I know it's a little short, but I thought it was a perfect ending for this chapter. I'm evil I know...I'm sorry..Kind of :D

Chapter Ten

Two days. That's how long it's been since Brooke died. There's still no leads. I can't say that I'm not frightened because well, that would be a lie. I'm scared to death. This is Tree Hill, it's not like I live in New York City were murders are an everyday occurrence. No, I live in small, sleepy Tree Hill. There hasn't been an actual murder here in years. I shudder at the thought, as I pull my Jeep up to the curb next to Karen's Cafe. I took the last two days off, afraid to actually leave my house. Lucas refused to leave my side, and I was thankful for his over protectiveness.

"Hey Karen," I greet her as I enter the cafe. My glum expression is repeated in her features.

Even though neither of us knew Brooke Davis very well, it's still difficult losing someone that you know. Especially in the way that we did. She was murdered, and the incompetent police can't even find her killer. Their still out there, and what if they get the random urge to murder someone else?

"Hey Peyt, how you feeling?" she asked, as I hung my jacket up. Singer was right on my heels. I just couldn't bare staying away from Lucas and Singer, so I brought with me the only one that I could. Even though I knew that Lucas would spend the entire day in the cafe if I asked him to.

"Probably as good as I look? I didn't sleep well at all—Neither did Lucas for that matter. I kept having nightmares," I sighed, as I threw my apron on, and started doing busy work, trying to keep my mind busy.

"Oh Peyton. Honey you need to take care of yourself. You can take the day off, and get some sleep," Karen said, pointing in the direction of the door.

"That's sweet Karen, really it is. Normally I would jump at the opportunity too. Lucas needs to get some work done at the shop, and he refuses to leave my side when I'm home. So I might as well get some stuff done too. I need to keep my mind busy anyway," I sighed, as she wrapped her arms around me.

"I'm so sorry honey. I know that Brooke's death has been hard on you. It's been hard on me too. I'm just so glad that Lucas is taking such good care of you," she spoke softly, before kissing my forehead.

She was like the mother that I missed in my life, as I was sure I was like the daughter she never had.

"Thanks Karen, and yeah Luke's been great. I love him so much," I smiled at her, my first real smile in the past couple of days.

"That's good honey, since that boy is absolutely crazy about you. You need to start taking care of yourself though. He'd lose his mind if anything happened to you, you know," she winked at me, before handing me the busing tray.

I smiled back softly, before walking toward the table that had just been emptied. When I got there, I saw that there was a note underneath the tip. I snatched both up quickly, carrying them over to Karen, assuming both were for her.

"Whoever was at that table left this for you," I said, without paying any mind to either objects in my hand.

Karen offered me a smile, before glancing down, and taking both objects from my hand.

"Wait a minute honey. This note has your name on it," she spoke softly.

"Oh—do you know who was sitting at that table?" I asked, curious as to who would know I'd be working today.

"A young gentleman. He kind of looked like Lucas, but I don't think it was. He would have said something to me," she trailed off as she left the counter to attend to a couple of her customers.

I opened the note slowly, almost afraid of what was awaiting me. I gasped loudly, as my hand covered my mouth.

"What is it honey?" Karen rushed back over, as I handed her the note.

Peyton,

You can't get away from me that easily. You'll pay for what you did. You and that useless boyfriend of yours. I've been watching, and I'll be watching. Yours is coming.

Love,

Ian Banks

I felt the bile rise in my throat, and tried to push it back down. Suddenly I was sure, he had something to do with Brooke's death. I don't know how I knew this, it was more of a feeling, call it women's intuition, but I knew that bastard killed Brooke Davis, and he wasn't gonna stop until both me and Lucas were dead.

Special Shout-Out Thanks to:

Tweetiebird86

TarHeelsSuperstar

Lovely35