Grand Theft Autumn

Chapter Eleven

//Sorry for the shorter chapter//

Pete's POV

I strolled down the street, locating the diner. I saw Natasha sitting in a booth, so I quickly joined her. It was ten minutes before 10, and I woke up with a splitting headache. I was wearing the same clothes from last night. I needed to do laundry and take a shower, but I didn't really have the time or the motivation.

Natasha had a cup of coffee in front of her, and was staring bleakly ahead. I slid into the booth across from her.

"Long night?" I commented. Natasha grunted, and took a sip of her coffee. The waitress (Beatrice, probably the most cliche waitress name ever) came over.

"Heya, darlin'!" She chirped, recognizing me. I have been here a lot in the past few days. "How are you doing?"

"I am great. How are you?" I replied. Natasha glared at me, but I ignored her. "Can I please have a short stack of blueberry pancakes, and a coffee? Maybe a side of hash browns as well." I ordered, not even having to glance at the menu.

"Okay, darling. That will be coming up in about ten minutes, but I will get your coffee now." Beatrice said, and went into the kitchen.

"Seems like you have already fit in pretty well." Natasha said. I shrugged.

"Somewhat. It's a nice town." I replied. "Now, why are you still talking to me?" I asked.

"Because I realized that you could be valuable to getting Patrick back." Natasha took another sip of her coffee.

"What do you mean? How?"

"Patrick trusts you. He knows you. I... Have a suspicious of where he is, but I will need your help to get him back." Natasha sounded unsure of her words.

"You sound unsure." I commented. Beatrice brought me my coffee, and I thanked her. Natasha shifted uneasily, a face full of fear was quickly replaced by a mask of confidence.

"I don't have any plans yet. I need time." She said. She didn't have a plan? Damn.

"Pete's journal, please." I reminded her. Natasha sighed loudly, and slowly reached into the bag beside her. As soon as she pulled the journal out, I lunged for it. Natasha tried to block me but I had my hands on it, and pulled it back to me. Natasha glared at me, but I once again ignored her, flipping through the journal. Nothing was missing, thank god. "Why did you take it?" I asked. Natasha flipped her hair behind her shoulder.

"So you wouldn't go digging your nose in places that it doesn't belong." Natasha said. I rolled my eyes.

"This has to do with Patrick. It is my business." I retorted back. Natasha let out a dry laugh before leaning forward, her face suddenly becoming dark.

"This is much more than just Patrick. You have no idea what is going on here. And trust me, you don't want to know. Do you want Patrick back?" I nodded. "Then follow my orders and don't ask questions." Natasha said. She threw a couple dollar bills on the table for her coffee and slid out of the booth. "I will contact you when I need your help again." She walked out of the diner, swinging her hips.

She's such a drama queen.

Beatrice put a steaming pancakes in front of me.

"There ya go, darling. Oh, did your friend leave?" She asked, smiling. I grinned, and nodded.

"Yes, but that money is for the coffee. How are you doing Beatrice?" I asked, and Beatrice took the money. She sighed, and rolled her eyes.

"Jeffery got mugged, and now wants me to pay for his crap. I told him he should have gone to the police, or at least, the gym." She complained. I grinned. Jeffery was Beatrice's son. I guess I have been to the diner enough for Beatrice to talk to me about her family. 

"Well, I am sure you can handle it. Maybe for his birthday buy him a gym membership." I commented, and Beatrice laughed.

"I like you, Pete. I hope you stay." She commented. I shrugged.

"I hope I stay too." I replied.