Leave a Trace

Chapter Eight: Truth

For those of you that don't plan on reading the bottom, I'm recasting Rosabelle from Anne Hathaway to Nina Dobrev

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Chapter Eight: Truth

"Are you here for a drug deal?" Vanessa asks, glancing at the dark parking lot of the park. The sky is pitch black and the park is nearly empty illuminated by streetlights.

"No." I say. "Thanks for the ride, Vanessa."

"Wait." She says as I open the door to her Honda Civic. "Do you want a code or something? Like if I don't hear from you in twenty minutes, I call the cops? Do you need me to help you hide a body? Because I'll go take out cash and buy some plastic or something, that way we don't get blood in my truck. I bet if we threw the body in the dam-"

"Ness, I'm not here for a drug deal and I'm not going to die or kill somebody. I'll be fine, okay?"

"Okay." She mumbles. "Are you sure you're feeling okay enough to walk?"

"I'm sure." I say. "Thanks for the ride."

"You're welcome." She mutters nervously.

I get out of her car, tightening my grip on Tank's leash.

There's no way I'm coming here without somebody, and I know Tank would attack if I told him to. He's a German Shepherd. People think that white German Shepherd's aren't actual German Shepard's, but they are. It's the same thing as an Irish person with blonde hair verses an Irish person with red hair.

They're both Irish, they just look different. I know Tank will protect me.

The air tonight is chilly. The dam nearby is loud, so I walk further away. All I can hear is rushing water and the sound of Tank's paws on the ground.

I walk all the way to the bridge and stop in the middle, my heart pounding. I look at the dark water swirling below me.

If he kills me, he could throw me in there with weights to my ankles and I would probably never be found.

I shudder, and I hear a low growl come out of Tank's throat. My eyes snap down to him. He's standing stalk still, ready to pounce if needed.

I look around wildly for the source of his aggression, but nobody is around.

He probably senses my anxiety. I reach down and pet his head. He stays still, his legs spread apart, every muscle in his muscular body tense. However, when my hand ruffles his fur, his tail starts wagging.

I set his leash down on the floor of the bridge.

"Tank, stay." I order him. He nudges my hand in response and sits down next to me, looking around.

My phone vibrates in the pocket of my jeans. I pull it out.

AlexLC sent you a message!

I unlock my phone and click on the notification.

I'm here

I hold my breath and shut the app, stuffing my phone back in my pocket.

He's not Lucas, Belle. He's not Lucas. He is not Lucas.

Tank stands up suddenly, taking a few steps forward.

"Tank." I say warningly. He stops walking and looks at me, whining softly. "No, you stay here." He yips a little at me and sticks his nose up defiantly, taking another challenging step forward. He casts a glance over his shoulder and I swear I see him raise his eyebrows. "Tank, obey." I say.