Safe Haven

Chapter 4

March 18,

(Ryan's POV)

I searched vigorously on the computer to find someway that I could eventually figure out how to find Amanda. I'm still shocked that she finally got the courage to leave- not that it even made me happy. It actually infuriated me. I just found it impressive that somehow she built up the courage to actually do it. I can almost laugh. She actually thinks she can get away.

I took a sip from my water bottle, which was disguised as Vodka rather than actual water. It was the only way to keep me calm about this situation.

I watched hour long videos of the tapes that recorded at the bus stations. That's the only place that I had imagined she'd go- it was the closest transportation center around, and I don't think she'd walk too far knowing there was a terminal nearby.

I found it tiring coming across hours of useless footage, wiping the sweat off my forehead as I was completely devoted in finding some kind of clue. I knew that I had to do my actual job but I can honestly care less. My biggest concern right now is to find this girl.

And finally; Bingo. I looked closely at my computer screen as I examined the face and body of the worn-out female that came across in the footage that I had paused. She looked just like her; Amanda, my wife. I knew where she was headed now, the bus she had departed on, had big words upon it reading, 'North Carolina'. My investment could almost draw a visible smile across my face if it weren't for the intoxicating alcohol I had in my system right now.

"Ryan, any luck figuring out about the man with the second degree murder?" Sheriff Dawn appeared at my office, asking me from behind my desk. He couldn't tell what I was really doing.

I minimized my screen, opening another one to start the investigation that I was supposed to begin a while ago, but managed to get distracted in my own problems.

"No Sir. I'm working on it." I remarked, sighing quietly as I felt the sensation of my drunken state kicking in.

He furrowed his eyebrows, "Well work faster, we need details."

This was exhausting, yet I had an advantage. Being a police officer led me to things that no one else could know or do, which helps me out with this 'Amanda' stuff. She really is going to regret running away from me. That treasuring footage drew me one step closer now.

••

(Kristen's POV)

Kate had arrived earlier to work than me. I guess that's whats going to be the downfall in this situation. Kate had to be at work before me, therefore I couldn't get a ride to work. This absolutely sucks, but things can be worse, so I really don't mind a couple blocks of exercise.

Kate had saw me entering the bar and made her way over to me with a smile spread across her face. "Hey! Come on, I'd like you to meet my friends." She pulled on my arm, zooming me through half the grill until we finally reached the door to the employees section.

Everyone's attention was pulled towards me as they each formed a welcoming smile. "Guys, this is Kristen. She's a new worker here."

She introduced me to everyone as they took a couple minutes warming up to me before they went back on their shifts. Kate and I made our approach to the last person she wanted to introduce me to. Her hair was short and blonde, slim body while a toothy grin appeared as Kate began to introduce us.

"Kristen, this is Perrie." She smiled. "She's the girlfriend of Zayn- you might of met him yesterday, right?"

"Yes, only for about a brief second. Another boy was actually taking the shift; Harry?"

"Yes, Harry is Zayn's mate." Perrie butted-in, smiling. "Anyways, nice to meet you." She looked like a sweet girl, I hope we can be friends easily. It doesn't look like she'd be too difficult.

Perrie walked away, continuing her shift as I had seemed to distract her out of it. It wasn't long until Kate had started training me. I had to learn how to change shifts; from waitress, to cleaning, to bartender. It looked complicated switching back an forth, but I knew that eventually it would work out just fine.

I found myself going smoothly pretty quickly as Kate left me to do things on my own, taking customers orders and earning well-deserved tips. George threw in occasional thumb-ups every time he saw me do something right. I can honestly say that I'm definitely making a good impression on my boss on my first day.

"Kristen, I need you to work as bartender for a bit." He instructed, disappearing into the kitchen.

I had attended customers for a good ten minutes until I had witnessed two police officers make their way inside the bar.

I couldn't help but to feel my heart's rate speed up tremendously as I suddenly became nervous from the thoughts running through my head. The the officers walked slowly over to the counter I was attending at, suspiciously looking around and examining. As soon as they took a look at my face, I felt the heat rush to it, hoping that they wouldn't say anything that would ruin my day.

They finally made it to the counter, leaning over it as they stared at me intently and one of them opened their mouth. "We're looking for the owner of a grey Toyota Corolla parked on the handicap lot. Would you happen to know who's it is?"

His stare was scary- well for me, who seems to even flinch as soon as a fly comes near me. I eventually shook my head 'no' timidly, as his intense scare softened. Him and his partner walked away, relieving me by a lot. Am I going to act this way whenever I see a police now? Knowing that they could possibly be working with Ryan, or even question me about Ryan?

I hope not, I doubt it. I moved miles and miles away, there's definitely no way he can have some kind of connection on me. Is there?

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A/N: I will do Ryan's POV every once and a while, but not too frequent. Anyways, dedication to @LauraHess17 thanks for your comment :)

*Dedication to nicest commenter*