Retribution

Chapter 8

Eli's POV

"One pint please," I asked, sitting at the bar as I waited for Dylan to get back from his visit to the police station. He didn't have much of a chance to have a go at me before leaving so I had to get a few drinks inside me, ready for when he would.

The barman slid the bar over to me and I paid, soon hearing a crashing through the door and knowing who it would be. "Can I have a word with you outside?" Dylan said quietly yet angrily in my hear. I got up and followed him into the pub garden, my pint still in my hand.

"You framed Lauren." He spat at me, as if I didn't know.

"I did what I had to do. I'm sorry man but I couldn't go down, not before I'd get the revenge I needed." I remained calm, unlike Dylan. He pushed both of his hands through his hair as he spun himself into the opposite direction to take a sharp breath out.

"You're sick, Eli, that was my girl. You could've framed it on someone else." He looked back at me.

"She had a good reason to, you know since Charlotte was also 'your girl'." I mimicked him. "Come on, you didn't even love her." This set him off.

"Don't fucking tell me who I do and don't love. You have no right!" He shouted as his face was only inches from mine. I looked to the side as I rolled my eyes. "Don't call me again when you need help with your pathetic little plan." He lastly said before walking away. I didn't need him anyway.

I sat down on the nearest bench and went back to drinking, pulling a cigarette out of my pocket and lighting it. I guess my only ally now was Danni.

"What was that all about?" A deep voice came from beside me, startling me as I hadn't even heard his footsteps. He took a seat beside me and turned his head robotically in my direction.

I took a gulp, not sure of how to reply as his stare went right through me. "Girl trouble." I laughed fakely. I didn't know what it was about this man that scared yet intrigued me. He gave a polite smile before replying.

"Sounded serious." He tilted his head forwards before sticking out his hand for me to shake. "Elijah. Elijah Jakes."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Eli." I replied.

"Not so different, you and I." I pushed my eyebrows down in confusion. "As in similar names," He corrected himself.

"You don't have a local accent, where abouts are you from?" I broke the silence as I noticed he still hasn't taken his eyes off me.

"South England, I've been living in London for the past 15 years." He smiled and I nodded, not really sure where to go with the conversation. "So, are you going to tell me what you and your friend were really talking about? I'm good at keeping secrets."

"It was drugs." I looked down, saying the first thing that came into my head. He let out a chuckle and I shot a look at him, he was starting to annoy me.

"I know what you are, Eli, I can tell. I'm the same." He hinted.

"I don't know what you're trying to suggest but -"

"I kill people too, and enjoy it." He whispered. My eyes widened. Should I be more frightened about the fact that he knew, or that I was sat a foot away from a serial killer? "I want to help you."

I stood up quickly. "I-I don't need help from someone like you. I'm not a serial killer, I don't enjoy it - I've only done it once." I made it clear through a quietened voice. His eyes brightened up, confusing me further.

"An apprentice." He grinned, creeping me out. "I know you need me, more than you realise. Take this." He handed me a small card with his number on which I reluctantly slid into my back pocket.

I left my glass on the floor and paced away from him, feeling his eyes burn into the back of my head. I should be feeling nothing but fear now, but I didn't. Something inside me longed for a friend that truly understood me, and that would help me fulfil my destiny.