Can't Let You Go (Book 2 of Don't Let Me Go)

Chapter 30

''She did, twice, some weeks ago, I can't remember exactly when, but I remember she came because she was looking for My Lili, but Lili wasn't there.''

''Who is Lili?''

''My granddaughter'' she smiled '' An adorable girl she is. That day I wrapped Taiwanese chicken for her and she took a picture of me... she said she was trying out the camera her mother got for her'' Maria nodded

''And the second time?''

''She didn't stay long... she came to give me this printed copy of the picture and I wanted to wrap her a Taiwanese chicken then...'' she paused to think '' oh yes, she suddenly ran away''

''Do you know who was chasing her?''

''I don't know him.. but he goes to the same school as her, from his uniform I could tell...'' I stepped closer to ask

''Did he say something to her?''

''No... he just called her name... at first I didn't know who it was, but I know she looked terrified and ran away before I could give her Taiwanese chicken and after she ran away... the boy ran past my shop, and from the uniform I assumed they were just friends having a misunderstanding..'' she shrugged '' You know how childern are these days''

''I see'' Maria nods

''Do you have a camera here by chance'' I asked, and she nodded and then pointed to a corner of her shop. The camera was well hidden that no one would suspect. Immediately, I called Lucas, positive that we would find something there. There is no way the police would suspect that this shop captured the scene; we can only find out when Lucas plays the footage.

In no time, Lucas came to join us. Lucas collected the card, and we were able to locate the footage from that day. It was a long watch, but we found what we were looking for. The boy who ran past the shop after Madison ran off. It was blurry, but I guess he was about 14, 15 years old. With a copy of the footage. We got into the car and drove off. The car remained silent as Lucas focused on investigating his identity. I drove us to that place. The coffee shop, where I first met Maria again.

Maria seemed to be familiar with the salesgirl. Who whined about the boss acting all strange lately, and she made Maria promise that she would talk to the boss.

''You are friends with the owner of this place? '' I started a conversation the moment we all settled with our coffee, and she shook her head

''I am the owner of this place,'' she let out blankly before sipping her coffee. I wouldn't say I was shocked, more like I was impressed. Maria is far from what she was 13 years ago, but strangely still the same. A lot has changed, she changed, but she was still Maria to me '' She wants me to talk to the manager'' she clarified, and I nodded in understanding

''Found him'' Lucas announced, then turned his laptop towards us. The face on the screen was strangely familiar, and it didn't take me a minute to figure out who he was and what family he comes from

" Paul Thompson?'' Maria called out his name with a hint of curiosity in her tone, "Who is that?" The frustrated sigh Lucas released was difficult to ignore, and I smirked at the image before us

"Well, this just got interesting'' Maria raised an eyebrow at my words

"You know him?'' seeking answers

" The Thompson family'' Lucas turned the laptop around as he began "one of Empire's Major shareholders... They happen to be the Gauntlet current case'' he stared at the screen for a while, then frowned, " Just when I thought Liam was the Family Mess... Turns out his youngest son is as well''

"So is his daughter'' I added, remembering Alex's words about her

" So?'' Maria looks from me to Lucas " Are you worried going after them would affect Empire?'' Confusion " If that is the case, then I will..''