Homecoming

Chapter 7

Two months later

Following her encounter with Jacob, Nayeli had not known a single night's rest. Every night she'd lie awake with the fear of his words running through her head. Be prepared for whatever happens next. Despite her better judgment, on the nights that were particularly bad, she'd sneak off to Pratt's, passing out from exhaustion following their rigorous activities. Other than being in Pratt's embrace, Nayeli felt most at peace at the station, having Hudson and Whitehorse present to talk to, keeping her mind off her meeting with Jacob.

Nayeli pulled up into the parking lot, picking the closest spot as to avoid any more unwanted confrontations. Pratt's vehicle, which had been trailing her pretty much since they left his place, parked right beside her. This action irritated her a bit; they had agreed to keep their friends-with-benefits status on the down-low, lest they get reprimanded for fraternization. Pratt, however, did not seem to care much about discretion as he exited his vehicle, catching her just as she was locking her car. "Long time no see gorgeous." he joked as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, gently kissing her neck. Nayeli squirmed, releasing herself from his grasp she headed for the main entrance. "Pratt, we talked about this. No PDA outside of your place".

Pratt, with a stupid smug look on his face didn't seem to let her comment phase him as he caught up to her. "I know, but I was thinking...you have all this money saved up, you could open that counseling center like you talked about in a snap. I'd keep my position here-" Nayeli gazed at him curiously, though she sort of already knew what direction he was heading in. "We wouldn't have to hide anymore." They stopped at the beginning of the stairs leading up to the entrance doors, Nayeli looking uneasy. "Staci, it sounds like you want this to be an actual relationship." Pratt's face took on a disappointed expression, "Would that be so bad?" Nayeli sighed, her chest tightening as the situation continued to turn into an awkward mess. She looked at Pratt, pleading with her eyes "Can we please talk about this after our shift is over?"

She could tell by the fake smile on his face that he was frustrated but nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, yeah, that's fine." As they approached the doors, Nayeli could feel in her gut that something was amiss. Right as they entered, she spotted Whitehorse and Hudson hunched over a computer, as well as a man she had never seen before dressed in all black with yellow print across his front and back: U.S MARSHALL. He was the first to turn his attention to the two deputies as they entered.

"These your other deputies?" he questioned Whitehorse who had finally glanced from the computer. Nayeli was surprised to see his face was as white as a ghost. "That would be correct, sir." Whitehorse responded. "What's going on sheriff?" Pratt inquired as both he and Nayeli approached the computer in question. Whitehorse inhaled and sighed, like a man at the end of his rope, "There's something you guys outta see."

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"If you're watching this, then you already know what's happening. Eden's Gate is here, in Hope County, Montana-they're real. I don't know what they're trying to do. They're taking people. They have Lenny. They have Sara. Not sure what's gonna happen to us but please, please don't forget about us. Do not forget about them. Please someone stop them."

Gunshots erupted in the background of the video as the young man recording stumbles and falls, screaming. Nayeli's eyes are wide in horror as the phone's camera drops down into the grass, suddenly cutting out all audio and video, leaving the man's fate unknown. Pratt is fuming beside her murmuring curses against the Peggies. Both Pratt and Nayeli step back from the computer monitor, reconvening with Hudson, Whitehorse, and the U.S Marshall she now knows as Cameron Burke. "I have been given orders by the U.S government to detain one Joseph Seed, and bring him in on the suspicion of kidnapping with the intent to harm. Now, normally I would be accompanied by other federal officials, but the higher-ups seem to have their hands full dealing with threats of World War III occurring." he spat sarcastically. "That being said, Sheriff Whitehorse, you and your staff will accompany me. We move at sundown."