Chapter 17
Charlotte POV
I slammed my Motel door shut, feeling as if I'd never make it back. Her whole men's team had security stationed throughout the hotel, and something tells me it was to ensure I didn't leave; nonetheless, Kyle did attempt to assault her.
My initial impulse was to call Kyle. But instead, I went for my duffel bag. I needed to get out of town, but making sure he was okay was on my agenda. I despise the man. I liked getting my retribution. But death was something I wanted no one to experience, not even my worst enemy.
When he didn't answer the phone, something sank into my gut.
I care for Kyle; we went to school together. We were essentially best buddies until his alleged gangster lifestyle and beard got in the way. Knowing he was probably dead didn't feel right to me, but it didn't stop me from replacing all of the clothes I had thrown out on the bed the night before into the bag.
Last night. How do I characterize yesterday night? I'd say "up and down." That is how Isami Awaga made me feel. I know what she has doneeeee for my body. She touched regions that would make any woman swoon, but I wasn't emotionally ready...yet.
I replied yet, since if she catches me, I could fall. It wasn't hard to fall in love with someone who makes your body feel fantastic. So leaving before I fell for the monster would be perfect.
I closed the bag and hurled it directly at the door, landing with a loud thud. To my utter surprise, as I walked over to the window, there wasn't even a fire truck at the eatery. It was as if nothing occurred. The eatery that had been there shortly before I was born was now gone. In nothing but fire. Only the burned patch remained.
A knock came at the door, and my spirit felt as if it had left my body.
It might be one of two people at my door: Kyle, who was a whimp and wanted the weakest source to vent his rage on, or Isami, who was coming to punish me for not remaining until she could take me out of town. Believe me, after all that occurred, all I wanted was to get out of town.
The knock came again, firmly. I tiptoed to the door and looked through the peephole to see two officers. Fuck, fuck, and fuck! I'm sure they could inquire about a gazillion different topics.
I flashed my hand and shimmered my body to relieve my worry.
I really need to get out of town. I don't care if I was a suspect or a witness; all I knew was that I needed to go. Now.
I opened the door. "Good morning, Officers." I remarked with a smile, but when I saw their serious expression, it quickly faded. I cannot deal with them right now.
"Skip the formalities." Mr. Barn spoke. We have a tiny police force, so everyone knows each other. "We heard what occurred." His harsh voice came. "And we're very sorry." Mr. Brooke filled in.
I, on the other hand, was perplexed as I lay my frail body on the door.
It might be about the restaurant, or Kyle's death. Which was it? I was not going to ask, though. I was just going to stand there until they explained what their condolences were about.
"The eatery." Mr. Barn has finally confirmed.
"Yeah. What happened?"
"We're here to ask you the same question?" He reversed, and his companion took out a notebook.
I snorted nervously. "What happened?"
"According to several witnesses, a lady and some guys came in and chased everyone out before closing the eatery."
Fuck. The witnesses. I couldn't lie. But I couldn't say the truth. So there is only one thing to do: turn the lie into the truth and the truth into the lie—which makes no sense.
"Mr. Milestone simply owes some money."
"And, where is Mr. Milestone?"
I swallowed. Dead. Chopped up. Maybe on a plane to Japan—in pieces
"Uh...uhm. Isn't he at home?" Why was I defending this woman? This was the second time I'd done it—must be love.
"No, his granddaughter said; she hadn't seen him since yesterday morning."
"Really?" So even his granddaughter had no idea he was fleeing; perhaps he deserves what he got. Because I knew Isami would go for her after we all died. She was that brutal.
"Tell us what occurred yesterday." His eyes penetrated my face.
"Well, Mr. Milestone, owe her money—"
"Who is she?"
"I failed to get a name. Well, I did. Is merely because she's Korean, thus she has an unusual name." I lied. She was not Korean. However, they all appear to be the same—they were not.
"What else has happened?" He inquired, taking notes on his notepad.
"She rushed everyone out and demanded payment—"
"Did Mr. Milestone come then?"
"No, she spoke with him on the phone, and he directed us to give her everything in the safe."
"So you didn't see Mr Milestone at all yesterday."
"Yes. Only while the restaurant is open. He always departs after that."
"Is everything OK?" I inquired, already knowing what destiny Mr. Milestone had encountered. What exactly was I doing picking up for this woman?
What was I gaining from it?
"Could you please describe the woman?"
"How. She's Korean or perhaps Chinese. That is all I know."
Officer Barns grinned. "I suppose they're all the same, right?"
I nodded.
"We've got more horrible news. It appears that this woman has caused havoc in this community, huh?"
"Mm...I'm not sure. What's the bad news?"
"When was the last time you saw Kyle or any of his typical associates?"
"Here at the motel. They came to see me, we had a laugh or two, and then they went. What is wrong?"
"Are you certain it was the last time you saw them?"
So he believes I was going to tell him that this lady not only killed Mr. Milestone, but also cut him up and sent him to Japan, killed thirteen guys, and fucked me so hard in front of my ex. He must be dreaming.
"Yeah..." I sighed. "Is something wrong?"
"A dog walker found Kyle Hummock's body early this morning. He was discovered among his other brunt companions.
"Wh-what?!" I pushed tears into my eyes. "That cannot be."
"You are welcome to come down by the station to identify the deceased."
"No...I cannot." I murmured.
"That is understandable."
"Do you plan to leave town?" Officer Brooke questioned, slamming the book shut and stuffing it into his top pocket.
I looked at the duffel bag by the entrance.
"Can't I? Not that I was leaving." I chuckled nervously.
"It would be wise to stay in town in case we have further queries. Also, one final thing. Who was working with you last night?"
"Uhm..." I swallowed. If they went and questioned them and said something different, we'd all be dead—not just in prison. I ultimately gave them the names, but as soon as they departed, I grabbed my phone and phoned Nadine.
**************
My feet burnt into the carpeting as I massaged them in. I've been trying to reach Nadine for the past fifteen minutes, but I couldn't contact her.
I need her to relay the identical story that I gave the cops. If we only have one tale, they may not probe further.
I was planning to leave town tonight. Fuck the consequences. I don't mind if I become a fugitive. Maybe I'll just go to one of those countries that only need a plane ticket and my ID. Fuck the State.
I decided to give it one more shot before phoning my parents for money. I had no intention of asking them for any at first. But my intentions altered when I answered the door and spoke with the police.
"Hello." Her faint voice emerged.
"Oh, my God! Nadine! Yes!" I pumped. "Listen to me, fucking clearly."
"Wha? What!"
"Shut the fuck up. The cops will come see you and the other, I'm not sure when, but they did visit me today. You must tell them exactly what I am going to tell you."
"Why are they coming to us?"
"Mr. Milestone has died. Kyle and his friends have died. If you do not do this, you and your children will die. So shut the fuck up and listen to me. Listen closely." Walking to the window, I peered down at the parking lot and saw what appeared to be one of Isami's men getting into a black vehicle. It was the same design as the automobiles that were at the restaurant yesterday. I was being monitored.
"I don't believe this is happening." Nadine murmured.
"Well, you best tell them what I said."
How can one lady just walk into town and cause havoc? Ugh! And I can't believe she made me feel like this; I was so friggin pitiful.
"Remember, no slipups or you'll die." My voice sounded aggressive, but I can't have her mucking things up for the rest of us. "I need to go."