Chasing Shadows

Chapter 7 - Save Her

The Obsessed

I stayed with Luke for maybe a few more minutes before deciding to go back to the mortuary. I couldn't go home, so frustrated with what we found, so I want to go look more into Lucy's death while I'm alone. I tell everyone bye and told Luke to stop asking questions about what I meant when I said I was distracted and to keep me updated on any more findings.

I get in my truck, and drive down to the morgue. Once I get there, I finish listening to the song that's on, hoping to calm my mind. Once it's over, I turn the truck off and hop out. I look at my watch and realize it's almost 1:30am, guess it'll be a long day. Before I can turn the corner to get to the doors, I stop in my tracks when I hear crying.

"Sophie what do I do??", a sob comes out of one of the girls, "If Cole isn't here, I don't know who else to ask for help."

My brows furrow when my name is brought up, I listen in a little longer to her and the other girl says calmly, "Elara, take a deep breath, we'll figure something out, I promise. If anything, just stay at my place tonight."

I turn the corner to figure out what's going on, when I come face to face with Elara, balling her eyes out. Red puffy eyes and a running nose. I don't even know what's wrong but I need to fix it. I can't stand the sight of my girl crying. Without asking I go up to Elara and pull her into a hug.

Reluctantly she hugged back, crying into my chest as she became more comfortable. I rub her back, letting her cry, "What's going on, love?" I ask quietly.

She sniffles a few times before getting the chance to talk, "I have a stalker..." I freak out at the words. How'd she see me? Did I move too much tonight? Did she see me watching her? I had so many questions but none I wanted to say out loud. I didn't know what to say that would keep me out of trouble. I don't want to lose her, but how'd she figure it out.

Apparently I was quiet for too long. "Cole..?" Elara whispers.

"Yea..?" I said, trying not to be suspicious.

"Can I stay with you? It can be just for tonight if you don't want me to stay longer." she rambles. I stood there confused, why would she want to stay with me if she knows I'm stalking her? I don't understand what she's getting at.

"Why would you want to do that?" I ask suspiciously.

She looks up at me, with her brows furrowed. She stumbles over her words trying to figure out what she wants to say. "Because I feel safe with you, and my stalker knows where my friends and family live, and I can't risk staying with them after the last time."

"Who exactly is your stalker love?" I ask, even more confused than before.

She takes a deep breath, on the verge of crying again, she looks away and whispers "— —," but I couldn't hear what she said. I lean back a little, and gently grab underneath her chin and pull her to look at me, "You need to speak up baby, I can't hear you."

She wrinkles her nose, and bites her lip, "Ryan Hale," she whispers again, but just enough for me to hear her this time.

I'm both shocked and not all at the same time. Ryan has stalking on his records, but I was hoping it'd be someone else. Makes more sense on why she came to me now.

Elara starts to pull away, "I'm s-sorry, I shouldn't have a-asked for help."

I gently grab onto her arms, keeping her close, I don't want the feeling of her here to disappear just yet. "Do you have a bag packed?" I asked.

She bites her lip, making me assume she didn't think about it. "That's okay, you can find something in my closet until I can take you shopping. Until then you'll stay with me."