The Fates Work in Mysterious Ways

Chapter 4—Percabeth

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO

Annabeth had not intended to sleep with Percy on their first date, but that was in fact how the night had ended. She was not going to complain though, it was the best night she had had in a long time.

The night had begun with Percy and Annabeth having dinner at Margerie's in downtown. Annabeth had objected to the dinner being a date, but the waiter had lit the candles on the table anyway. Percy wore a pair of black dress pants and a green button up shirt that matched his eyes. Annabeth had simply worn a grey dress with strappy black heels.

Annabeth had felt self-conscious at first, but after 2 glasses of wine, she felt like she was floating on cloud nine. Percy was a perfect gentleman and made small talk. After the appetizers, she had completely forgotten they had met here for something other than a good time.

"Annabeth," Percy asked taking a sip from his glass, "Did you bring the list of name for me?"

Annabeth was caught off guard at first. What list? She quickly regained her memory and dug the folded piece of paper from her black purse. She handed it over to Percy, wandering if one of the names on that list was a killer.

Percy scanned the list and asked her questions about each name. "Who is Lester Holds?" Percy asked making a face.

Annabeth giggled and replied, "He was the class trouble-maker. He was always bullying the other kids, but he had a rough home life. I tried to help him as much as I could, but there was only so much I could do for him."

Percy reached his hand across the table and squeezed Annabeth's hand gently at seeing her downcast expression. "I will be as gentle as possible with these kids," Percy promised, "I just have to find if one of them might possibly be a killer."

Annabeth returned the gesture and thanked Percy. Her entire arm was tingling from Percy's touch. Annabeth put the menu in front of her to hide her blush. Percy pushed the menu down and smiled, "It's cute when you try and hide. You are cute when you are embarrassed."

Annabeth swatted Percy's arm playfully and felt her stomach growl. "Percy," she started, "It is so hard to believe that someone I taught or work with might be a killer."

"I know," Percy said, "It is always hard to believe people we know could potentially be something other than what they claim."

"There are three names in particular I want you to check into," Annabeth said wringing her hands together nervously.

"Who?" Percy asked staring at the list.

"Lester, Josh Brans, and Michael Franks," Annabeth said, watching Percy make marks on the paper.

"Why these names?" Percy asked.

"Lester from what I told you earlier," Annabeth said, "Josh used to date Marissa and was furious when she broke up with him. Michael always had anger issues; he didn't fit in with anyone. I could never get through to Michael."

Percy wrote notes down on a piece of paper. "Would you feel comfortable sitting in on the interviews with these kids?"

Annabeth sighed, "Yes, I want to help you find the killer and help them in any way I possibly can."

Percy smiled and leaned back in his chair, "That is why I like you so much Annabeth Chase."

"Why?" Annabeth asked earnestly.

"You are so caring," Percy smiled, "You are willing to help anyone you can, especially your students."

Annabeth was not used to receiving compliments. Thankfully, the waiter had taken that moment to return with their entrees. Annabeth ate her lasagna hungrily, and then remembered she was not eating alone and returned to eating like a civilized being.

Annabeth ate the entire plate of pasta and drank 2 more glasses of wine. Her entire body felt warm and she found herself rubbing her leg against Percy's under the table. She laughed at the goofy expression that spread across his face. Percy paid the bill and offered his hand to Annabeth. She took it graciously and stumbled slightly out of the restaurant.

"I am going to follow you home and make sure you make it safely," Percy said laughing at Annabeth's state, "Remember drunk driving is illegal, so you are lucky you are cute."

Annabeth laughed and put her key in the ignition. She drove cautiously, thanking her lucky stars she only lived 10 minutes from downtown. She pulled in her driveway and watched as Percy shut the car off. "I am going to check the house out first," Percy said, "Can never be to carful with a killer on the loose."

Annabeth nodded and fumbled for her keys. She opened the door clumsily and turned to Percy, almost falling over in the process. "I am going to get you a glass of water," Percy laughed putting his arm around Annabeth.

Percy sat her down on the couch and went to the kitchen. He returned seconds later with the glass and sat down beside Annabeth. She gulped the water down and laid her head on Percy's shoulder. "My dad isn't home," Annabeth said as she began to sober up, "Would you be okay staying the night?"

Percy had agreed to and moments later the two had found their selves in a heat of passion. Annabeth hadn't been with anyone in a long time, and for one night, she had forgotten all of her worries: the killer, her students, and her lost dreams of becoming an architect.

Not all was good in the small town of Murkwood that night. On the other side of town, Ashley was fighting for her life. She stared in horror up at the face of her killer. Ashley couldn't believe someone she had called a friend was now choking the life from her body.

Ashley kicked and scratched, but it had no effect on her attacker. She struggled for air, but none came. Her vision began to blur and soon she lost consciousness. The killer stared down at his work. He lifted the lifeless body of Ashley into his arms and carried her from the backyard.

The killer knew Ashley's parents were never home before 8:00 p.m. It was now 7:48, he had 12 minutes to get her body to his car and away from the house. He wanted to showcase his work. Everyone knew a killer was in town, he figured he might as well give the town a show.

A/N—I hope you liked the chapter. So this story had almost 30 followers! So awesome, thanks to everyone following and reviewing.

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