Beneath The Rain (18+)

Chapter 2 : I Promise

    The investigator

        It's been four years Ashley.
I sit here looking down as the glow from my laptop hits my face, sipping a glass of wine, listening to Don't Blame Me by Taylor Swift, looking at transaction after transaction of drug deals, men dragging women and children from their homes, the stores, even off the streets.

        All the scum of the world I don't care how much I have to witness or what I have to go through, if you're out there. I will stop at nothing to find you.

     According to the cryptic message I got, there's a location somewhere near the UK but, I couldn't pin point the exact location. Now, if this is Ashley that was trying to contact me. She's probably been moved.

        I couldn't track the phone it was sent on.

  "You're a long way from home." I say, taking another sip of my wine. Considering we live in Denver, Colorado. I have to keep a low profile, if they track me I'll likely be in the same boat you're in. I have lost contact with everyone besides my mom. Your parents, they gave up on finding you but, I don't understand why they would, they never found a body or, any evidence of you being murdered or, killed in any way, maybe they're still hoping that I am, that's what I like to think. Spending so much money on the tech to even be able to track these vile men. I help developing video games seems simple, but pays well I make around 2.2k a week.

       Maybe I've put it off for to long, I have to go visit my mom down in Lakewood tomorrow. She's not to far away but, she likes being able to see me since I am all she has. Hopefully she doesn't get to upset when I tell her I have to go to the UK.

      As I sit in my car out in front of my mothers home. I'm scared of what she will think.

Will she be mad, sad, confused? I will have to reassure her that it will be temporary. I forgot my phone at home so, I can't tell her when I leave or arrive.

"Well, you coming in?" I look up towards my window.

  "Oh, hey mom." I say rolling the window down.

"So, you coming in?" She smiles.

"Yes momma, I'm coming." I get out, making sure to roll up the window and to lock the doors before going over and giving her a long needed hug.

"I've missed you too." She says wrapping her arms around me as I follow her in.

      Her house is beautiful with the modern-ish look to it with the grey and white accents around the roof and door. She loves the simple look on the outside but, inside she has what seems like a million plants.

  "I'm so happy you finally came to see your ol' mom." She smiles sitting down at her kitchen table.

"I've been busy momma I'm sorry. Anyways what have you been up to?" I say, also taking a seat.

"Well, I really like to paint recently. Would you want to see?" she asks standing.

I have a feeling if I say no she'll show me anyways. "Of course lead the way."

        We walk down the small hallway to her back yard where theres small painting all over. They're all painting of the oceans, forests, and space.

"It helps you think?" I question, as I pick up a painting running my hand over the ripples.

"Yes, it does I absolutely love being able to create something of my own." She smiles.

  "They're beautiful." I smile showing her the ocean one I was admiring.

  "Why'd you really come visit?" she asks walking up to me.

  "Well, just know it's not forever." I say putting down the painting.

"Out with it Serena." Tilting her head to make eye contact.

      "I may be heading to the UK like soon." Looking down expecting her to ask a butt load of questions. Knowing that's how she is.

"The UK like the United Kingdom?"
"Why would you go there?"
  "Are you in some kind of trouble?"
"Serena what did you do?" She looks at me with squinted eyes.

"I know what this is about. You think Ashley is there don't you?" She states looking at me with worrisome eyes.

  "Mom, I know what you think but, I have to even if theres the smallest chance she's there. Sh-" Being cut off by a hug as she whispers "you have to promise me that you will be safe." Pulling me back to look into my eyes.

  "You have to promise me." She repeats tearing up. I pull her into another hug. "I promise."

       It's been two days since telling my mom. She has texted me around ten times as I'm driving to the airport. I'll have to text her when I get there.

Arriving, it's around 9am. The flight is at 10am so, going to get some snacks and a drink.

        I can't help but, feel eyes on me. Looking around I spot a man in the corner of the room. He's was wearing a blue hoodie with jeans. I don't know why but, it was like he was making sure I was safe or, he was making sure I didn't snoop around to much.

       Moving towards a seat I finish my snacks remembering to text my mom my location and saying I was safe. boarding the plane I notice the man again. Pretending not to notice and try to sleep. Which didn't happen.

         After landing, I take a taxi to the motel I booked a room at, setting all my tech up. I start my search. I don't find much besides some shady people mostly doing drug deals or selling car parts. Then that feeling, that sends shivers down your spine. Getting up I walk onto the balcony but, I don't see anything out of the norm. My eyes land on a car across the street as I squint, I can see a silhouette of someone in the drivers seat. I try to get a good look but, the car pulls out leaving my view. What the fuck was that? I head back in and start moving all my tech to the corner of the room instead of right in front of my window.

Someones watching me.

Authors Note:

I know it's a shorter chapter but enjoy.