Redemption [Sweet Pea x OC]

Chapter 44

"Abigail," Sweet Pea whined as I climbed out of the bed. "This is the second morning in a row you've had to leave early."

I sighed, looking back at him. "I know, but I have to take care of this. We all thought it was over, but some new issue keeps popping up every other day," I said, choosing my words carefully. I didn't know about Alice Cooper, but I at least was going to keep my word about not talking about this whole Chic-Dwight-car situation.

"Can't you try to get out of it? You're getting involved in too much again. I'm worried about you."

"I'll be okay, I promise," I said, sitting on the edge of the bed to pull my shoes on. "This situation will be over soon, and once we figure out where Cheryl is, that'll be over too."

"Okay, but what about this ongoing job for FP that you won't tell me anything about? When is that gonna end?" Sweet Pea asked, sitting up.

When Malachai gets out, I said in my head. "Soon," I said aloud instead. "How soon depends on how things go over the next few weeks. I'll be back before we have to leave for school." I kissed Sweet Pea softly before making my way to the Jones' trailer, walking around Alice Cooper's car parked haphazardly in front of it.

FP handed me a cup of coffee as he let me in. Alice was pacing in the living room while Jughead and Betty sat next to each other on the couch, a blonde guy who I assumed to be Chic sitting on the arm. "These two got the bright idea to talk to Kevin Keller last night," FP told me. "Claimed they were writing some article and wanted to include the car."

So I was right last night when I saw them at Pop's. "There's more, isn't there?" I asked. The pair on the couch avoided my gaze, and Alice was off in her mind somewhere, no doubt trying to figure out how to spin all of this in her next article for the Register.

FP nodded grimly. "The car was claimed by its owner yesterday morning."

"What? She's here?" I snapped, FP quickly taking the still-full mug from my hands before I could throw it.

"We're gonna figure this out," he said quietly. "Alice?"

She glanced at us briefly, breaking out of her trance before turning on Jughead and Betty. "Has shacking up together driven both of you completely insane?" she burst out. "Talking to the Sheriff's son about that car? You didn't think that was going to raise any red flags?"

"No, Kevin didn't suspect anything," Betty protested.

"And at least we know what's going on now," Jughead added.

"Yeah. Which is that Chic's drug-dealer stole someone's car before he made his run to our house," Betty continued.

"I tried to warn you," I muttered.

"Dwight didn't have wheels," Chic spoke up. "He was always borrowing his girlfriend's car."

"Someone called the Shady Man's phone while I had it," Betty said. "And she sounded like a crazy person, but not like there was a lot of love lost between her and Dwight."

Chic nodded. "That could be Darla, yeah."

"Is this Darla somebody that we need to be worried about?" Alice asked, looking straight at Chic.

"Uh, I don't really know her," he stammered.

"Yes," I said at the same time, all eyes landing on me instantly.

"Shocker!" Betty exclaimed. "Gee. Chic, have you ever actually been helpful in any way to anyone?"

"Enough, Elizabeth!," Alice snapped before spinning to face me. "Abigail, what do you know?"