Pictures of You [M. C.]

16

(Song for this chapter: "Empty Gold" by: Halsey)

We bolt out the front door and onto the street, heading towards Michael's car. Michael runs to the driver's side while I slide into the passenger's seat.

"Which way did they go?" Michael asks backing out of the driveway. I point at the taillights fading around a corner, still trying to catch my breath from the events in the past few minutes. Michael floors the gas, taking off after them.

As we get closer to the car we're following, Michael slows down and keeps a safe distance. They make a lot of repetitive turns and we even lose them at some points.

"What are they doing?" I ask clearly confused on their behavior.

Michael checks all of his mirrors before replying. "It's called a heat run. They're making sure no one is following them. If someone makes every single turn they do, then they'll know something is up. That's why I've had to throw them off a bit." I nod at his explanation, now worried they might know we're following them and then I won't be able to get near Calum.

After another half hour of driving, the car finally pulls into a neighborhood and parks in front of a house. I actually know the area. It's full of wealthy families: doctors, lawyers, and owners of large companies. I've heard about kids from school coming over here a lot and now I know why.

"Is this...are we in the right place?" Michael asks looking around.

"Unfortunately, yes," I sigh, leaning back in the seat.

"Unfortunately?"

"Really rich people live here with their families and they don't like when things get loud. I've never been to a party out here but I've heard the cops almost always get called. Which means-"

"Which means we only have a few minutes to find Calum before the place is surrounded," Michael cuts me off, finishing my thought. I nod looking out the window and at the massive house looming in front of us. "So now what?"

Without a word, I get out of the car and jog to the side of the house and flatten my body against it. Only moments later Michael joins me.

"Thanks for the warning," he says sarcastically. "What's your plan to get into the house agent 007," he rolls his eyes, using the nickname to make fun of me.

"I was thinking of finding an unlocked window and climbing in. Then I'll find the room where Calum is before holding everyone hostage. And then I'm going to kidnap Calum," I whisper while looking over my shoulder every few words.

Michael narrows his eyes, "you're mocking me, aren't you?"

"Yes," I say bluntly. "My actual plan in to pick the lock on the back door."

"I think I liked your first plan better," he mutters. I smack him in the chest causing him to laugh.

I move along the wall of the house until I reach the back yard, Michael right on my heels. A wooden privacy fence surrounds the back yard but I know I can climb it easily. I lead Michael to the furthest corner of the yard and he helps lift me up and over the fence then he follows. Now my heart is beginning to race, adrenaline filling my veins. I've never done anything like this. I've only even seen it in the movies.

Just like I thought, the back door is locked but I know how to pick the lock ironically thanks to Calum. I hear the lock click and I swing the door open looking back at Michael. I can't tell if he's impressed or scared; probably a little bit of both.

"Where do you think he is?" Michael asks barely above a whisper. Before I can answer, someone laughs. The voice is muted but I can definitely tell it's coming from beneath us in the basement I'm assuming.