Like Birds. \\ n.h [au]

c h a p t e r || 60 (!!!)

Chapter sixty (!!) 
                           NIALL'S POINT OF VIEW:

The lights in the stairwell does not light up as they usually does when you enter the building, and I ignore the button on my way to the elevator. It only goes up to the thirteenth floor and the last floor you have to take the stairs.

I don't even bother to press the lamp button when I get out, even though I can barely see the steps in front of me, even though I struggle to get the key into the hole.

The apartment is dark when I enter, empty. I walk over to the kitchen to take a glass of water before going into the bedroom. Louis and Gina offered to come along, but I said I wanted to be alone.

The bedroom is chilly, the window's open. Addie likes when the sheets are cold when she is going to bed. I leave it open.

Four hours we spent at the station before Officer Ramones sent us home. He actually made us.

They found some tire tracks on the parking lot, and a witness that saw an old jeep driving fast away from there.

I have been texting people all night long, asking for help to find her, or if anyone has seen anything, without progress.

I turn around to my side. The clock on the nightstand is showing 03.17. Next to it there is a picture that Addie put up on both of us. She looks so happy, her lips showing a bright smile, me, hugging her from behind. Gina took that picture of us when we were in Central Park.

"Please, just come home!"

I wake up tangled in the sheets. The few hours of sleep I got I dreamed that Addie was back with me. In my arms. And I was never letting her go.

My phone vibrates on the nightstand and I quickly grab it. It is a message from Officer Ramones, telling me to come down to the station.

I hop into the shower quickly before hurrying down to there.

"We found the car she was ab" he says when he greets me and guides me into his office. "It was crashed into a tree and abandoned a few miles north"

"Was she there?"

He shakes his head and show me a picture.

"An old Wagoneer. Do you recognize it?"

I shake my head and sit down on a chair, pulling a hand through my damp hair.

"They are investigating it now."

I nod and dial the number to Louis to tell him about the new news as Ramones get us some coffee. I never thought I would have respect for the police again, but this man has proved me wrong. I am glad he did.

When he comes back he has an anxious expression on his face. He gives me my cup of coffee and then settle down on the other side of the table.

"The technical team called. They have found some blood in the car, and a tissue... It looks like she was drugged..."

"What?"

Officer Ramones continuing telling me about it, but it all spins around in my head. I have been through a lot, but this takes the prize. Who the fuck would want to hurt Addie like this?!

Another fifteen minutes goes by and Louis comes down to join me, and I have to tell him.

"I just can't believe it!" I take a drag from the cigarette, leaning over the fence on the stairs outside the station.

"Me neither. I know we have been through a lot, but this is the most fucked up thing ever"

I shake my head, my feelings are bubbling up and I can't stop the tears from falling down. I don't even remember the last time I just released everything.

Louis drags me into a hug, and I cannot do anything but sob into his shoulder.

"Where the fuck is she?!"

"We will find her, man. I promise!"