Just a Soldier

Chapter 26-Giant Octopus

Scarlett's POV:

The angry vibration of my phone ringing woke me up this morning. I groan as I roll out of the comfort of Y/n's arms to pick it up. Dina's name appears on the screen, and I internally sigh at what's wrong this time. She knows that we're away this weekend and I specifically said to only contact me if it was urgent. I sneak off into the hallway, so I don't wake Y/n or Ava as it's still early.

Scarlett: Morning Dina.

Dina: Hi Scarlett, how is your family holiday?

Scarlett: It's perfect thank you.

Dina: Good. I'm really sorry to disturb you whilst you're away, but I thought it was best to talk to you about it now.

Scarlett: That's ok Dina, I know you wouldn't interrupt us if it wasn't important. What is it you need to talk about?

Dina: There are already some articles and photos from your trip. But don't worry, there's nothing bad about them. The reactions have actually been really good. People are loving the family photos and Ava's face has been blurred in any photos that she is in.

Scarlett: How have they gotten photos of us? We've not seen any paps since we've been here. How have they gotten photos of us?

Dina: That's why I'm calling. This is happening more often than I'd like. As you know, it started with photos of Y/n and Ava whilst you were away. Then we've also seen them from the photos with Colin, some from the museum in Atlanta, your date nights and now here. This is clearly either a pap who is following you and acting like a member of the public to gain access to where you are. Or it's just normal people taking photos of you and then selling them off themselves.

I knew something had been off about some of the photos that had appeared in the press of us recently. Don't me wrong. There have been a lot of the usual paparazzi photos, but there have been some that have felt a little too close. Especially the ones from my lunch with Colin. Y/n and I had a chat about this not long after I went back to Atlanta. It didn't seem anything to worry about then and I left it with Dina to sort out. Now it seems like it's more of a problem.

Scarlett: Shit. That's not good. I don't know which one of those is worse if I'm honest. Is this a new thing now with people just taking photos and selling them on?

Dina: Well, this is why I'm slightly concerned. I've done a bit of digging and I actually think it's the same person who is selling these photos. So, I think it's likely a pap who knows that stories on your relationship with Y/n will sell magazines and is capitalising on that.

Scarlett: So basically, what you're saying is, we have someone stalking us to capture moments they think will make them money?

I can feel panic rising in me. This isn't just going to be affecting me, but also Y/n and more importantly, Ava. I don't want her to be at risk at all

Dina: I'm working on identifying the individual. I guess the brightside is they aren't intruding on you or harassing the three of you. But it's worthwhile to keep an eye out just in case you see anything suspicious.

She's right there. We've not noticed anything, and they haven't captured anything inappropriate, so far. But it's still not something I'm comfortable with.

Scarlett: Ok, I'll talk to Y/n this morning about it and well be vigilant but not let it ruin the trip. Keep me updated if you find any more information out.

Dina: Of course. Try not to worry about it too much. I know that Y/n won't let anything happen to you guys. I'm sorry to bring a downer whilst you're away, but I thought it was important that you knew.