Fast Lane | ✔️

17

Ch17

The Young Woman allowed her to mind wander as she took the scenic route along the coast all the way up to the Santa Monica Freeway. She gave the ocean one last look before veering left toward her destination. She didn't normally enjoy the beach, but it sure did look inviting after the day she'd been having. Even though she'd captured some excellent photos of Claire Ryan looking less than perfect, The Young Woman's stress level was on the rise. The slightest thing was setting her off. Crazy drivers taking the winding roads too fast, the mounting traffic as she drew closer to the heart of Los Angeles.

Why is everyone so damn stupid?

Like she didn't have enough on her mind.

Stop it! she scolded. You need to concentrate on the plan. You have some of the juiciest pictures ever taken sitting inside your camera. Pictures that could ruin careers—even lives!

The thought did make her feel somewhat better. It wasn't as if The Fab Five didn't deserve it-they certainly did. She considered her mission to be a public service. The world will be better off once those pigs are out of the spotlight. Who needs them and their deceitful ways? No one!

Brooks Kennedy was the only one she was slightly concerned about. How would he take the fall that was about to be bestowed upon him? Would he regret his disgusting, womanizing ways? Would he wish things had turned out differently, that he should have been smart when he'd had the chance? He was just like a little boy lost; he needed someone to look after him. She could have been that someone—should have been that someone. But he hadn't been interested.

Oh well, it doesn't matter now. It's too late.

The Young Woman took the exit off the highway and drove until she found the side road where the small diner sat, the one she'd seen Miller park near the day before. She exited the vehicle making sure all the doors were locked, and then wrapped her bag close around her body, giving it a protective pat. She could feel the solid lumps that confirmed the camera and handgun were tucked safely inside. If she ran into any trouble she would be ready. Oh yes, she could take care of herself. The scum of Hollywood wouldn't take her down without a fight.

Where to start? she wondered with uncertainty. Doubt began to fill her thoughts as she realized how large the downtown area was. Would she even be able to find the young girl?

And what happens if I do find her? Should I approach her? Just come right out and ask her if she's having an affair with Miller Bradley?

Suddenly, her plan didn't feel as surefire as it had earlier. When she walked passed the corner of Hollywood and Highland, the place where she'd seen Miller and the girl meet the day before, her confidence began to deflate even more. They weren't here. Where the hell was she supposed to go now? She'd naively assumed that what she needed would be waiting for her right where she had left it, but obviously that was not the case.

Fuck this stupid day! she cursed herself. She brought her hands to her head and pressed them firmly to her scalp, punishing herself for acting foolishly. Stop-stop it! You've come all this way and you are not giving up now! You're so close to getting everything you need to bring those stupid pigs down.

The Young Woman continued to follow Hollywood Boulevard, taking a right on Vermont Avenue, not really knowing where to go next. Her patience was wearing thin, she'd been walking for almost an hour, dodging dirty vagrants and transvestite prostitutes, with no luck. So far, she hadn't spotted the curly-haired girl or the thug she'd walked off with, let alone Miller. The sun was hot and her feet were hurting, and she just wanted to go home. The Young Woman was just about to turn around when she approached the Wilshire/Vermont subway station where a growing crowd was gathering near the entrance.