Hunter

II

"What?" Jade said, dumbfounded.
Connely sighed. "I checked the city records, our records, employment records, drivers' records, and there is no Lena Baxter listed."
He looked at Jade's shocked expression.
"Do you have a photo of your mother? I may be able to find her that way."
Jade shook her head. "No, she hates taking photos."
Connely sighed again. "I don't know what to tell you, kid. Lena Baxter...... Doesn't exist."
Doesn't exist.
"Are you serious? Of course she exists! This is a joke right? Doesn't exist; please!"
Connely sighed.
He sighs too much.
"Kid, you can check for yourself."
Jade went around the desk, furiously typing her mother's name into the computer.
She looked up at the screen.
No results found.
She opened another window, a series of driver's license records.
No results found.
She opened another platform.
No results found.
Another.
No results found.
Another.
No results found.
With every window opened, Jade's breath grew shorter. Her eyes got wider. Her chest heaved.
"I-I don't understand."
Connely stood up and straightened his desk. "I don't get it either. If you can find a picture of her....... Someone could help you."
Jade nodded numbly. "Ok."
She walked out the station, lost in thought.
Does she really not exist? I mean, I've only seen her license a few times.....
Jade snorted, shaking her head, still thinking. Don't be an ass, Jade.
She rubbed her hands together and went up to the apartment.
She yawned and sat on the futon, zipping out of her jacket.
She glanced at the SAT prep text books stacked on the table and groaned.
She pulled out her phone, calling her mom. No answer.
She threw the phone onto the table, glaring at it.
She yawned again and grabbed a text book, flipping to the page she marked.
Jade sharpened her pencil and looked over the section, her eyes growing heavy. She sang a few chords under her breath, trying to stay awake.
Soon, she had her head on the book, snoring.

Jade jolted awake. Her throat felt dry and she groped for her phone.
She slid a finger across the screen, turning on the flashlight.
She flicked on the lamp and yawned.
She glanced at the time.
3:00.
She got up and walked to the kitchen, grabbing a cup of water.
"Omigod Mom, you will not believe the dream I just had. Honestly these SAT-"
Jade stopped, remembering what happened earlier. So why was someone in the main room? "Mom?"
"Yes?"
Jade sucked in a breath.
She reached behind her and picked up a large, thick wooden spoon.
Jade cringed at the sight of it and grabbed a dull knife instead.
She creeped out of the kitchen, peeking around the wall. A figure sat in the rolling chair.
"Jade?" The voice called again, the chair creaking.
Jade controlled her breathing, thinking of everything her mother ever told her about dangerous strangers.
"If they're near you, and they don't know, don't panic. Breathe slowly and don't move that much. Make sure anything you can fight with is nearby." Her mother smiled. "Not that I won't be there to help you out, but it's good to be prepared."
Jade steeled her nerves and started shifting towards the door.
My phone! I'll call the police! Quick and easy.
She checked her pockets. Nothing.
Jade clenched her first, cursing in her head. The phone was still on the God damn table!
Suddenly, a flash of metal appeared in front of her face.
A gun.