The Storm

Part 26

Jack's eyes scanned over the newspapers. He was searching for any mention of what Jeff had been up to. Nothing. Not even about Riley going missing. The media was dead silent about it. Jack's eyebrows furrowed as he wiped at his eyes. They were tired and strained. The black goo was slowly oozing out of his sockets. This was the first time in a few weeks that they had picked up their old habits. Jack leaned over the newspaper, his eyes glancing over the words. There it was...It was almost like it was hidden between coupons and political rants. No bold titles. No fancy wording. Just a mention to a break in that led to no arrests. Nothing was stolen, but police had a description of the burglar. Jack noticed that never once did they release the description. He knew it was Jeff. Kinda like you just know the sun is going to rise the next day. Jack stood pulling his black hoodie over his head. He placed his mask over his ashen face and left his house. He was going to find Jeff.

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Ayla looked through the rack of clothes. Tim stood behind her, watching awkwardly. "Come on Lilly, just pick something simple and lets go." Ayla closed her eyes and nodded. Tim had renamed her while they were out in public. They were to be playing the part of lovers apparently, to throw off any suspicion to the truth. Brian had left already to get a room to stay in for the night. "Lilly..." Tim sighed.

"She doesn't like this stuff..." Ayla mumbled turning to him.

Tim reached out grabbing her arm in a tight grip bringing her close to him. "Just pick something." He seethed through clenched teeth.

"Can I help you with anything miss?" A woman asked unsure as she looked to Tim before looking to Ayla.

"Uhhh... No... Thank you. I am just looking right now...but thank you." Ayla said awkwardly as Tim let her arm go.

"Are you sure you don't need help?" The woman asked looking to Ayla. Ayla caught her underlying meaning behind her questions.

Ayla mustered up her best smile as she clung to Tim's arm. She laced her fingers through his own.

"No ma'am. Everything is fine. You know how it is. I'm being too indecisive." she chuckled. The woman smiled at her and nodded her head before walking away. Ayla quickly removed her hand from the other man, wiping it on her dress like it was dirty. She turned her attention back to the rack of clothes trying her best to ignore Tim's smirk. 

"Rules." Tim whispered in her ear. Ayla felt his hot breath on her ear as the rest of her body went numb. She was aware of just how close Tim was standing to her. His arms wrapped themselves around her waist. His chin rested on her shoulder as he pulled her back into him. He chuckled lowly as he felt a soft tremble ripple through her body.

"I'm sorry...I-I just felt it was necessary." she whispered breathlessly.

"Yeah, you done the right thing...I wont tell Jack." He taunted.

"P-please... stop t-touching me...." Ayla whispered closing her eyes and taking in a shaky breath.

Tim grinned as he slowly backed away from her. He stood behind her just watching. Growing even more uncomfortable, Ayla grabbed a gray quarter sleeve dress that had the shoulders cut out. It was Riley's size. She knew she wouldn't like it but at the moment her hands were tied. She turned and gave a half smile to Tim, signaling that she had found the one. They walked up to the counter and paid before exiting the store. Brian was waiting for them.

"I got the room. Lets get some food first?" He asked. Ayla couldn't help but to perk up at the mention of food. It didn't go unnoticed.

"Are you hungry?" Tim asked as he directed his attention to her. Ayla nodded at him, not making eye contact.

"What do you want?" He asked. A million possibilities flowed through her head making her stomach growl.

"Anything." She finally said. Brian laughed.

"Anything." He repeated. Tim gave him a disapproving look. Almost like he was daring him to follow up that statement.

"Just get in the car." Tim growled as he opened the passenger door for Ayla. She got in and Tim shut the door.