Golden Snow - Bennoda

Chapter Twelve

Mike read to the very last entry, where his skin grew cold. He couldn't believe Jay had stalked Chester and grabbed him before with the same intentions he had towards those girls. Mike knew he had Chester now and he didn't know what to do. He'd bring the box in to the police but other than that, what could he do? He can't just sit around, waiting for the police to do something, he needed to get Chester back.

He looked back to the box and dug inside it. He picked up the pills he noticed earlier and saw they were prescribed. According to the date of when Jay was due for a refill, he was supposed to only have five pills left but the bottle was almost full. Mike's stomach turned. He didn't even know why Jay needed the medication but he was sure it had something to do with his past. The drugs might've really messed him up.

Mike heard a knock on the door and put the pills back in the box. He took the box and put it in his room before going to the door. He opened it and had to do a double-take when he realized Jeff Blue was there.

"Jeff... hi," Mike said awkwardly and Jeff gave him a polite smile.

"Hi, Mike. I wanted to talk to you," He started and Mike just nodded. "I heard Jay was the one who actually raped Anna and that other girl, Talinda. I'm so sorry I blamed you and acted so irrationally."

"It's okay..." Mike trailed off, unsure if he actually forgave him. He was still a bit sore from when Jeff beat him up but he had so much on his mind, he could care less.

"You don't have to forgive me right away, I understand. I should've trusted you and listened to you. I haven't been able to sleep out of guilt since I found out it was Jay. It was killing me. I just had to come round and hope for the best."

"Consider yourself forgiven," Mike settled with saying and saw Jeff's face light up.

"Free drinks for you and your friends at the shop for as long as you'd like!" Jeff declared and Mike laughed and nodded. "I'll be off now but Anna insisted on talking with you so she came with. She'll be up right after I leave, I wanted to speak to you privately."

"Alright," Mike sighed and watched him leave. Not even a minute later, Anna came up with Talinda. "Hi."

"Hey, Mike, I just wanted to apologize for all the trouble..." Anna trailed off, blushing. Mike nodded.

"It's okay, Anna, I forgive you."

"I can't believe Jay did that to us," She frowned, looking to Talinda.

"And then kidnapped my boyfriend," She pouted and Mike rolled his eyes.

"Talinda, you can stop telling people he's your boyfriend. He was locked in his house for who knows how long in the next town over," Mike scowled and she glared at him.

"You don't know anything-"

"Have you ever even talked to him?" Mike asked and she huffed, nodding.

"Well obviously-"

"Really? When did he speak to you last?" Mike raised his eyebrows as she froze up.

"Uh, last night-"

"Impossible. He was in the hospital last night before being taken by Jay," Mike insisted and she turned around angrily and left. He looked to Anna in disappointment.

"I'm sorry about her, Mike, but if it means anything, I know you'll find him. If not the police, than you will," She said softly and leaned in, kissing his cheek. She gave him a small smile before leaving. He sighed and closed the door, turning back to the box. He found pictures that were developed and made out scenes of Jay's town. They showed the house Chester must've been living in and even had pictures of the boy's room. Mike wondered if Jay had used the ladder to get to him more than the one time the entry that said he had.

The door opened and Mike's father walked in. Mike immediately knew that if he didn't leave now, his dad wouldn't let him leave without a lecture. He gave him a short smile and shoved the box into his father's arms.

"Hey, dad. Could you give this to the police for mom and I? Thanks. I'll be at the coffee shop."

"Mom?! Wait-" He tried but Mike kept on out the door. He left the apartment building and headed to the shop, unsure of his next move. He decided he'd call his friends to see if they could figure out what to do next, maybe they could put their minds together and come up with something. He headed down the main road and entered the coffee shop, seeing his friends were already there. He came to their table and Brad scooted over, making room for Mike. He gave them all a small smile.

"Hey," He said, trying to mask the fact that he was so upset over everything that's happening. He honestly didn't know how he could move on in his life if he didn't get Chester back. It'd be impossible to just give up.

"Hi, Mike, what's up? Any news on Jay and Chester?" Brad asked and Mike shook his head.

"My mom stopped by and dropped off a box of Jay's stuff to give the police. There was this journal in there and it looks like Jay was stalking Chester for a really long time and planning something," He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It's all so frustrating, I don't know what to do."

"Is there anything to do? We've all been trying to find a way to get Chester back but we're all clueless. I'm so sorry, Mike. Sometimes the bad guys win," Brad frowned. "I don't want to give up but I just can't seem to figure something out."

"Me either," Mike pressed his hands on his forehead, trying to think. It was obvious the guys wouldn't be of any help. He'd have to find another approach.