Astrophile (Paul Lahote)

fifty seven

࿔*:･fifty seven ࿔*:･

°. *࿐ ༻༺ ࿐°. *

“The burning of a warehouse near the docks located in Forks, Washington has sparked the interest of many locals in the area. The warehouse stood vacant for many years before mysteriously burning down last night. Authorities who are investigating the case suspect arson may be involved. Locals around the area have revealed that there was a mysterious figure who had frequented the warehouse many times over the past few months. Further investigation under Chief Charlie Swan revealed that the DNA of former inmate Nathan Harper, who had been presumed dead a few months ago, was found at the crime scene. Chief Swan believes that the ex-criminal had stalked his previous victim following the prior incident that took place.” 

The news cut to the face of Charlie standing in front of the completely burnt-down warehouse with cop cars surrounding him. His hands were on his waist and his eyes tired as he sighed into the mic, “Ain't no doubt about it. As if he hasn't tormented the poor girl enough, that bastard probably followed her all the way to Forks to finish what he started!” 

It cut back to the new anchor, “authorities believe that the suspect perished in the fire as the remains of what seems to be burnt clothes were found at the scene.” 

Carter’s mom switched the TV off, her hand coming to rest up on her shoulder and her dad let out a sigh, “so he’s actually gone,” he mumbled and Paul mindlessly nodded from next to Vera. Both her friends from Wisconsin had rushed over to her house in the middle of the night when Carter got home and had woken everyone up. She was surrounded by most of the people she loved, her parents, Jayden, Vera and most importantly, Paul was there. Holding her hand through it all. 

Jack Darvill nodded and rubbed his hand over his face, “thank fucking god, in that case,” he muttered and Abigail gave him a look, “Jack,” she scolded but her father simply shrugged and Carter let out a snort. 

“He’s not wrong,” Paul sighed and rubbed his face, “what does Charlie say about all this?” he asked, and Jack leaned back on the couch, “he fully believes that bastard perished in the fire, he won’t look anywhere else, it's a straightforward case… that's good, case closed.”

Carter nodded, it was still slightly unbelievable to her that Nathan was now dead. Even though he had been arrested before, the looming sense of fear that he was still around always rubbed her the wrong way, but now, she had nothing to worry about. 

Her mom grabbed the now-empty cup of hot cocoa out of her hands and got up to put it away in the kitchen, as Paul settled in closer to her. Carter nestled her face into the crook of his neck and she wrapped an arm around the middle of his stomach. 

The sound of their telephone ringing caused them all to turn round and watch as Vera got up to check, “Darvill residence,” she muttered and a small grin appeared on her face, “oh, hey Jasper!” she greeted and Carter turned around to watch her in anticipation, “what's up?” 

Carter raised an eyebrow as Vera nodded along with whatever he was saying and soon hung up, she walked into the living room and pointed to the phone over her shoulder, “That was Jasper, he was asking if you guys could meet him at… Sam and Emily's place?” she repeated uncertainly.

Carter frowned as she looked at Paul, “Why would Jasper be at Sam and Emily’s?” she muttered, but her imprint simply shrugged as Carter crawled off of him. 

“I guess we'll find out when we get there,” Paul said as he got up and Carter turned towards the redhead, “why don't you both come with us? I'll introduce you both to the rest of the pack,” she offered.