A single bullet // M.C ✔️

91

Freshly baked pastries filled the air as people rushed in and out of the door, making the bell cling and chime on the top, reminding me so much of Margaret's place... I hadn't dared to step back into that building, and I knew the boys hadn't either. Could only assume the Hoods took over because it hasn't been sold; if anything, it's been more busy than I see when I walk past. Where were all these people when she was killed unknowingly? They all just want answers to the mystery the police are hiding, not knowing that the Hoods won't tell them in a million years. And it won't be the answers they are expecting.

"So tell me about yourself, Nicky? It doesn't sound like you're from here." She took a sip of her steaming tea, placing the china mug back down with a clatter, bringing my attention back to her. I half expected her to snap at me, something my mum used to do when I was younger, for glancing around and not giving her my full attention, but her soft, friendly smile never wavered.

"I can see where Michael gets his skills from," I joked. "I'm from London; my family moved here for work, and we just never went back." It never popped into my mind what life would be like if we did go back, if I went back after I moved out and before Kensie came over. For one, I wouldn't have met Michael, and I would have been in a boring relationship, that I don't think I ever want again. I crave the thrill of it and the treat, even if Michael does try to hide it.

"I thought it was the uk but didn't want to assume. Now tell me, dear, how did you meet Michael?" I could tell there was an underlying question to that, that any other day would make me nervous, but sitting in the nearly empty café gave me a shot of bravery.

"Your son kidnapped me." My smile never fell off my face as hers did and turned into a gasp, my head whipping over to look at the blushing, flustered Michael.

"She better be lying." Ruth warned, glaring at him with a harsh look, making me giggle.

"Well, it wasn't exactly a kidnapping. Stuff happened, and I just stayed at his. I like to say it was a kidnapping to get him all flustered. I could have left at any time, but I was interested, especially after learning about 5SOS." I stopped speaking as someone walked by way too close to our table. Who knows who's listening?

"She was reporting on us, Mom," Michael's voice was a hushed whisper. "And after her boss was killed, Luke and Calum took over. It all just fell together. Nothing fishy or sketchy happened, so stop telling people that, Nicky." He faced me, placing his ring-covered hand on my knee, squeezing the bone there as a small warning before slouching sideways against the glass pane behind him.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Michael," it was so odd seeing someone essentially challenge the male and him not do anything about it. Can't really fight your own mother. "So, you know?"

"I do," I didn't have to be a genius to know exactly what she was referring to. Anyone with a brain and a clue would know what she was on about.

"And you haven't gone running?"

"I would be hunted down." I joked, taking a sip of my ice water, deciding not to have a second coffee just yet.

"Nicky," Michael hissed, making me roll my eyes at him.

"Take a chill pill, Mikey." His mom, laughing at us, snapped him out of his small foul mood towards me.

"Oh my, you have changed, baby," she laughed, taking another sip of tea. "If that was anyone else, you would have stormed this place down, and I would have had to pay people not to say anything. Now tell me fun things about you, Nicky."

"I used to be a reporter." She cut me off, shaking her head.

"I do believe I said fun things, didn't I?"