a/n
quick note: TFIOS CAME OUT IM NOT OKAY AND ALSO ASHTON POV LATER IN THE CHAPTER FINALLY ENJOY
Carmen
"We've got to figure this out," Ashton said into the phone. I sighed and nodded. "I mean, we're both in danger here." He whispered.
I took a deep breath. "We have a slight lead on who it is, but nothing to get more backup to help us. We've got to figure this out to not only save those men, but also us, and.... put Mia's soul to rest."
Ashton cracked a small smile. "You know, according to legends, souls tend to haunt their old lives and or buildings if they have unfinished business."
"You watch too much Supernatural." I said.
"Gotta do something when you're stuck in a hospital room."
I felt a pang in my stomach, and looked down to my left hand resting on the counter, and clenched the phone. "Look, I'm sorry. It was the first time in a long time that I sort of had a friend, and the next minute, she was dead after barely surviving. Everyone seems to be dropping like flies around me. "
"You know, Carmen," Ashton said after a second. I could see his jaw clench as he paused. "You can't save everyone."
"I could do better than I am."
Ashton looked down, and I could see the muscles in his jaw contract and then loosen. He took a deep breath and then looked at me. "I've told you this before. You've got to understand that you simply can't save everyone."
"I could to better."
He looked angry, but I wasn't going to budge. I was right, after all.
After a few minutes he sighed. "Let's just figure out what to do next, but don't think I'm letting this go. We're going to discuss this later, alright?"
I nodded and picked at the nail on my ring finger with the thumb of the same hand. "Alright," Ashton said. "First of all, we need to figure out what to do."
"We can't do much when I'm in the slammer," I scoffed.
"Ignoring that," Ashton groaned. "Of course we need to get you out. I'm working on getting Styles to bail you out. He's slowly coming around, but no promises. He might put his foot down this time."
"This time?" I asked. "What do you mean, 'this time'?"
"Well," Ashton said slowly. "He thinks your getting careless."
"CARELESS?" I yelled. I flinched when I heard the step of an officer, and immediately calmed down. "We'll discuss that later. I don't have time to wait."
"You're going to have to," Ashton said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We've got to be careful. One wrong move and then we can't do anything or one of us will be dead. So- seriously, Carmen, remember my words here- behave. No fights. Listen to officers and workers. Do everything they ask. Wait for me. I'll be back here tomorrow, and hopefully you'll be out then."
"And if not?" I asked.
"Then we figure out where to go from there. We're treading on thin ice here, James. Be careful."
"And you as well, Fray."
Ashton cracked a cute, small smile, a dimple showing. I sort of smiled back, and cleared my throat. He nodded and hung up, saluting me, and then stood up and walked towards the door. The guard grabbed my arm and I felt the bruises forming, but I didn't fight. I walked with him back to my cell, and wondered why on earth Ashton Fray is still by my side after all that's happened.
Ashton
I walked out into the light of day and blinked at the sunlight. Sighing, I walked to my car. "I will never understand you, James." I whispered to myself. I turned on the ignition and listened to the song playing. I couldn't remember the name or the band, probably Relient K or Mayday Parade or A Day to Remember or something. But it seemed happy, like those bands songs could be when they aren't depressing as hell- cough, Mayday Parade- it was happy like tomorrow's gonna suck but its gonna be hopeful anyways, and I liked that.
I drove through the city on my way to the office, to grill Styles on the issue again.
--
"Styles will see you now." The new secretary to the boss said. She seemed to be trying too hard- she wore too much makeup, too tight of clothing but not enough length to it, and too much... teasing, I think its called.... to her hair. I swallowed and grimaced as I turned the handle.
"Ah, Fray." Styles said, putting down his pen. "Here to ask that question again?"
"Actually, yes." I said. "I do think you should allow her to be bailed out. How else will Malik be caught? How will those men be saved? How will that poor pregnant wife and the loving girlfriend and families of those two men rest assured ever again without the men back at their sides? You know damn well that this case won't be solved without Carmen!"
"I do know that this case is important to her, as well as you. But she has got to know that her actions have consequences."
"BY THROWING HER IN JAIL?" I bellowed, throwing my chair back as I shot up.
Styles stood as well. "Watch your mouth." He warned calmly. "I know you've got a thing for James-" I opened my mouth to say something, but closed it. "But this doesn't mean she automatically deserves to be bailed out of jail. I'm honestly surprised you're the one who is trying to persuade me, since you're the one she attempted to murder."
"Don't label her by her crime."
"You know it's damn true, Fray!" He bellowed. I clenched my jaw. "My answer is no."
I felt myself about to explode. I stood and walked to the door to prevent further conflict, and set my hand on the knob. "You my as well be partnered will Zayn himself." I threw open the door and it hit the wall with a thud, and I stormed out of the building, anger blinding me.
_____________________________________
A/N
IMAGINE THESE TWO FIGHTING
AND ROCK PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND
MY HEART
-Hope
