The British Nightmare - An Ice Nine Kills Story

Chapter 2

After a long, long night attempting to nap, but getting barely any sleep, tossing and turning, I had become completely fixated on this possible murder case. I kept staring at the photo of his sign, the accuracy of the words on it and the possibility of the things that could transpire as a result of what this random man had predicted, or even what he knew. It was all so much, and so much had happened in such a short amount of time that I didn't even get to register it. So much so that I had spent all night on my phone, but didn't have the strength to reply to Spencer, the Chief or James. All three had been on and off sending me messages, like they all knew I was stressing over seemingly nothing. Were they worried? Maybe, I doubt it but it's a possibility.

I spent the last few hours or so trying my hardest to unwind. Coffee, a hot bath, I even tried to eat but I was so overwhelmed. Even though that was the case, I really shouldn't let it get to me. As I sat there, I realised that it was easier to just stop ignoring everyone, and get my head into this case along with all of the other business happening. I finally had the energy to reply to James, first and foremost. His messages were short and sweet, which is good for me right now as long words and phrases aren't my forte currently. His messages read;

"Hey (Y/N), it's James, just messaging to check we're still down to start on this investigation soon. Call when you can!"

"James again, Chief says he hasn't heard from you yet so he's beginning to think you don't want to take part anymore. Give me or him a call and we can get the ball rolling."

I felt bad for not replying all night, but I was too busy being stressed about what might happen next. I knew I did have to reply though, so I did so, his message read;

"Hiya James, sorry for my lack of response. I have had a weird past day or so, I just needed some time to relax and whatnot. Of course I am still interested in my apprenticeship with this investigation! I'll send the Chief a message now. No need to worry about me :D speak soon!"

That should explain my situation well enough, I should hope. Next, to reply to the Chief, which is probably more important than replying to James first but either way, one of them already has a reply, so that's settled my mind a bit. The Chief's message read;

"Hello (Y/N), my name is Simon Halshorn, I'm the Chief of Police for Nottingham. Through PC James Cartworth, I have received word that you're interested in enrolling in an Apprenticeship over a current possible murder investigation as part of the crime scene team. If you could pop me a message on this number or even a call if you're up to it, just to let me know you're still interested in joining the team for a few weeks, to tie you over with some experience until your end of year essay is due. I hope to hear from you soon and I am looking forward to working with you over the next few weeks. Take care. SH."

Well that's formal of him, I feel bad for not replying now. Either way, I don't think I deserve the opportunity, but I sure will take it. Lastly, I needed to hop over to Instagram and reply to Spencer. I had like 4 messages from him, like I understand he's probably just making sure I'm alright and that I did in fact get home safe, but he shouldn't care that much. His messages read;

"Hey (Y/N), just thought I'd check in as I hadn't heard from you since you were actually home. I know we are still pretty much strangers, but I still think I should worry. Let me know when you've seen this."

"Hey again, I'm still stressed over having no reply so just thought I'd try 'n get your attention again. Message when you see this pleaaaase."

"(Y/N) where are ya?? I tried to sleep but I was worrying and I just couldn't get to sleep. Hope everything's okay."

"I'm gonna assume you fell asleep or something. Hope to hear from you when you wake up."

God now I feel even worse. I didn't expect him to worry. He's a sweetheart for it but I do feel terrible for it. I swiftly replied with;