Deeply Red

John

(Amy's POV)

Kyle has already started his day at work by the time I've parked my Geo metro a little ways down the street from John's apartment. It was a long night, again. I kept falling asleep then having those horrible dreams. Kyle would wake me up saying I started shaking, and mumbling in my sleep. I always feel so bad for constantly waking him up.

Quietly I stare down at the small unsettling photo of John. He's sitting on his front steps smoking a joint, smiling, and looking out into the busy street . He doesn't look concerned, or worried. He looks like he would any other day, in the life of a pot dealer.... Very, very high.

I'm so unbelievably terrified of what's going on. How did this guy know about the camping trip? I gaze down at the thin scar that stretches across my thigh. Who is he, and more importantly what does he want from me?

I peer through the morning traffic at the police officers behind the vibrant yellow caution tape.

John's wife, Kim sits on the stairs where John is pictured, drinking a cup of coffee. She looks like a mess even from over here. The people from the towns corner walk outside with a black body bag on a gurney, this immediately causes Kim to leap to her feet spilling her coffee. An officer tries to console her as she pleads for her deceased husband to not leave her. Tears stream down her face as she throws herself at the gurney. After a fifteen minute talk the police calm her down, and disperse. Leaving Kim to return into her apartment.

I finish eating my bagel, and suck the last of my iced coffee through my straw. Once I've worked up enough courage to get out of my car, I make my way across the busy morning street. I knock on the old beat up door, and wait for a response.

In a few short minutes the door creaks opened. Kim stands there in her robe, her hair a tangled mess, and her red eyes so puffy from crying it makes me feel bad for even coming here today.

"Amy?" she asks, her voice so raspy from crying it's unrecognizable. "What are you doing here?"

I take a moment, not completely sure what to say.

"I was going to come get a dime bag, but I saw all the cops. What's going on?" I ask, knowing very well that John was in that body bag.

"Here, come inside," she says, opening the door farther for me to enter.

I step inside the small beat up aartment. It isn't messy, but the walls have holes, and the floor was so worn the blue green of the tiles were faded to a muted color.

I take a seat on a big corner couch in the living room. Kim then joins me on the couch after she retrieves a box from a safe across the room. She takes a moment closing her eyes to think about what she was going to say next.

"Amy, John has passed," she says opening her eyes, and letting the tears fall down her face.

I try my best to seem as shocked as possible.

"What? What happened?" I ask, reaching out to give her a hug.

She pauses, taking a deep breath before explaining farther.

"I have no idea. All I know is when we went to bed he seemed fine. But I woke up for work, and he d-didn't," she sobs turning into my hug.

I softly pat her back as she sobs more into my leather jacket.

"I'm so sorry Kim, I know how you must be feeling. I can't believe he's gone, I just saw him the other day."

"I know, he told me you helped him give his car a jump before you left for Dean's memorial service," Kim explains through sobs. "I'm so sorry to hear about your brother."

She pulls away, and opens the box.

"Well, John was a good man. Please let me know what happened, and when a service is planned as soon as you can," I say as she hands me a bag of weed. "Too many people are dying, it's tragic." I pull out my wallet, and hand her a little more than what the bag is worth. She looks at me puzzled.

"Amy, you gave me to much," she says, wiping away her tear stained face.

"No, you need it more than me. I remember how much money we had to spend for Dean's memorial costs."I assure her, resting my hand on her shoulder.

"Okay, well I really appreciate you stopping by. I have to call John's mom now," she stands up walking me to the door on shaky legs.

"Take care Kim, call me if you need anything, and once again I'm so sorry for your loss," I say before walking down her steps.

She holds back a sob, and closes her door behind me.

I make my way across the street to my car. I'm standing there fumbling with my keys, and trying to unlock my door. When the familiar sound of a police radio buzzes behind me. I quickly turn around to meet eyes with officer McKnight.

"Well, I can't say I'm surprised to see you here Amy," he says with a grin. "Needed some more pot?"

"Nope, all good here officer. I was just checking on a friend," I say through my teeth.

"As much as I'd love to stand here, and bust you for wacky tabacky, I think there's something more important we need to discuss. So if you wouldn't mind following me to my car?" He asks, gesturing to his patrol car sitting down the street.

"Well, I don't know. Do I have a choice?"

"Not really," he says. "But we can do this the easy way or-"

"Or the hard way, yeah. I know the drill," I cut him off. "Just let me grab something from my car."

"Okay, take your time."

I unlock, and open my door before taking off my leather jacket setting it on my seat. I'm not getting busted for possession today. I grab my bag, and lock up my car.

Officer McKnight, and I then head towards his patrol car. Minutes later I'm riding in the very uncomfortable back seat of his cruiser, heading towards the police department.

"So, how many times is it now?" He asks sarcastically looking at me through the rear view mirror.

"More than you can count I bet," I sass back.

I watch the passing scenery in silence for the remainder of the ride. Trying to seem as calm, and collected as possible.

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(Alright everyone, I know I haven't updated in awhile. Also, yes I'm aware not much happened this chapter. (Even though its taken me forever to post it) But I've been dealing with a lot....and I've be playing with different formats. ( Let me know in the comments how you like it) I promise there will be a lot more action very soon, hang in there. Please give me feedback, I appreciate it very much. Feel free to message me privately if you're shy. Also don't forget to vote folks.❤)