Hunter

XIX

Jade followed Aric to a cafe.
It was a short walk from the warehouse, but Jade's legs screamed at her to stop walking.
She didn't know why, she hadn't done anything, right? Maybe she was just tired.
Her dreams were muddled images that left her dazed when she had woken up. She couldn't remember any of it and she remembered the dream she had had at the apartment.  Was it the same dream?
Aric pushed the door open, holding it as Jade walked through. She smiled a thank-you and he looked away, the dimple appearing in his left cheek.
They walked to the counter and Jade ordered two breakfast sandwiches and some coffee.
They sat down near the window and their food came quickly.
Aric quickly finished his sandwich, staring into his coffee cup. He lazily spun the stir stick around.
Jade took a sip of her coffee and squinted at him. Heavy bags were under his eyes, making them look more white than gray.
"Didn't sleep well?"
He looked up, startled. He relaxed and smiled wryly. "Can you tell?"
She nodded, pointing under his eyes. "The bags. Did you have a bad dream or something?"
He shook his head slightly, his shaggy hair brushing his face. "Nah. I'm what you would call an insomniac."
Jade nodded understandingly.
Then Aric had to ruin it. "Still worrying about me?"
She glared at him, hissing. "Aric, so help me....."
He smirked, looking out the window.
They sat quietly for a few moments, sipping their coffee.
Aric cleared his throat suddenly, after taking a drink from his cup. "I went scouting last night for any monsters or info."
Jade perked up. "So what'd you learn?"
"We need to tail a monster, I think he has some leads to the gang. I saw him last night with some gangsters that looked familiar." He pauses for a moment. "He might be following us."
Jade thought for a moment, rubbing her chin. "When should we start tailing him?"
Aric's voice drops, so Jade can just make out what he's saying.
"We already are."
Her eyes widen, and Aric twirled a chunk of his hair around his finger, subtly pointing towards the counter.
A man is sitting on a stool, his messy black hair curling around his thick neck. He had a curved scar on his chin with beard stubble brushing the edges of his cheeks.
Jade squinted at him. He looked familiar. She had seen him already.....
Then again, Aric said he was probably following us, I must've saw him while we were running.
Jade glanced back at Aric, who was drinking more of his coffee.
He put the cup down, and she looked at him closely.
When they'd first met, Aric had been much cleaner. His eyes weren't as wild, and now he looked as if he were only sustaining himself on willpower. He looked like he hadn't slept in weeks.
"You know, if you need more rest, we can do that for the rest of the day. No rush or anything."
But even as she said it, Jade felt like she was lying to herself. Her main priority was to find her mom, and nothing else.
Aric shook his head. "No. We need to keep going." He smiled softly. "You're probably itching to see your mom."
Jade nodded meekly, and he froze, staring. She followed his gaze, and saw the monster leaving the cafe.
Aric stood up, grabbing Jade's hand. "Let's go."
Jade slung her bag over her shoulder, and followed Aric out.