Redress (gxg)

Chapter 18 "Ploy"

Lauren

Lauren, run!

As I stared blankly at Cliff and Amelia who were talking to two police officers in the distance, my mind recalled the last words Alex had shouted, before she was being dragged to the van. I couldn't forget how she thought of my life first than hers, it made me felt guilty for doing nothing to save her at that time. Until now, I still felt helpless, making me feel worse as I couldn't think straight, I didn't know where to start looking for her. 

"Lauren!" I snapped out of my daze when I heard my name was called by a familiar voice. Turning towards the source, I saw Rebecca hastily walked in my direction, a worried expression was written on her face.

"I'm glad you're okay," she mumbled as she immediately engulfed me in a brief hug, "What happened? I didn't get what you said on the phone..." she said frantically.

"Becca some guys took Alex and Ethan. I didn't see their faces because they were wearing masks, and...and I didn't get a good look at the plate number...It was just too sudden, I--"

"Just breathe Lauren...Everything's gonna be fine okay? We'll find her...and Ethan," she said, with less enthusiasm as she mentioned Ethan's name, "And we shouldn't worry too much, you know Alex, she can handle everything, she will be fine..." she reassured, though I noticed the uncertainty in her voice, and I slowly nodded, feeling a bit of relief now that she was here, knowing I wouldn't go through this alone.

"Lauren Harrington!" Amelia suddenly called angrily as she stalked in our direction, followed by Cliff who was looking like he had enough of everything. She stomped in front of us, throwing her burning glare at me, "Why is it that every time you're around, something bad would always happen!...It's like you are a curse to everyone around you."

I snorted bitterly, "I don't have time for this Amelia..." I mumbled, shaking my head.

"Why did it have to be them? They should have taken you instead--"

"That's enough, Mrs. Coldwell!" Becca interrupted, stepping up in front of me, "Instead of harassing my friend, why don't we just help each other in finding them?"

"She's right Amelia," Cliff spoke up sternly, "we need all the help we can get...and whatever you're doing now? I don't have time for that..." he added solemnly, before he turned to leave without saying much, leaving Amelia alone with us. 

She eventually turned to look at me menacingly, "If something were to happen to them, I swear I--"

"Yeah, we know what you're capable of, no need to fuss about it," Becca cut her off nonchalantly, causing me to instantly look at her in surprise, clearly not expecting her boldness. She  then caught Amelia's attention, and eventually gave her a death stare.

"You're Alex's friend, right?"

"Bestfriend," she corrected.

Amelia chuckled sarcastically, "Bestfriend? Really?" she asked under her breath, though it was loud enough for us to hear her, as she sized Becca up, "What's your name again?"

Becca smiled, "Rebecca Jones...I'm sure you've heard of me?" she queried confidently, causing Amelia to raise a brow, and shook her head.

"No, I don't think so...Why? Are you that famous?"

"I am, and I bet you know me...I could tell that much by looking at that dress you're wearing now, which I actually designed," she retorted, smiling suggestively, causing Amelia's expression to falter.

Glaring at Becca, she then clenched her jaw, "Whatever...I don't have time for this," she mumbled, before brushing past me, and hastily walked towards the building. Surprised at what just went down, I turned to Becca, and looked at her questioningly.