Athena owns and runs a beauty salon downtown. One day she started receiving random calls and texts from an unknown number.
At first, she brushed it off until they became threats and her best friend, Bethany, urges her to file a police report.
What...
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When Chasity called me, I was only across the street with Officer Gaperal. Attempting to see if their camera feed was able to pick up the face of the suspect from the day Athena got the first picture.
The call sends us both running off to the salon.
How unlucky was I when granted it would have shown his face, however, to many people crowding the side walk cut him out. The guy knew how to move with the flow of people and keep his head level enough not to be seen from any camera angle around.
The only thing I know of is this man is very familiar with everything around town. Not making this an easy case to solve. Now, I am seeing why it went cold seven years ago. I just don't want Athena being like the last female victim.
The shock of my life after the phone call from Chas, is seeing Athena sitting in a chair with all kinds of foil in her hair. Guess the ladies were serious last night at dinner about doing her hair. Even if she looks like some alien or robot currently.
Athena's face tells me more than what Chasity got out over the phone. Chas just said another picture came in and I was quick to just say on the way.
Looking at the picture, I actually feel my blood pressure rise. A pulsing sounds in my ears.
Handing the phone to Gaperal, so he can get a better look instead of seeing from my side, we are quick to go over the next steps. I can only hope the restaurant cameras caught a face this time. He takes off and I can tell they all look uncomfortable.
With a glance at my watch tells me lunch is starting. I normally don't take one but I will just to stay with them for now.
Athena speaks up as I rub my face, trying to not show how I am feeling. She shivers as Bethany works on her hair.
Placing my hand on hers, it eases me instantly. Athena's hand is so warm and she never jerks away from me.
I shouldn't be doing this but it feels right to try and comfort her in some form. Right now this is the way with her getting her hair washed out.
Part of me is curious just what all they are doing. I have a feeling she is going to be gorgeous, but again she has been from the moment I seen her.
I can get her wanting to change her looks because when something big happens people tend to want to. That is all okay too though, because something this big will change you in some ways. Just hope she keeps being light hearted like she seems to be from the moment I met her.
What is wrong with me? I have always put the job first and never let myself get close to someone because the hours I can work is not what I want to burden someone with.
The entire time Bethany and Chasity are working with Athena's hair, my eyes stay glued to her. I have no clue what they are doing but they keep adding things in just to rinse it right back out.
Finally they wrap a towel around her head. Athena sits up in the chair and smiles at me.
"Does it look bad already?" She tries to keep a straight face.
Chas and Bethany's mouth drop open with a fake shock expression.
I smirk and pick her hand up, to help her stand. She may not need it, but I do on the inside.
"I think it may just be part of the alien creation you were sporting when I came in." I chuckle.
Athena takes her hand out of mine to gently pop my arm, while the others laugh hard. I laugh with them, but miss her touch.
The text was a threat and I am taking it seriously. Part of this is now my fault because I have this need to just feel her. I have never felt such soft skin before hers.
It is not the right time to express it but I do have feelings for her. Wish we could go out on a date, but I have to solve her case first then I will let myself see if she is interested at all because right now I still don't know. She let me hold her hand and didn't move until to mess with me.
After all the drying, I can tell her color.
"It looks amazing on you. Never thought you could get any more gorgeous." My thoughts slip through my lips.
Athena's cheeks flame with a red tint. "Thank you." She whispers.
Chas looks at me and smirks. Oh, no.
"If you two need to go to the back and make out it's fine with us."
I should have known my sister would make another move to help push us together.
"I uh. I would. I mean. I haven't." Athena stutters as her whole face goes deep red.
"Why don't we watch over the shop and you enjoy the rest of your day? You work so much Athena and everything going on, you need some slow time. I know you say staying busy helps but you need time." Bethany gives her a small smile, then looks to me.
What is she up too? I don't know Bethany well at all, but I have a feeling she is just like Chas.
Chas walks over and pulls me to the side.
"I know what the threat says and everything. Bubby, you are falling for her and for once in your life, please for me, pursue what you are actually wanting." Chas whispers.
"I don't know if she even."
"She does. Trust me, Athena looks at you the same way you look to her. I know this case makes it harder but in a way it brought you guys together, so do not let it keep you from being happy. It will keep her happy to because it is good memories and not all the bad currently going on." Chas cuts me off.
I have nothing to say at all for once. Leave it to my sister.
"May I at least turn around and see what it looks like now?" Athena laughs.
We step back up to the other two and my hands touch her chair. With a smile to her, I spin her chair so she can see what her new hair looks like.
