Chapter 3
Declan approaches the old building, giving a soft knock on the door.
"Hello." He looks through the dirty windows.
"Is anyone home?"
He knocks again, harder this time.
"It's no use." He mutters to himself.
When he turns to leave he collides with another body, making him fall to the ground.
"I'm sorry." He immediately says.
He briefly begins to gather himself off the ground, right before the cold metal is pressed firmly against his head.
"Don't move one inch. Toss your bag out to the side. Do it now."
Declan obeys, carefully doing what he's told. He didn't want any confrontation .
"Place your hands on your head."
He peacefully complies.
He can side eye the stranger, he's taking Declan's bag, going through it and emptying the contents on the ground.
"Hey that's my stuff!"
"Yea and this is private property, my property. Why are you here? On a dare? Town just too boring for ya? Didn't you see the no trespassing sign down by the road?"
Declan tries to turn around to explain but when he does, the barrel of the shotgun only gets closer.
"Do not test me, I will blow you to pieces here and now, don't you move again."
"Okay, okay," he breathes, " I'm here looking for a school? It was said to be at this exact location."
The man chuckles. "There hasn't been a school here in fifteen years. So again tell me really why are you here?"
He empties the shells.
"I'm telling the truth man, I was told there was a school and a man named Alaric Saltzman who might be able to help me. If you just point me in the right direction I'll get out of your hair, I swear."
"The right direction is back the way you came."
"Please I'm just-" he slowly turns around and stands, brushing the leaves off his clothes.
"What part of leave don't you understand?"
He reaches for his bag but the man aims the gun back at him again.
"Leave it."
"I need it. It's mine."
"Not anymore."
"Please it's all I have."
"It's on my property now son, just think of it as collateral for sneaking up here," he points towards Declan, " You're lucky I don't get the police involved," he spits, " Now get before I change my mind."
With a huff Declan starts his journey back to the road, back to town.
He was furious, everything he had was gone.
…
By the time he reaches the bar it's almost closing time.
He takes a seat on the stool, as the crowds of people began to walk out.
"Soooo you're back again."
He gives an agitated deep sigh. "I'm not in a mood.
"Now you know how I feel," Abby gives him a pat on the shoulder, eyeing the dirt on his shirt," you look like crap," she sighs and checks her watch, " and if you're gonna' sit here all night feeling sorry for yourself I suggest you do it fast, we close in ten minutes."
"You have a phone I could use."
"Over there by the door make it quick."
He pats his pocket and sucks his teeth. "You have a quarter I could use?"
"If it'll help you get out of here than sure, I have plans." She hands him a dollar in change.
He walks over to the phone sliding the quarters in and patiently waiting for someone to pick up the phone. He's relieved when he hears a soft voice on the other side answer.
"Hey mom is dad there?"
She asked why he was calling from a pay phone and where he was.
"Look mom it's a long story." He leans up against the phone booth.
"I just need a few more dollars." There's silence,
"You know what fine, I don't need this from you guys."
He slams the phone down and frustratingly runs a hand through his hair.
"Times up."
"It's fine Abigail I was just leaving anyway."
He's outside shivering, sitting on the closest bench.
She cuts out the lights and begins to lock the door.
When she sees him she walks over."Your stalking is getting out of hand at this point. Why are you out here?"
"Thinking."
"About?"
"Stuff."
"Like?"
"Don't you have plans? Why so worried about me? Five hours ago you couldn't stand me. Make up your mind."
"You know what fine, freeze to death for all I care."
Her ride pulls up and she hops in, as the car slowly pulls off.
"Who is that guy?"Her friend asked as she entered the vehicle.
"He's nobody Nicole, just please, let's go."
"Wait he's kinda hot. Let's go talk to him." She puts the car in reverse.
"Or we could go?" She'd asked, annoyed.
"But he's so cute, just look at him, shivering in the cold. It's not safe out here."
"Have you been drinking? We don't know this guy, he could be a serial killer."
"I have been drinking but," she slurs, "In my defense you were just talking to him five minutes ago Abb's."
"I already asked earlier, he said no."
"Really?" She side eyes her, "Did you ask politely or ask like you?"
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" She asked in a sassy tone.
"Do I really have to tell you?" Nicole deadpans.
"Let's go Nic please."
"No, not moving till you ask him."
"Welp I guess we'll sit here for the night."
"If you won't I will."
"Nicole no-"
Before she can say anything she's gone.
Abby leans her head back and watches through the side mirror.
And Next thing she sees is Declan riding climbing in back seat.
Poor Declan. Abby sure is sassy, isn't she?
-Thanks for reading and let us know what you guys think! #happyreading