Burn slow

Chapter 5| The lead

When I ran out the house, the weird guy had already gone. I pursed my lips and looked around:
- Wednesday! Are you crazy? - I heard a remote voice somewhere from the phone. I put it to the ear replying:
- Not yet. But one day I promise to be.
- "Xavier!" - I heard another remote male scream from the phone. - "Have you taken my motorcycle?"
- I'm glad you're ok, - Xavier addressed to me. - I'll call you back. I promise, - said Xavier quickly and hang up.
I had to admit to myself that I even didn't feel sick after the phone call as I had predicted. Maybe I felt a slight irritation that the call was interrupted.

I was still in the yard. My eyes were screening everything around trying to catch a glance at any detail which could lead me to the answers. I took a walk around the house. Maybe I would find anything suspicious?

The motorcycle traces led to the gates of Addams' Manor. I walked down the road and one small thing caught my eye. I almost stood up at the teal business card with an image of a dark-skinned smiling man who crossed the arms on his chest.

I read what was mentioned at the business card of an attorney:
"Francis Polish - your reputation is as clean as ever"

Does the surname tell about the origin or the qualification? - such thought snooped in my mind.

I returned home having taken the first lead with me.

I searched Francis Polish on Internet and found out that he was an attorney in New York and was famous for his "magical" ability to win hopeless cases.

What does it have to do with me, Xavier and my stalker? Mystery hovered me. I had to dig out more information.

*Awful melody playing*

I hurried up to pick up the phone just because the music was nauseating. Not because I wanted to talk with Xavier. Definitely not:
- Hello Xavier, - he heard my usual low-pitch tone.
- Hey, - Xavier wanted to sound cheerful but his shaking voice betrayed him.
- What happened? - I have always been straightforward. I leaned on a table in my room with one hand.
- Nothing, - answered Xavier after a short pause. - Just one more stupid argument with Vincent.
- Since when do you call your father Vincent?
- Since he has become such a dick after he met Stacy.

Of course, I didn't see Xavier but an image of him standing in front of the window breathing in cold air and trying to calm down occurred in front of my eyes.

- He accused me in taking his motorcycle from the garage and just grew hysterical about it, - Xavier tried to be calm.
- And you haven't taken the motorcycle?

Xavier stayed silent for a couple of seconds like he was trying to pick up words:
- I have, actually, - Xavier confessed to me after a short pause. - Do you think it's bad? I mean... that I rode a motorcycle without permission and then lied about it? - Xavier's voice got softer like he was asking for apology.
- I think you should always stand up for yourself, - that was my honest opinion. I would never condemn Xavier for such a harmless trick.
- Thank you, - Xavier said quietly after a pause. I nodded like we were having a conversation face to face. Xavier's voice sounded much more relaxed. He felt that I didn't judge him. Xavier's heart got out at ease.
- I found something, - I decided to change the topic to distract Xavier from the argument with Vincent.
- I hope that's not a dead body, - Xavier made a joke but I took it seriously.
- If only I had found a dead body, - I sighed. - That would be much more useful. But near the mansion I found just a business card and I bet it belonged to the biker. The name "Francis Polish" is mentioned at the business card. Does it make sense to you?
- Francis Polish? - Xavier got surprised and puzzled. - I know that my father addressed to him for a help several times. This Francis even was at our home three years ago.
- Do you think Francis Polish and your father could get at each other's throats recently?
- I don't know but I could try to figure it out.
- Good, - the awkward silence enveloped us. I had to do something to fix it. - I guess I have to go, - that wasn't exactly what I wanted to do.
- Sure, - Xavier failed to conceal upset. I got an idea maybe he had one more thing to talk about. - See ya.

The call was finished. I was still holding the phone in my hands. I stared at the hell device feeling something similar to disappointment. I'd like the conversation not to finish but we ran out of topics to discuss.

I raised my chin and looked at the phone.

Am I feeling sadness now because I finished the conversation? Does that lead me to the idea that I am getting attached to Xavier?

No, of course not.

That's just because I can't find answers to my questions.

I would leave this lead behind.

That was the end of the day. The sun got scared of the night and hid somewhere behind the horizon.

I crawled into bed. Cold white sheets embraced me just like the freezing tidal wave of Tyler's feeling. I got along and it came back torturing me again. I would scratch it out of me with my nails if I could. I had to find something else to think about. Not. About. Tyler.

Being not able to fall asleep I was thinking about Francis Polish. But as long as I didn't have sufficient amount of information my hands were tied and no conclusions could be made. I had to wait for the results of Xavier's search.

Xavier. My heart gave a jolt.

I checked the time on my phone. That was 2 a.m. I opened the App which Xavier and I usually used to text each other.

I typed a small text:
"Are you sleeping?"