CHIPPED

Chapter 10

Our landing was anything but smooth. I know Willder probably doesn't know how to pilot a plane very well, but I felt nauseous just stepping off of the platform. When I start to fall over, Neva grips onto my hand to keep me steady. I look into her eyes and a thought occurs to me that hasn't dawned on me before; her mother. Neva's mother is probably worried sick about her daughter and has probably already reported her missing to the police. I've been so selfish in dragging her along on my trip. Granted, she claimed she wanted to tag along, but I can't help but feel guilty.

Finally, I stand up straight, and compose myself. How am I supposed to function on this mission? My mind wanders to Aspen, and I feel like I'm able to focus a bit better.

"Okay, I'll go into her apartment alone, but I need you two to stand by, just in case." Neva looks at me, knowing I'm scared of the truth, and firmly nods. We make our way into town on foot and catch a cab. I notice the signs around us that indicate we're in Washington, D.C. I sink down in my seat in the back of the cab, hoping no one will recognize me and turn me in. I'm surprised we made it this far on foot without me being arrested.

Thankfully, this driver doesn't ask too many questions. Then again, I didn't ask him to drive around the whole city, or bring out a wad of cash.

When we arrive at Aspen's apartment complex, I feel my heart beating out of my chest. What if she doesn't tell the truth? What if she does tell the truth? What then? Beads of sweat start to appear on my forehead. Willder gives me a strange look, not knowing the conversation Neva and I had about this situation. When I turn to Neva, she gives me a reassuring smile. A smile. It's an odd sight to me, and yet it's become so familiar in the past day.

We enter the complex, trying to act as unsuspicious as we can. Willder walks over to the steps, and even though I would rather ride in the elevator, Neva and I have had better luck taking the stairs. As we climb the steps, I feel my palms starting to become damp with sweat as well.

When I reach her door, I feel like I'm going to pass out. Stop being a wimp, Orlon. I tell myself. I take a few deep breaths, motion for Willder and Neva to hide, and knock on Aspen's door.

To my surprise, she opens it in a matter of seconds. She looks just as shocked as I am. She's wearing a black blouse tucked into a light pink skirt. Her red hair is tied up into a tight bun.

"What are you doing back?" Aspen inquires. She doesn't let me through the doorway yet.

"I have to talk to you." My strong voice takes me back. Just a second ago I thought I was going to faint.

She takes a deep breath, "Okay. Come in." She finally moves out of the door frame to let me enter her apartment.

Aspen shuts the door behind her. For a moment, I want to take a seat on her couch and hold her close to me, like I usually would. Instead, I continue to stand.

"Look," She starts, obviously irritated with my presence, "I'm not in the same line of work as you are, but I don't think a business trip to Australia should only be a day. And you didn't even call me to pick you up at the airport? And why didn't you text me goodnight last night? Or at all for that matter! I didn't even know if you got there safe!"

I cut her ranting short, "I wasn't on a business trip. I was on a search for a colleague. Rushwood pardoned me from prison to look for my co-worker because he went missing around the time of the election."

Her eyebrows furrow, "Did he count the ballots wrong and go into hiding?" Normally, I would laugh at a comment like that.

"The ballots were counted wrong, but it was my fault. I tried to fix my mistake but I was caught and placed in prison." At this point, I'm pacing the cream colored carpet.