Quid Pro Quo

t w e n t y o n e: don't let me down

hi everyone!

hope u all are staying safe and healthy! and that you enjoy this chapter because the next one is already in the works!

really quick i would just like to say i'm sorry if my past descriptions of Clementine, Louis's, etc skin tones using food like caramel or coffee or mocha have offended you. it was just plain inappropriate of me to describe them in that way. i'm in the process of correcting these errors but if you notice one, please let me know!

love you! remember to vote, comment, and share! it means a lot <3 <3

bye!

~

A cool breeze filtered into Clem's room through her open window, causing her to shiver. The goosebumps spreading on her legs and the chill stinging her body didn't tear her eyes away from the ceiling. On a night like this, she was weirdly prepared to hear the sounds of small pebbles hitting the glass. Louis was on her mind, as always, but more so after what happened just a week prior.

He was different, strange. She'd always known he enjoyed alcohol, at their age, who didn't? But lately, especially after his mysterious trip to Atlanta, she'd grown increasingly worried. Obviously, there were some deep issues present behind his behavior that Louis had neglected to reveal to her, personal problems that he was too embarrassed to share. And if there was any way to dig into the obvious things at this moment, it would be the internet.

Clem jumped up and grabbed her laptop, whipping it open and allowing the bright light to illuminate her face. The time taunted her in the corner, reading the unsurprising hour of 2:47 AM.

One of the only things Louis had told her about his dad was that he was quite a successful businessman, and that was clearly true (C'mon, she'd seen his house).

Considering the situation, the flashing command line on the search bar was incredibly daunting. What if she stumbles upon something she shouldn't? A criminal record? Shady deals and trades? But then again, that would explain a lot.

Slowly, she mustered up the courage to type his name, using one finger to select the letters on her keyboard.

Robert Sinclaire.

Immediately, the routine old people type social media profiles pop up along with a handful of obituaries, but she couldn't ignore the articles plastered at the top of the page.

Skimming through the few at her disposable, there was nothing besides praise at how good he was at accounting and making appearances at important events. It was all surface-level stuff that wouldn't help her at all. As she clicked on images, she was losing sight of what she was really looking for.

"This is stupid," She mumbled to herself, her fingers grasping the lid of her computer and ready to close it when she suddenly saw a glimpse of a woman beside Mr. Sinclaire.

Besides the low quality of the picture, you could tell she was beautiful, mahogany skin dotted with freckles accompanied by cascading black curls. Her arms were wrapped around Louis's father, a smile dancing on both of their lips. When Clem looked at her eyes and was met with familiar hazel irises, she knew she had found her ticket into Louis's head.

His mother, Rose Sinclaire.

~
"Morning, baby!" Carley greeted, moving aside so her daughter could shuffle into the kitchen. "Why the zombie walk?"

"Late night," Clem poured herself a cup of coffee, leaning against the counter as she took her first sip.

"You need a break, hun. Studying like that isn't good for you-"