Stephanie Edgley groaned as her alarm went off. Time for work. She got up begrudgingly and wandered to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and washed her face, staring at her reflection. She was doing good. She had graduated from uni and found work immediately after. She had moved out. She did her shopping and even made her own appointments. She was doing well for a twenty three year old. She got dressed, grabed a granola bar and walked the short while to the restaraunt. She was a waitress at one of the best restaurants in Ireland, and she loved it. "Seeeeephanie?" Said a voice behind her. She spun and grinned, throwing her arms around her friend Isobel. Her blonde hair was in a bun today, her brown eyes wide. "So... You know how me and Josh have been going out for a month?" She started, and Stephanie already knew where this was going.
"Yes?"
"Would... You want to, like, lock up for me?" She asked smiling.
"Sure thing." Isobel screamed and crushed her ribs again. "Thank you thank you thank you thank you!" She said. Stephanie laughed and clocked in, then started working. The day went fast, there wasn't a signle empty table and Stephanie had more than enough to do. She smiled brightly and introduced herself time and time again, offering menus and the specials, and beaming at small children. She was thrilled with the tips she had gotten that day. Isobel came out of the bathrooms, her lips paintd red and her eyes dark. She waved a condom at Stephanie and winked. "Tonight is the night." She promised, stuffing it in her glittery black clutch. Stephanie laughed and said her goodbyes. Stephanie did a double check, making sure the kitchen was spotless and the appliances turned off, the moonlight shining through the high windows. Then she heard glass shattering. She ducked behind a counter, pulling her phone out and dialling the police station's number.
"999, what's your emergency." Said the monotonous voice on the other end. Stephanie heard more glass breaking.
"Someone is breaking into my restarount." Stephanie whispered quietly as she heard rummaging.
"Please stay calm, what restourant?"
"The Plate."
"Operatives have been sent out, please stay on the phone with me ma'am, what is your name?"
Another crash. What were they doing?
"Stephanie Edgley." She whispered quietly. Someone was coming into the kitchen. Her heart hammered so loud she was sure they would hear. Her legs were shaking and her palms were sweaty and she was scared. The woman on the voice repeated something, but Stephanie didn't dare speak. She didn't dare breath. There was a burp, then the heavy footsteps left. "Stephanie?"
"Yes, I'm here." She assured the woman. She heard the little breath of releif from her, just as she heard sirens. She heard the person swear, a man, then more crashing. The doors opened and she heard the police, a man and woman. "They're here." Stephanie told the woman, surprised at the speed of things. The woman said goodbye and the line went dead as the police man walked in. "Hello?" He asked softly. Stephanie stood up, her leg muscles happy. "Hi." She said, unsure of what else to say. "You should leave... Try not to look." He said, looking ill. Stephanie frowned but stepped around the counter and walked out of the kitchen and stopped.
Isobel was dead.
Stephanie took a step back, bumping into the officer, and she tried to keep the threatening scream in her throat. She tried not to look at the shards of glass, at the blood everywhere, the footsteps. The man put his hand on her back and lead her out. Stephanie was crying. "Detective Gallows? We need you." The woman officer was saying into her phone. Stephanie had to stay to answer questions. The man had escaped. How was beyond Stephanie's comprehension, as well as the fact that Isobel was dead. More police cars pulled up, along with an ambulance. Her body was carried away. Her parents arrived. So did Josh. Their friend, their daughter. Gone. She was fine. She was happy. She was going to go and have sex with Josh then come in and tell Stephanie about it, whether she wanted to hear it or not. But she would never come in again. She was gone. Stephanie was sitting in the back of the police car, feeling numb and like she was dreaming, when a black fancy car pulled up.
A tall, thin man got out. He was wearing a blue pinstriped suit, and a wide brimmed had. It was late and Stephanie idly wondered if he was quick at getting ready or was already dressed. The officers filled the man in first. He was illuminated by a street light which emphasised his stong jaw and cheekbones. His hair was dark brown, his skin pale. He caught her staring at him and gestured for her to come out. He offered his hand. "My name is Nathanial Gallows. I'm terribly sorry about your loss. I'm also apologetic that I have to question you, but I'm afraid I must." He said matter-of-factly. He went through "routine" questions until he was satisfied, then he offered to drive her home. She accepted, grateful to go home. To go to sleep. "Are you okay?" He asked gently.
"No." Stephanie said honestly.
He nodded and kept his eyes on the road.
"Turn right here. Just the flats there." She said. He pulled up and switched the engine off. "I don't want to be alone." She said, then flushed, unsure of why she said it. He stared at her for the longest time. Nathanial rached across her to the glove box, where he took out a pen and peice of paper. He scribbled something down on it. "This is my persoanl number. Don't hesitate to call, Miss Edgley." He said, passing it to her. She nodded dumbly, mumbled an apology and walked up to her flat. She walked in, shut and locked the door, then went to her window, where she saw the gleam of the black car. It wasn't leaving. He was't going to leave her. She got changed in her room. She crawled into bed. Isobel is dead. Her friend. She shouldn't of hid. She should have been brave and went out when she heard a noise. Not cower behind a damn stove. She heard a noise and before she knew what she was doing, the light was on, her phone in one hand, his number in the other. He picked up first ring. "I heard a noise." She said.
"Noises are a common thing."
"But... You're right. I'm sorry."
"No need to apolgise. Is there anything else, Miss Edgley?" When the hell did his voice get so velvety?
"Oh... no, wait, you may up to something here... One moment." Stephanie froze as she heard a creak. Then her front door burst open and Nathanial walked in, yelling don't move. Stephanie peered from behind her door, seeing the man. He smiled and then pressed a button on his mobile. "My reinforcements are on their way. Even if you hurt me, you won't beat them." Then he pulled out a gun, and Stephanie froze and Nathanial's shoulders slumped. "Damn."
"Both of you sit, right there. Where I can see you." He said, gesturing to the couch. Stephanie shakily sat down beside Nathanial Gallows. He smelled nice. The man sat on Stephanie's coffee table, opposite them. He didn't smell nice. "Not be long now." He assured them.
"I simply can't wait, can you Miss Edgely? I'm excited." Nathanial said cheerfully. Stephanie looked at him like he was crazy. No one said anything until the door was kicked open and six other men filed in through the door, laughing and smiling and just being generally annoying. That's when Nathanial grabbed her hand, hoisted her up and ran towards the window, yelling "Be brave!" The Stephanie felt glass shatter and she was falling and then she was in front of Aphrodite who was smiling. "Very well done." She said clapping. "I'm impressed."

Okay, this one is lengthy! Thanks for reading, please review!