Stretching and feeling the pleasant pop and crack of my shoulders I headed down the street ready to get my saturday morning breakfast in my new favourite café, it was small but so was everything in this town and I liked that. The food was in no way as good as the food in the mansion growing up but then the cooks were not five star trained, a small smile grew on my face at the pleasant memories the café food brought; before my father remarried he would treat me to a café breakfast every birthday and it had been a treasured memory. I felt my smile slip as I frowned thinking back to after we moved into the mansion, both my new mother and brother refused to let me eat the lower class food as they called it; having the chef make me a special spread on my birthday instead. But it wasn't the same and as I rounded the corner and went into the café the smell of greasy food and freshly made coffee floated around me, instantly bringing me out of my memories and into the comfortable atmosphere of the small café. "Morning sweetie! Want the usual?" Smiling at the older woman behind the register I laughed lightly moving to steal the comfortable arm chair and table at the back side window, it gave me a view of the main street but wasn't fully visible giving me a great look out to enjoy my food from. "Please May, but can I have some honey to go in my tea today please? My sweet tooth is kicking in again" My light reply only got me a light shake of the older woman's head, her pale blonde hair shining in the morning light as she turned to collect a small tea pot. May had owned this café for years from what I had gathered from the other locals and she was a mother hen, from day one she was warm and welcoming whenever I came into the café even if it was for a fresh cake on my lunch break; which I found she was overly motherly chastising me on how too much sugar would make me sick. Sitting down in the fabric chair I let myself breath easy as I looked outside and took in the cars coming and going, blinking when I saw someone I recognised all too well. The ebony skinned woman was dressed in a black trouser suit with her black hair laying in an impossibly flat sheet down to her back, she was looking around with a map and photo in her hand making my chest tighten; I didn't need to see the photo to know it was of me as she began speaking to a local man.
Tina had been working for the black family since I could remember but never used a last name, she was the best of the best and if something could be found she was the one to find it; which meant she was here for one reason. When a small tray was set in front of me with my tea and side of milk sugar and honey I turned blinking at May, her eyes watching me with worry as she looked me over; I must have looked bad for her to watch me like this. "You ok sweetie? You look like you've seen a ghost" Mentally I agreed because I had seen the worst ghost possible, but I managed to stop the words coming out as I swallowing forcing a weak smile on my face. "Yeah, I just don't feel good all of a sudden. I think I will just have tea today. Settle my stomach and then go home" May murmured and of course before moving to tell the cook to cancel my food, she was far too understanding and trusting to question me and that was for the best right now. Letting eyes look outside I found Tina gone and the dread in me built, instantly my hand went into my pocket pulling out the phone I had for emergencies dialling the only number saved inside; putting it to my ear as my breathing increased as I tried and failed to calm down when I couldn't see the Tina anywhere in the main street. As soon as the line connected I spoke, my voice calm but the undeniable urgency clear to hear; for the person on the other end of the line to hear anyway. "She is here, she's found me!" There was a moment of silence and for a moment I panicked that no one was listening, but then the same calm deep voice answered me that had always been able to calm me with its familiarity. "Slow down, who found you Y/N? And did they see you?" I took a few deep breathes not wanting to seem out of norm to anyone in the café, it would only draw attention to me and that was the last thing I needed right now. "Tina, its Tina. She is stopping people in town with a ma and a picture, and I don't need to see it to know she is looking for me. And if she is here-" There wasn't a chance for me to finish before he cut me off his tone deeper than before as he took charge instantly setting me at ease.
"They will follow. Y/N this is what you are going to do, go to the garage at the edge of town and ask for the key to lock up four, the password is runaway. There is a motor cycle in there with a full tank, take as far as you can go then fill the tank and keep going; when you get tired stop at any hotel and give one of the names we chose and call me again. Do. Not. Stop, for any other reason. Get going, I will make some calls and arrange for your things to be packed up; do not go back to the house" With the last word the line cut off and I was left in purgatory, I wanted so bad to go and get some of the most treasured things in the house but I knew he was right; I had my cards some cash and new id and that was all I needed right now" Swallowing the lump in my throat I poured a small amount of te adding honey milk and some sugar, sipping it down in record time before heading to the register; I put down a small note and told May to keep the change. She called after me to get better and absently I called a thank you behind me as I took in the main street, there was no sign of Tina or anyone else I knew which settled me enough to head towards the garage; I knew where it was but never thought to visit before. I hadn't needed a car so the garage wasn't a priority on my places to visit but I was glad it was there right now, walking down the street I couldn't help but dark my eyes back and forth looking for any sign of someone following me or a unfamiliar face; I was the only new person around her for over a year so everyone else was a local or passing through. I suddenly wished I had put a larger coat on then the old thick cardigan but it wouldn't have been of any use on a bike anyway, looking around I noticed the old second hand shop and drifted inside going immediately to the clothing rack. My hands sorted through the old and worn clothes grinning in victory when an old brown leather jacket came into sight, it was a biker cut but clearly a mans and not designed for a woman; dismissing that I took it down and looked through finding an old pair of women jeans that would fit me. The thicker layer would be better than the long skirt I had on, moving on I went to look through the shoes grinning when a old worn leather set of riding boots came into sight; unlike the jacket they were clearly for a woman and even though they were a size lower than mine I could deal with my toes pinching in exchange for extra protection while riding a motor cycle.
Heading into the changing stall I threw my old clothing aside leaving my black tank top on as I put on the jeans jacket and boots, looking in the mirror I almost winced at how messy I looked with the oversized jacket; but I reminded myself it was safety over looks right now. Not bothering to pick up anything but my bag I left the stall moving to the register where an older man was watching me, he opened his mouth but I quickly cut him off. "Is it ok if I pay for what I am wearing, my boyfriend just told me we are going riding and I don't have time to go home" I forced myself to sound embarrassed looking away and speaking quieter as I mentioned boyfriend, it worked as the older man chuckled shaking his head coming around to help pull off the tags with prices on. While he moved to start pressing the numbers in I looked around trying to find anything that might be of use, my eyes catching a small selection of bags; the different bags varied in sizes and materials but my eyes quickly landed on a leather satchel type bag. I moved closer almost dismissing it before my eyes caught the shoulder straps attached to it, picking it up I took in the various shades of brown leather worn in many places but still sturdy; it had a zip centre with two locking buckles on the outer flap over the two small pockets. Testing the straps they felt strong and I turned to put it on the counter offering the man a small smile before pulling out my card to pay, very thankful that the small shop had a card machine; not even looking at what he charged me. Shoving my bag and other belongings into the bag I sealed it shut and put it on my back before heading out waving to the older man as he wished me well, hoping I had a good time with my boyfriend; I blushed but it was more from shame of lying to him than anything else. I hated lying to people and despite the fact I wouldn't see him again it still made me ashamed of myself, my father had raised me better and if it wasn't for the fact I was desperate I would never had done so. Gripping the straps on my shoulders I moved along quicker wishing my hair was down to cover my face, but in the back of my mind I realised it was a good thing I had a braid today as it would be practical with a helmet on; or at least if the thick braid fit in the helmet it would be.
Seeing the old garage and storage buildings coming into sight I moved quicker determined to get out of town and as far from here as possible before noon, I knew Tina was always ahead of her clients and if she was scouting now Nickolas and Harry would be close behind; and I needed to be out of the area by the time they got here. Coming into the old garage I was greeted by a young man's behind peeking out of a cars bonnet, stilling for a moment I looked around for anyone else but came up with nothing; swallowing I realised I was going to have to get this guys attention. Moving closer I could make out head phones on his head and knew he wouldn't hear me, mainly because I could hear his music; almost giggling when I hear the pop music filtering out. Clearing my throat I half yelled as I tapped his back firmly, hoping it would be enough to make him notice my presence. "Excuse me? Sir" Jumping back when he bolted up cursing when his head connected with the metal of the bonnet, whatever tool that he was using clattering somewhere out of sight. When he finally turned around I found he was far younger than I expected looking in his early twenties, oil and dirt smirked on his cheek as he brushed a hand over it before looking me up and down; seemingly as shocked at my appearance as I was at his. After a few seconds he cleared his throat moving closer putting his hand in his overall pocket as he gestured to me, his manner almost awkward he looked me up and down. "Can I help you miss...uh?" Suddenly realising he was asking for my name I brought myself out of own awkward stare. "Oh sorry, I'm Alexandra. I need to get the key for lock up four please, can you help me? I have the password" The name was the first that came to mind, I had four aliases memorised and I would use them all to mix up any paper work or trail I left behind; it would buy be time at least and I knew I would answer to all four names like my own. The man seemed unsure but it quickly passed as he moved to pick up a key and thick book opening it and looking at me, after a awkward few second I realised he was waiting for the password and I giggled nervously. "Oh right, password. Its runaway" I watched his eyes flicker to the book and back before he began to tap his various pockets before pulling out an old looking pen, when he held out the book I took the pen signing the name Alexandra in the empty space in the retrieved by section; when he turned putting the book away I waited having to stop myself from shuffling from foot to foot.
When he finally turned holding the key out I took it slowly forcing myself not to seem urgent or rushed, looking up at him for a moment waiting for directions. "Okay the lock up is just round the back. I will show you where four is" Before he could moved past me I spoke up, watching him look me up and down puzzled at the interruption. "Oh that ok, I'm sure I can find it. I will bring the key back in a few minutes" He seemed to want to argue before nodding heading back over to the car he had left behind when I came in, silently sighing in relief I moved to leave heading around the back of the building where several large door were bolted shut; a number painted neatly on each door. Moving to the four I put the key in the pad lock twisting it several times before the old partly rusted lock finally opened, pulling the door wide open I found the small room completely bare except for the motor cycle in the centre; a helmet hanging from one of the handle bars. I recognised the make as a MTT but I couldn't define the model but absently I noted it didn't matter, moving closer I couldn't help but fall in love with the bike and in any other circumstances I might have enjoyed being allowed on a motorcycle this nice; running my fingers over the sleek body of the bike I took in each curve of the royal blue metal. After a minute of admiring the appearance I moved to the helmet and pushed it on to see if it would fit my braid and sighed when it wouldn't, taking it off I pulled the braid lose and tied it in a low ponytail at the base of my neck; it would stop my hair from getting in my way but be loose enough to get the helmet on properly. Pushing the stand out from under the bike I pushed it out of the lock up before closing the door locking it despite knowing there was no point, it was more reflex than anything as I moved to the edge of the building taking the keys inside and put the keys on the table; I noticed the man was watching me from the car still working on it absently. Murmuring a thank you I walked out, it was better to leave quick rather than start useless conversation; the less this man knew the better and safer he would be. If Nickolas and Harry follow my trail here they would be less than kind in prying any information from anyone in their path, the fact he was male would just make him instantly guilty just for talking to me. I couldn't help but shudder at a memory of Nickolas beating a boy who pushed me in the park I had snuck out to visit, by the time he was done the boy had lost at least three teeth and if it hadn't of been for the crying mess I had been in I would have been punished for leaving the mansion; but instead Nickolas and Harry tightened the reins on me during the breaks we had from home schooling. I lost nearly all my alone time for three months and even then they managed to get the staff to watch me and make it impossible to sneak out... not that I had wanted to after that.
Putting the helmet on again I made sure it was strapped on tight before adjusting the straps on the backpack, the last thing I needed was to have it fall off or move around when I was riding and throw off my balance. Zipping up the jacket I gave once last look around as I mounted the bike, I had come to like this place and was... had looked forward to a peaceful life her; but that wasn't important now. Flicking the stand up I revved the motor bike to life before putting my feet up to head away from town, the fastest route to the main roads was ten minutes ride away and I wanted to get on it as soon as possible. I didn't bother looking around focusing on the traffic somewhat thankful it was a motorbike I was left with as an escape vehicle, a car would have been much slower and much easier to track if someone was following you; and this way I could move through road blocks cars couldn't. And after about half an hour I found myself speeding over seventy miles an hour away from anyone who could be trying to follow me, letting myself become immersed in the feel of the machine working beneath me and the low hum of the surrounding traffic I rode past. I daren't let my mind wander too far, I hadn't rode a bike in a long time and I was not about to crash or risk it happening; there was a lot of drivers who didn't seem to care if a bike was close to their car when they turned. I had almost been run off the road by at least three cars so far and all of them were just ignorant of my presence, only one having the gall to apologise for doing it. I was snapped out of the thought by a small red light on my the dial in front of me, I found it was the fuel gauge telling me I was getting low; finally looking up briefly I noted how dark it was getting. I must have been driving for a long time, it had only felt like a few hours but obviously it was far longer; turning into a service station I went to the first pump free and started filling the tank again. Once it was finally full I went inside to pay absently noting the chocolate along the wall as I came closer to the counter, I hadn't noticed how hungry I was until I saw it; sighing I decided to have a snack until I stopped at a hotel. Taking two chocolate bars I headed to the fridges and took out a milkshake, the strawberry flavoured drink would be enough to help fill my stomach and give my body the illusion I was full until I could stop to eat a meal; deciding to be safe than sorry I took a second and a bottle of water. As I went to pay I also filled my arms with other snacks which I could use later on as well as some chewing gum, they would all help give me a sugar boost if I needed it; paying I was quick to pack away what I was saving for later and downed the milk shake and chocolate. Any other time I might have been embarrassed if someone saw me eating in a rush like this but right now it was the last thing on my mind, throwing away the rubbish I got back to my bike mounting up and putting my helmet and backpack securely back in place; I wasn't tired et and I wanted as much mileage as possible under my belt before I found somewhere to sleep and eat properly.
( AUTHOR POV )
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE IS GONE!?" Nickolas's bellow would have shaken any man but the woman in front of him on the runway managed to stand her ground though it was clear she was afraid. Her heavy swallow filled the afternoon air as she stood in front of the two men, her from was tense as she watched both before speaking; her voice the only thing about her seeming unaffected by their dominating presence. "I arrived this morning and began tracking down the house Miss Black has been living in, when there was clearly no one home I... gained entry and looked around." The silence was painful as the two men stared into the woman's very soul; Nickolas made to take a step towards her until Harry's hand landed on his shoulder stilling him; though it was clear to see the deadly rage in his eyes as Harry spoke. "And?" Harry's calm tone didn't hide the deep authority in his voice, it wasn't a question; it was a demand. Licking her lips the woman seemed to draw on her courage before speaking, her entire form stiffening more making her appear like a living statue as she spoke; her voice no longer as steady as it had been. "There is no sign that she has left however when I returned to town I spoke with a café owner who identified her and said she left in a hurry, looking pale and unsettled. When I followed where she directed me a second hand shop owner said she purchased an entire new outfit and backpack leaving her old clothing behind, telling him her boyfriend-" The look on both men's faces was murderous and it was clear it intimidated the woman as she paused before continuing a little less confidently than before. "That they were going riding and she didn't have time to change, but at the garage a man informed me she emptied a lock up; he thinks she left on a motor cycle. She had a helmet and he heard a bike start up after she returned the key" Both men shared a glance for a moment, Y/N's father had allowed her to learn to ride a bike before he died; neither had like the fact and when she had bought her own and tried her hand at racing they made sure she never touched one again. Though neither had wanted to admit it she had been an excellent rider and if she did leave on a motor bike she would a long way from here by now, Harry turned back to the tense woman his eyes boring into hers as he spoke; his voice cold and commanding. "Take us to the house, while we look around you will have ten hours to find out where Y/N went or you will lose more than your fee"
The woman nodded curtly, her long strait hair moving in a swaying sheet to come over her shoulder as she gestured to a waiting car; most men moved quickly to the rear door as she proceeded to join the driver in the front. Not a moment after the doors clicked shut the engine started and the car began driving into town. While the two in the front kept their gaze focused on the road ahead Nickolas and Harry took in the passing buildings and greenery, they both instantly realised why Y/N had chosen this place; it was quiet and tranquil and very much a small closed off town where everything that happened in town stayed in town. As they pulled up to the house the two men got out their eyes taking in the small house, Nickolas's eyes softening as he found the house a perfect match for his Y/N; its beauty was subtle and although it was not large it was not small either giving it a comfortable feel. The sound of running water told him there was either a small river nearby or on the property which he knew Y/N would love, she had always loved the sound and she and his mother had in the first few weeks of her joining the family spent time together by the fountains in their garden; before he had begun taking too much of her time to do so. When he glance to Harry he found he was looking back and knew he thought the same, when the sound of the door opening reached them both men turned and began up the path; neither gave the woman another glance as she remained outside of the house watching them enter. Both began walking through each room at a leisurely pace, their eyes taking in everything from the way it was decorated to the small items in each room; until finally they moved to the top floor. When they finally entered the bed room they both stopped still, the familiar smell filling their senses as they moved further inside; Harry stopping by the bed's side while Nickolas continued to move around his cold eyes searching as if for something to tell him what had happened. "Perhaps we should have of her things brought to the mansion, it appears she put a lot of thought into the little nest she made here" Nickolas hummed in response to Harry's words, neither had thought much on what they would do with the house Y/N had been living in; it was hers after all so they wouldn't just abandon it. When Nickolas stopped at the opposite side of the bed both looked over the welcoming piece of furniture, Y/N had always avoided her bed; having tried to sleep in various different places in the mansion than in her own bed. That had never been acceptable to either of the two men standing looking over the partially made bed, both Nickolas and Harry had made a point of having both or one of them sleeping with her each night; even if she tried to sleep elsewhere they always brought her back to either her own or one of their beds for the night.
"I want this burned" Nickolas looked up to watch his friend, Harry was glaring at the bed; the side he was standing on was clearly where Y/N slept and it seemed barley used. Nickolas said nothing as Harry's hand moved down to caress the pillow, his face twisting into a grimace as his fingers traced the bohemian pattern; the mixture of grey and blues was soft but not gentle under his skin. The bedding was well made but nowhere near the level of softness or quality of that in their home, and the size of the double bed was far too small for either of their likings; all the beds in their home being no smaller than a king even in childhood and had been specially made to accommodate three people with plenty of room to spare by Nickolas's orders as soon as he had gained control of the inheritance. "I will make sure that it is destroyed. Come on, I saw a staircase downstairs; let's find out where it goes" Nickolas didn't wait for Harry to follow, he didn't need to as Harry only took one more glance around the bedroom before following Nickolas downstairs and down the stair case heading down frowning; he knew even if Nickolas didn't that houses like this were not built with basements usually. Finding the door at the bottom locked Nickolas growled under his breath while Harry rolled his eyes pushing him aside, pulling out a small pouch from his pocket then two small tools from inside; Harry pressed them into the lock while his friend remained silent behind him knowing Harry needed silence to hear the tell tale click of the lock giving way to the manipulation of the tools. As Harry pushed the door walking inside both stopped still after taking only a few strides into the room, both of their gazes taking in the familiar room they would never easily forget. The midsized room was lit enough for everything to be visible lighting up as soon as they entered automatically, everything as they recognised it from their time seeing Y/N for any reason since she left them; Nickolas moved to the large black box on the far wall which would be out of sight to anyone viewing the room as they had before. Opening it as Harry moved around sorting through anything not locked for information Nickolas studied the circuits inside, frowning he began looking over the different labels wires and switches; but frowned in uncertainty needing conformation before he declared his thoughts correct. "Harry" The firm call was a command not a request, once which had an immediate response as Harry left the files he had been looking through to stand at Nickolas's side; his eyes narrowing as he looked to what still Held Nickolas's full attention. "What the hell is Y/N doing with this in her house?" Nickolas moved aside as Harry began to inspect and test switches making the electrics and various machines in the room buzz to life, he watched Harry's work before finally asking anything; needing clarification, if Harry was this intrigued then the technology here was far more advanced than he had thought.
"What is this Harry? It looks like a circuit grid used in advance Tec projects, is it some kind of control centre?" Harry didn't even look away as he continued to look inside the box, his eyes occasionally looking around to see the machines respond or look to wires running to the desk from the box; when he finally replied his voice was steady but it was quiet as he was clearly still engrossed in what he was trying to find. "Yes and no, it's far too advanced to just control the room like a fuse box; it's like a advanced filter and security control circuit. It is what kept the lines from being tracked and closed plus controls the main electronics and their connections, by the looks of what we found up stairs this is the only place in the house that could connect home or have any access to internet; even if Y/N set this up or designed it she had help. This is far too advanced for just one person to set up or even put into place, but I can use this to find out who set it up or help Y/N to; and when I do his ass is mine. I want to know just how they did it" Nickolas looked slightly shocked at how deep and aggressive Harry's voice became, he was not a man to be easily riled and there was few times it had ever happened; but then no one had ever been stupid or brave enough to try and take Y/N from them. Nickolas put his hand on Harry's shoulder trying to calm him, as he opened his mouth to speak the door creaked making both men turn to see Tina enter her face covered in a grin; her voice showing it as well as she called out to them both before she turned to return upstairs. "I've got something" Sharing a glance Harry nodded his head towards the door before looking back into the box, his hands making quick work of the cover to reveal the inner workings. "You go ahead, I won't be long; the sooner we find our girl and get her home the sooner we end this nightmare. And the sooner we make the people who tried to help her realise who they are dealing with" The darkness in Harry's tone ignited a dark flare in both of them, Nickolas's face twisting into a dark smirk as he moved to go upstairs; Harry wore his own his the darkness in both of them swirling in the air. If anyone had seen it they would have pitied the person to receive their focus... and maybe pity for the girl they were getting ever closer to catching.