agmos and I will be alone in the house for most of Saturday...

I hold up a pair of black velvet panties with the matching bralette. I contemplate for a moment, before chucking the set in the duffle. Fuck it. I grab random Spiderman, Sailor Moon, and Star Trek panties, and toss them in too. Along with the only bikini I own. It's a simple black, strapless top, with equally boring bottoms.

Stripping out of my jeans and t-shirt, I head into the bathroom to shower.

Checking my reflection in the mirror, I pull my hair into a high ponytail. I'm wearing plain, dark blue, jean shorts. My tank top is white, with black stars all over. I opted for a simple makeup look, only doing some eyeliner and my lashes. The rest of my face is bare.