Carmen
"Well," Ashton sighed as we left May's building. "I don't even know if we got anywhere."
"You don't?" I asked. "Ashton, she told us the possible thing that got the three men to go after Zayn in the first place. Niall or Louis has a sister, or someone related does. Now we know something to look for."
"I know, it's just..... nevermind." Ashton said, looking down at his feet as we walked across the parking lot to my car.
"What?" I said. "Tell me."
"I don't know if we should trust her. What if she is in on the whole thing?"
"Ashton, she isn't a crazy, pregnant housewife. She loves her husband and wants him to come home, and is cooperating. She wasn't on cocaine, or on any drug. Ashton, we aren't in an episode of Law and Order."
"I know, I know," Ashton said, holding his hands up in defense. "I just.... I'm trying to be a good agent and not let us slip under the bus."
"Listen, I appreciate it, but before we ask questions we are collecting information, to get the job done as fast as we can before anything dangerous can happen or.... proceed to happen."
"Okay," Ashton said. "Onto Nina's?"
"Onto Nina's." I said, turning the ignition.
-
"Why does everyone live in apartment buildings?" Ashton groaned as I pulled up to Nina's building.
"I don't know," I sighed, turning off the car. "But does it matter?"
"I guess not." Ashton said, getting out and shutting his car door. "So what are we going to ask Nina? Same as what we asked May?"
"Similar," I said. "But more about the girl that May mentioned."
Ashton nodded and held open the door for me, and I went inside, not pausing for a moment as I walked up to the desk. "What floor is Nina McIntire on?"
"Um... Let me see if she'll buzz you up, first." The slightly older woman said pressing a button on the wall. "Honey, we've got two people here to see you."
"Send them up," I voice stated, sounding far away.
The older woman sighed, scrolling through the computer. "Go ahead, she's on floor 2, room 215. That poor girl; her boyfriend going up and going missing like that."
"Yeah," Ashton hesitated.
"That's what we're here to help about, ma'am. We're here to find him. Do you happen to know anything about it?" I said.
"Um, well, honey, how about you come talk to me some other time," she said. She seemed frightened; either scared to be questioned, hiding something, or just plain scared of us.
Not that I'm surprised; I am a pretty intimidating person.
"Alright then," I said. "Thank you."
I gestured for Ashton to follow me as I walked towards the elevator. We stepped inside and waited to be lifted up.
"What do... what do you think Nina will say?" Ashton said, shifting his feet.
"Maybe something really good, or just that she wasn't involved and wants us to find him," I sighed. "Or a mixture of both, like May."
He nodded as the doors lifted and we turned down the hall, following the signs.
"Here we are," I said, stopping Ashton by calling to him. "Ashton, it's 215."
He nodded and stood behind me as I knocked on the door, waiting for a response.
"Hello? Who is it? Who are you?" A frantic voice said on the other side.
"Hello, Ms. McIntire. We're here about your boyfriend, Niall." Ashton said.
The door immediately swung open, blowing the hair of the girl who stood behind it. "Niall?" She said, her eyes glassy. "Is he alright?"
"As far as we know, yes." I said. "We've just got some questions for you. Maybe your responses will help us find him."
She nodded and left the door open, disappearing into the apartment. We followed, and ended up standing in her living room.
"Ms. McIntire, I'm Carmen James." I said, sticking out my hand. She lightly shook it.
"And I am Ashton Fray," Ashton said, sticking out his hand. She shook it hesitantly. "May we sit?"
She nodded, her eyes wide as she sat down. "What would you....uh, like to know?"
I thought for a minute. "When is the last time that you saw Niall? In person?"
"Three days ago, on our date night." She said.
"When is the last time you spoke to him?" Ashton asked.
"The day he was reported missing," She said, tears forming in her eyes.
"Do you know anything about gangs here in the city?" I said.
"Not really," She said. "Except that The Periculum Gang is pretty dangerous."
"How do you know that?" I said, surprised. Normally only officials, the members, and the member's families know about that gang. The only officials who know are those who have dealt with the group.
And I have. It was one of the most dangerous cases I ever had; I was almost taken myself, but I got myself out. A girl was kidnapped by the group, as well as a number of other girls to be "objects" for the group to use.
I got them all out, with my partner, but it was tough. It seems like they must be back into crime.
"Because Niall mentioned them," She said. "He said something about 'He's apart of The Periculum Gang, isn't he?' He would mumble things about them and some guy a lot."
"Do you remember when he worked with a man named Liam Payne on a case?" I said.
She nodded. "He told me it dealt with that gang."
"Do you know a man named Zayn?" Ashton said.
"Yes," She said. "I've heard of him. Niall mentioned him during that case, and I think he might be a part of that gang."
I was shocked. This was breakthrough information.
"Thank you, Ms. McIntire. This was great information, and be ready. We might need to come back." I said.
"I hope that when you do it's with Niall," She said quietly.
I nodded. "I'm sure it will be."
-
"Who is The Periculum Gang?" Ashton said when we walked into the agency building.
"I dealt with them once," I said. "Bad memories that I don't want to go over. Anyways, they are extremely dangerous, and a huge group. Here in New York City is where they are based, and they are responsible for a lot of crime. 'Periculum' is 'Danger' in Latin. I think it's a stupid name," I scoffed.
"But they're dangerous," He said.
"Yes. Anyways, meet you in my office as soon as you come in tomorrow. And, I hope you can shoot. We're going to visit The Periculum Gang." I said, turning into my office.
I can't believe I have to deal with this damn group all over again.
