Paper Hearts (Camren)

Chapter 6

The next morning, Lauren and Camila were back at the station. They were there earlier than normal but seeing the somewhat anxious look on Lauren’s face, Camila didn’t comment. As soon as they’d entered the building, Lauren had headed straight for Lisa’s office.

“Lisa, found anything yet?” Was the first thing that Lauren said when she entered the younger woman’s office, followed by Camila shortly afterwards.

“Good morning to you too, Lo.” Lisa glanced up from the computer.

“Sorry, morning.”

Lisa smiled slightly before turning her computer screen so that it was now facing Lauren, revealing the progress she had made, “I’m still working on tracing the location. I’m afraid you’ll have to come back later.”

Lauren inwardly groaned because she had practically spent a sleepless night thinking about the tracker and wondering whether this would actually lead them to Ludo’s hiding place once and for all. She knew she couldn’t blame Lisa though because the woman was already doing as best as she could.

“Meanwhile, maybe you can investigate this company instead?”

Lauren’s ears pricked, “What company?”

“The name of the company that made the tracking device.” Lisa clicked on a file to view the photograph she had taken, “It’s engraved on the body of it, see?” She said, pointing to the inscription Lauren hadn’t noticed before.

“Strider & Co.” Lauren read.

“And this is supposed to be a big-chain franchise?” Camila commented, although she hadn’t heard of the name before.

“I’ve done some research; it seems to be one of those hole-in-the-wall hardware stores on the outskirts of New York owned by a middle-aged man named Louie Crawford.” Lisa told her, “Maybe ‘company’ was an overstatement.”

‘If it’s one of those stores that people hardly visit then there’s a great chance the shopkeeper would know who’s been there and who hasn’t, right?’ Lauren thought briefly before grabbing her car keys. “Lisa, could you text me the address?”

Lisa nodded.

“Also, when the dynamic duo gets here, tell them to investigate this Louie guy. I want to know what sort people he’s associated with.”

“I’m assuming you mean Dinah and Normani.” Lisa smiled, “I’ll tell them that.”

“Thanks.” Lauren turned and gestured Camila to follow her, which the brunette did so after saying quick goodbye to Lisa.

“Oh, by the way Lo, are you still using Ally’s car?”

Lauren turned her head slightly, “Yeah, why?”

“Perhaps it’s best if you park the car some way away from the store, just in case.” Lisa advised, “Be careful.”
“Roger that.” Lauren said, raising two fingers in the air in a sort of salute before leaving the office.

---
“So after this place, we’ll go check if Lisa’s-” Lauren paused when she realized no one was responding to her. She turned her head to find Camila trying to catch up with a hand clamped around her mouth.

“Are you okay?” Lauren asked her, furrowing her eyebrows.

Camila nodded, hand still covering her nose and mouth.

“Why are you doing that?” Lairen gestured at Camila’s hand. “Do I smell or something?”

Camila shook her head furiously, with her free hand, she pointed to the figure ahead of them – A man leaning against the wall and smoking.