In A Million Years

Chapter 6: Desperate

Alex felt his phone buzz in his pocket, but he temporarily ignored it as he walked up to Mason Fredrick's door. The house was run down and old. Shattered glass and trash littered the front yard. The entire neighborhood mirrored Mason's yard. The gang-run, drug-selling neighborhood was always ready for war. Alex would have to be careful and try to remain low-key if he was going to get in and out with the information he needed.

Softly, he knocked on the door, which looked like it had been kicked in multiple times. As he waited, he instinctively, yet subtly touched his gun, which rested on his hip, hidden by his jacket. Walking around with a gun visible in this area wasn't exactly the best of ideas. Most of the residents would take it as a challenge and a gunfight would be almost inevitable.

The door opened and a soft voice welcomed Alex in. The second he was inside, the door was slammed shut and bolted. A light was turned on, revealing Mason Fredrick's boney figure. The older man looked tired and anxious.

"Alex Walton, long time, no see."

Alex smirked and nodded. "Hey, Mason."

While Alex had only met Mason a few times while riding with his sergeant, the two had come to a mutual agreement of partnership. Trust had been gained quickly, which at this point, Alex couldn't have been more thankful for. He needed Mason's help to find Alyssa.

"I need any information on the Eastside crew." He got straight to the point.

"What kind of information?" Mason motioned for him to sit down.

"Did they have plans for retaliation for Jackson's death? Or do they?"

"Not that I've heard. Why?"

"Somebody kidnapped the girl who helped me out before the shooting. I was doing some research and I saw Jackson was in the Eastside. Retaliation seemed like a plausible lead of what happened to Aly."

"Right. Well, I haven't heard anything, but I can dig around and find out."

"Thanks, Mason."

"You care about this girl, huh?"

Alex glanced at him briefly and then looked away. Mason smirked.

"I still have intel of what's going on at the department, you know," he teased. "I've heard whispers." He winked.

"She's a friend," Alex finally admitted. "That's all; but the threats she received were because she helped me. That's why this is important."

"You feel responsible?"

Alex nodded.

"I see. Just remember, Walton, you're the cop. Don't let the emotions get involved." 

**********

   Alyssa had sent a text to Alex's phone when Kyle had left the room, but hadn't gotten a reply. Desperation was rising. She needed him to answer her. Again, she sent another text, this time pleading for him to answer.

The phone began to ring, blaring a ringtone. Panicked, she silenced the phone and answered it.

"Alyssa?"

A slight relief flooded over her at the sound of Alex's voice. "Alex," she whimpered. "Alex, you have to help me!"

"Where are you? What happened? Are you hurt?'

"Marissa," her voice wavered and quieted as she heard voices getting closer. "Please, help me, Alex!"

"What about Marissa? What does she have to do with--"