Chapter Three - Crushed Hopes

My plans to check out the location first thing in the morning are completely sabotaged...by me. I missed all my alarms this morning and woke up confused as hell around two in the afternoon.

A long groan of frustration escapes me as I roll out of bed and almost face plant the floor before I rush into the bathroom. I don't even bother opening my eyes to look at my reflection because last night's nightmare was enough for me. After brushing my teeth and taking the quickest shower ever I skip on moisturizing before changing into my clothes. I'm sure the people in the rooms beside me can hear how I'm running about and basically dropping half of my things as I try to get my shit together.

Securing my damp hair in a messy bun I grab my bag and phone before sprinting out of my room. The old lady is nowhere to be seen and I rush out the exit without a backwards glance. Thankfully I don't have to walk far to find a car rental place but as soon as I hire one and sit inside my tummy growls embarrassingly loud in protest.

I double check to see that I have my folder with me before relaxing. Eventually, after taking a wrong turn, I pull up near the clothing store hiding one of the FCAA operations. As I'm grabbing my things I luckily see Roman Jackson walking towards it. Crossing the road and almost being hit by a car I rush after him.

"Mister Jackson!" I call as I run after him before noticing that I've caught the attention of several people.

He turns to me with a confused frown as his dark green eyes assess me. I almost swoon at the sight of him up close, not at all expecting to be affected so strongly. He arches a brow sexily as I stop in front of him and pant harshly. Ugh, I'm so unattractive! I think to myself as I try and catch my breath.

"Hi, I'm Elena Moretti and I wanted to ask you some questions about the recent serial killings –"

"Who the hell are you and how do you know I'm involved with that case?" He frowns while he stares at me in suspicion.

"The police chief in Houston, Kyle Wilson, gave me clearance." I lie straight through my teeth with what I hope is an excellent poker face.

"Well, I didn't receive it. Until we find this guy the details of this case will remain a confidential matter." He states firmly before turning to walk into the building. "I'm going to need you to sign an NDA –"

I rush after him in panic. "But I've been investigating and I –"

"You're what?!" He exclaims gruffly as he turns to me and almost makes me crash into him. "Who do you work for?"

"Well..." I laugh sheepishly before biting my lip when he narrows his eyes in suspicion. "I used to be a journalist for a Californian media company."

"Again, I'm sorry but we cannot disclose case details to the public. Whatever's in the press statement that was sent out a week ago is all you need to know."

"But I just need some information! I have evidence!" I pull out the folder and open it before it's snatched out of my grasp.

He pulls me into the store and guides me into an office at the back. Pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration his emerald eyes open to glare at me. "Your first picture is of a girl covered in blood and a mutilated face. What made you think opening this folder up in the middle of a busy street was a smart idea?!"

My eyes widen in realization and I bite my lip. "I'm sorry."

Shaking his head at me he looks through my folder. I take the time to admire him as he reads my notes with furrowed brows. God sure took his time with Roman Jackson. It's like the man is carved to perfection!

"Do you mind if I use this for the investigation?"

"Depends..." I shrug which makes him narrow his eyes at me. "Will I get some insight on the case?"

"No. I don't want you anywhere near our operations here."

"Then no." I grin before snatching my folder from his hands.

I catch the small quirk of his lips as he shakes his head. Placing his hand on the small of my back he starts guiding me to the table and I slump in realization. I turn to him with a hopeful look as I give it one more shot.

"Please just give me some tiny details. I need to impress a potential employer with this story and as you can tell from my research I can help you guys!"

"Look I'm needed for an important matter so I suggest you drop this Elena. Just go about your day to day life instead of trying to get yourself into trouble." He sighs before taking out a paper from one of the cabinets. "Now, sign this NDA stating that you don't know about us and our whereabouts before I escort you out."

With a murderous glare that I wish would reduce him to ashes I sign the paper. "You'll be sorry when I'm knocking on this damn door every day!"

"Stubborn little thing." I hear him mutter as he escorts me out of the store.

I huff in frustration before I decide to wait at the coffee shop opposite the building, just to see if I can follow him in case he gets a lead or something on the case. I hurry over before ordering and sitting by the window seat which offers me a clear shot of the store but the huge plant in front of me makes me hope that he won't spot me.

I'm on my third cup of coffee when I see Roman hurrying to a normal car as he talks on the phone. Putting the mug down I grab my bag and run to the car I've rented. Starting the engine, I keep my eyes on his car and begin to follow him in what I hope is a discreet manner. I end up following him out of the city and groan when he decides to cut through a neighborhood full of people and children walking about. I'm not the best at driving so I pray to God that I don't end up killing somebody today.

But I think God isn't pleased with me or something because not even two minutes later these damned kids speed down their driveway and out onto the road on their bicycles. I swerve harshly with a high-pitched yelp and end up crashing into a person's garden, completely wrecking their picket fence. Cursing I get out of the car to assess the damage and groan when I see several fancy garden pots smashed to pieces.

"Elena?"

I freeze when I hear the familiar voice. He clears his throat and I turn around to see Roman staring at me with a bemused expression. I wave with a sheepish smile as he shakes his head while assessing the damage done to the garden. And to add to my embarrassment the owners of the house rush outside along with every other neighbor on the block. A blonde-haired woman's jaw drops at the sight of her garden and I wince at her expression.

"I'm so sorry! These kids just cycled out in front of my car and I didn't have time to break so...I swerved." I explain meekly as the man picks up the fence that I had forced to the ground.

"And you'll pay for the damages." Roman states from behind.

"Yes! Of course!" I smile reassuringly as I ask for their details.

"Oh alright, that's okay. As long as the kids didn't get hurt." The man shoots me an understanding smile while the lady still looks to be in shock.

After getting their bank details I send them a transfer of the cost agreed to fix everything. It isn't much but I wince at the dwindling money in my account. I'm sure I'll be dirt poor if I keep this up. But as soon as I step out of the house I see a tow truck with a man securing my car to the attachment. I almost scream in frustration when I realize that I'll have to pay the rental company for smashing the front of their car.

After figuring things out with the towing company and calling the rental place I hang up with a heavy sigh as I watch my hired car being pulled back to the city center. This is why I don't drive, I'm too panicky! Damn those stupid kids! I think to myself as I cross my arms. I turn to Roman and an idea pops into my mind. I can ask him to give me a lift back but knowing that he's probably following a lead he'll have no choice but to let me tag along.

"So...can you give me a ride back?"

"I'm headed out of the city –" He starts and I can't contain myself.

"Did you get a clue on the killer?! Is it another murder?!"

"Elena..." He steps up to me and leans down until our noses are about to touch. Dark green orbs stare into my warm browns and I gulp harshly at how close he is to me. His cologne smells heavenly and masculine. "Call a taxi and go home."

I glare up at him to which he just raises a challenging brow in response. Huffing I nod in mock defeat which seems to satisfy him. I watch as he seems to hesitate before shaking his head and walking back to his own car. Glancing around in panic I bite back the triumphant grin threatening to bloom across my lips when I spot a bike rack across the street.

"I mean it. Do not follow me." He sends me a warning look as he stands with the door open.

"Yes sir." I roll my eyes but catch something indecipherable flicker in his eyes.

As soon as he's driven away I sprint over to the bike racks and to the machine that allows people to rent them. Growling under my breath when I realize it costs ten dollars to rent I practically rip open my bag to find my purse.

"Ah! For fuck sake!" I cry out in frustration when I only have five dollars and the machine doesn't accept card.

I look up to see Roman's car driving further away just as I find another five dollar note crumpled up at the end of my bag. Screaming in joy I quickly pay for the bike and hop on. I stand on the bike to see where the car is and find it speeding ahead. Mumbling out a series of panicked no-s I pedal faster until I'm cycling five cars behind Roman.

I keep following them before arriving into another residential area. The brakes squeal slightly as I force the bike to a stop behind the wall of the entrance to the neighborhood. I watch his car drive further down and when the coast is clear I jog to the nearest wall and position my bike against the stone before stepping closer to the corner. I grin when I manage to hear Roman talk to a couple before a young girl joins them.

"How long did this man follow you?" I hear Roman ask and the girl glances at her parents before recalling what happened.

"I-I walk to school and noticed someone following me for two days every morning and back. They were wearing a hood so I couldn't see their face but their hands were really pale." She explains meekly.

I take out my notebook and write everything down. So, this killer likes to stalk young girls for a few days to suss them out huh? I think to myself. I keep listening to Roman's conversation with them as he asks if she noticed anything peculiar about him, anything that would give him a clue. She doesn't have much else and instead rambles on worriedly, repeating some things that she's already said.

Well, looks like it's time to go. I put my notebook back in my bag before grabbing my bike and hopping on. I cycle slowly towards the exit of the neighborhood but as soon as I get onto the road I hear something to my right. Glancing in that direction I lock eyes with a pair of forest green ones. They certainly don't look happy.

"Oh...shit!"

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- R.W. ♡