A Total Nightmare

Chap. 8

It's been at least more than two weeks since my assignment to keep track of the girl. Man. This girl is Hard to keep track of. She's everywhere. Always hanging with her boyfriend. Or going places with her mom. Or even just when she goes to school. But. It's no problem for me. The Silver Bullet. The best bounty hunter around this city.... It's raining and I have my hood up. My enhancements help me keep on the girl's trail. Today, it seems she's headed to somewhere... Different. Maybe she's visiting her other friend? Guess I'll have to find that out. I keep my distance, but follow her through the crowds of people going about their lives, as she walks down the sidewalk.  When she suddenly stops at a building of some sort (didn't really look at the sign and I didn't really care.), I follow her inside and still keep to the shadows. I glance around to make sure that no one sees me, just in case. Course, I never had the problem of being caught before. But you never know. That's why I've always gotta be on my toes. Always alert. "Um... Excuse me. Is Shiro here?" I hear the girl ask a lady behind a desk. Do I care what their called? No. Not really. "Um... Well. Uh... You'll have to ask his father. I'm sorry I couldn't help you Jamie, I just don't know where Shiro is." Says the woman, shaking her head. "Oh... Ok. Well, thanks anyway, Jessica." "You're welcome. It's good to see you around." "Yea... You too." With that, I watch the girl, Jamie, walk down a hall. Maybe that lady knows her somehow? A friend from somewhere? Oh well. It doesn't matter. But I have to admit. I think this is the most boring mission I've ever gotten. I feel like a baby sitter. Ugh... At least this will be over soon and I'll get those credits. Hopefully.....

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I walk down the hallway, heading towards Mr. Hadaki's office. I just hope he's not busy. I've never been here before. But at least I was given some directions on the way to his office. I'm lost in thought as I walk. Taking in this place. So... This is what the inside of Hirugoto Industries looks like. Huh. It's really advanced. But I have to admit. It seems a little... Bland. Dull. Boring. I could probably keep going on explaining this place. But I won't, if I did. It would go on forever. But enough about that.  I arrive at his office and  knock on the automatic door. Unsure. Feeling a little awkward. I then hear a familiar male voice say, "come in." I then press a button and walk in. I glance around the office and then my eyes land on Mr.  Hadaki. A man who's around his 40s. He has a stern and tired look on his face as usual. "U um... M Mr. Hadaki? I I was wondering if Shiro was here. I've tried texting and calling him but he hasn't... Answered. I'm worried about him." I say nervously, still feeling awkward. "Don't be." He says, standing up and studying me with a sharp gaze. "He dies this a lot. But he should be in his lab. If not? Then he's most likely at home. Now, if you'll excuse me Miss Quint, I am quite busy." He says, flatly. I guess some things never change... "U um.... Alright." I say. I then murmur a goodbye and walk out of his office. I walk down the corridor once more. But stop for a moment. Thinking... I remember Shiro telling me where his lab was one time before we'd broke up.  I use that information and make my way toward his lab. But what I find, makes my  worry for him worsen, and maybe even turn to unease. I head back out of the research facility and walk down the sidewalk once more. Shoulders slumped and hood of my hoodie low over my head. I put my hands in my hoodie over and sigh. Where Is he? Maybe... Maybe he's just at home? I don't know. But there's only one way to find out. Taking a deep breath to calm myself and letting determination and hope flood my veins, I make my way toward his apartment....

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I continue to follow the girl. Growing annoyed. I mean, this whole time it's been Nothing but follow her. Do this, do that. Ugh...  If my client didn't have my reputation, credits And my own life on the line, here? I would wring his neck. Or worse. But, I can't. And he promised Very good pay when I get this bounty. So I might as well just get this over with. Besides. It's almost time. Well, Almost....

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I manage to make it to the apartment complex and enter an elevator. Once I'm there, I tap my foot nervously against the floor. It seems like time is slow for some reason. And that only makes my nerves worse every passing second. But when it dings, I take a shaky, deep breath and walk out. I then keep walking until I make it to his door. I knock on the door. No answer. I try again. Still nothing. I sigh and turn to leave but then stop. Freeze. I suddenly get an idea. "No. No. I can't do that. I'd get in Big trouble if I did that." I scold myself. "But... Then again. It wouldn't hurt to see if he's in there or not... Would it? As long as no one knows." I consider. Then, despite my better judgement, I try the automatic door. Finding it unlocked, I sneak inside, glancing around. It's quiet. Too Quiet... But. I can't let that get to me. Make things worse. I then quietly head toward his room and open it quietly. Only to find he's not there. My heart starts to race with more unease and worry. "S Shiro? Y you in here?" I call out. But I'm only met with silence. I sigh again as I head out once more. Back to the elevator and back outside the complex. "Where Is He?! Why wasn't he at home?! W why wasn't he in his lab?! What's going on?! H he would've told me where he was... Right? Maybe? Oh...."  I say to myself. For awhile I walk down the sidewalk, silent. But eventually I get my phone out of my pocket and decide to call Matthew. "M Matt?" I ask as soon as he answers. "Yea? What is it?" He asks, sounding tired and concerned when he hears my tone. "I it's Shiro. I can't find him. I've tried for weeks to text him. Call him. You know? But no answer. Nothing. He's not in his lab. He's not at his apartment. No where." "O ok...? Have- have you tried talking to his dad?" "Yes! Yes.... I have. He just said he was probably at home or in his lab. Which he wasn't. And you know how his dad is..." "Alright... Uh.... Um... Let me think. How bout I try and call him. If he doesn't answer. Just- just give him some more time. Ok? You and I, both know how he is. So don't freak on me, ok?" I take a deep breath again. "O ok... I I won't. I'm just... I'm Really worried about him, Matt." "Hey. Listen to me Jamie. He Ok. He's fine. Probably." "Ok..." I say again. I then hang up as soon as I make it home and head to bed. Exhausted.....