24

~ Ellie ~

We headed back to Kaylee’s office. “We need to do something. I think it's time to spice up the investigation, don't you think??” I recommend it.

“My men and I are trying our hardest to solve this case. It's not that easy.” Kevin said.

“You have all the clues and evidence in your hands. What is so hard about this?? All you need to do is change it up.”

He was about to say something, but Kaylee interrupted by stating her concerns. She could have done this by herself and solved it before anyone else got hurt. She fears for her workers as we sit here with our tails between our legs. This needs to be shut down.

I was all in since the first incident. We need to find something that would lock him in. Kevin didn't like the idea as it brought me more into danger. That wouldn't happen if the police did their job. But, if it weren't for us, they would have given up. Waiting around isn’t going to help.

“Take this case into your own private accord. Adding more officers can lead to chaos. Plus, he is taking random girls and people we know or have seen. He is following his targets and waiting for the right moment to attack.” I said with a severe tone.

“A private investigation? That could help. If we didn’t get something, the FBI would take over, and we don’t need that. If they take my case, I will do things my way.”

I walked up to my boyfriend and stared him down. He needs to do things his way because he probably can solve them in minutes. Kevin became a detective because of his superb observational skills. People’s lives are on the line, and police are coming in too heavily. Kevin is one of the best and needs to prove it. “We need this to be over because Brad has people we care about. Jennie, Bailey, and Brandon.” I said.

Both Kaylee and Kevin's eyes lit up in unison. “Shocked, you didn't know Kevin. We live together, for Jesus' sake. It was obvious when he hadn't shown up in a few days. Brad is someone who isn’t going to stop. I think I know who he wants. Me. He got my new number and threatened me. I don’t want more slips up.”

The room got tense as the problem developed more. Initially, it was just one thing, and now it’s multiple things into one. We are running out of time. Late that afternoon, Evan and I got an escort home after work. We decided to head to the hospital to see Aria. We had a long silent ride there.

Evan didn't even say a word to me as he looked out the window. I knew what was bothering him, but he had to tell me. When we arrived at our destination, I went straight toward her room without hesitation. A police officer was guarding her room like a hawk. Good.

We peeked our heads inside to hear her voice brighten my day. "ARIA!!" we said in unison. We immediately went in for a hug. Aria hugged us back as much as possible. I could tell she was still hurting.

“Kept your promise, I see,” she said.

“Like always. How are you feeling? What did the doctor say?”

“I should be out in a couple more days. I just had surgery this morning for my ribs. But the doctor said I'm doing just fine. Once I recover, Kevin will escort me where I need to go.” She stated.

My eyes got watery for some reason. I didn’t want her to go, but she had to. I want her safe. I felt awful that she had to go through this hell. “When are you going to be back?” Evan asked.

“In a few months. I won’t be gone for too long this time. I will be able to visit more once this is over.”

It was a relief to hear that. I told her to rest as she looked exhausted. I took Evan to the side to talk to him privately. We sat down in the corner of the room. “Is something bothering you?? I can sense something is off.” I said. I needed some information.

“I’m fine, Ells. No need to worry." The look on his face didn’t match his words. I asked again with the same response. His mental state is worrying me in some way. I know his boyfriend is in the hands of the stalker, but I want him to tell me. It’s tearing me up to see him like this.

“Did you and Brandon have a fight or something?” I asked. My brother’s eyes lit up when I said that. Tears flowed down his cheeks. He became distraught. Evan finally told me about Brandon and how something did happen. Suppose he states that something, his boyfriend would be no more. Brad wasn’t bluffing about Brandon. He does have him.

Evan left the room without a single word. Tears stained his cheeks. The doctor came in to check on Aria’s state to see if she was doing alright. I nodded, and the nurse came in with medication. They inserted a liquid substance into her. It was just nutrients she needed as she couldn’t take solid food. They walked out once they were finished. My mind was everywhere, trying to figure out what to do.

I know I am a target; I know where the places are and who he is. But I wasn’t sure if it was Brad or not. He could be saying these things to throw me and everyone off while another person works behind the scenes. I sat there for a while. The lights became dim as I fell asleep. I woke up to dark clouds and no Evan. He must have gone home.

My body was sore after sitting for so long; as I stretched, I looked at Aria. Not knowing what to do next, I walked toward the bed to check the charts. They give her multiple shots a day. Ouch. At least she got her last shot, which means she can rest for the night. Yawning, I went to get a snack from the vending machine.

When I came back, the detectives were still there guarding the door. I entered the room to find a doctor by the bed. He had some medicine on the table for her. Confused, I confronted him. “Excuse me? She just had her last shot. Why are you giving her another one?” I asked with concern.

The doctor peeked up, and our eyes met. We stood there like statues. I squinted my eyes more to realize something. “You’re not a real doctor, are you?” I asked. Suddenly, he fled the room, and I went after him. When dashing out the door, “CATCH HIM!! HE’S GETTING AWAY!!” I shouted.

The detectives took double-takes before chasing him. Something made a pop sound as a small fire appeared in a trash can. Panicking, a detective and I stayed behind to help. While the other went to catch the motherfucker. With all this commotion, nobody realized a person had slipped into the room. I didn’t until I saw him leave with Aria.

“ARIA!!” I screamed. Dashing through the halls, we lost him in the stairwell. In fright, we searched up and down the aisles. I spotted them heading to the parking lot. “THERE!! OVER THERE!!” I said to the detectives. The full speed they went.

CRASH.

They accidentally crashed into each other, making us lose sight of Aria again. I couldn’t believe the suspects got away with her. Fuck!!