Lost and Found 5 Chapters

7/31/2019 Lost and Found 5 Chapters

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Lost and Found

by

Alisha Ward


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Ward Lost and Found 2

So it started like this

Philip Glass was late for a very important meeting, and couldnt help but feel a bit

like the White Rabbit as he glanced down at his pocket watch.

It was all that damned womans fault, anyway. If she hadnt been so drunk, he

would have closed the deal in minutes and been on his way to the office. But no, shed

been practically drooling on herself, apparently set on making his job difficult. And now

he was late for the most important meeting of his life.

Damn, damn, damn that woman.

Although, he could still pull off getting away with that horrible botch-up, if only

everything else went smoothly. His boss was a reasonable man; surely he would

understand that he had no control over the clients.

Phil had to hope.

Pushing his way through the revolving door and nodding to the receptionist, he

scurried to the elevators and tap-tap-tapped on the button. When the doors dinged open,

he shoved through the throng of people exiting and jammed his finger onto the button for

the top floor. He glanced at his watch again as the doors closed and the elevator started

upwards. He cursed.


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Phil? Phil fromManagement? Phil looked up at the only other occupant in the

elevator and scowled. Its me, Michael!

Advertising, right? he asked the tall, blonde-haired man beside him. How are

you?

Michael chuckled. Oh, Im doing great. He shot a sympathetic look towards

Phil. I expect youre not doing so well, though. Tough break, being late for an important

meeting.

Phil peered at him through narrowed eyes. Howd you know I had a meeting?

Michael flashed him a smile. Oh, didnt you know? Theres a memo going

round. He reached in his briefcase and pulled out a lavender sheet of paper, handing it

over.

As soon as his eyes caught the first line, Phils hands began to shake.


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interoffice memo

Date: 11/03/94

From: Theresa Thomas, Head of Termination

RE: Glass, Philip N.

Priority: [Urgent]

As of March 11, 1994, the contract of worker # S583D09379 is terminated.

There is now an opening in the Management department. The first worker topresent Mr. Glass to Head of Management will be given this position and a new

contract.

Happy Hunting!

Theresa ThomasTheresa Thomas

Head of Termination


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Sorry, old boy, Michael said, grinning. Phil looked up at him, a drop of sweat

hanging on the end of his nose. He made a choking sound as the blonde-haired man

dissolved into a horrifying, razor-toothed creature, ripping a very nice suit in the process.

No! he screamed, his back against the side of the elevator. No, if you spare

me, Ill But nobody will ever know what Philip Nathaniel Glass would have done to

save his own life, for at that exact moment, the creature named Michael ripped his throat

out.

The memo drifted to the floor.

The elevator doors dinged open.

Michaelappearing very human once morebent down, scooped up the dead

mans briefcase, and stepped out onto the top floor, smiling at the receptionist there.

Hello, Ms. Thomas? Michael Anthony, here to see about the opening in

Management.


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Part 1

The Re-Introduction


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Chapter One

Susanna Underwood was dead.

Not oh, Im so tired I could just die dead.Deaddead.

It wasnt a pretty sight, either. In fact you could say that it was downright

gruesome. Then again, poor Sue wasnt an old woman who would be remembered for

how wonderful she was as she died peacefully in her sleep. She was, or rather, had been

an eighteen-year-old girl with no family watching over her passing, and nothing for

people to remember her for. By all means, she was completely unremarkable.

Which didn't mean she was normal.

Well thats the last time I let a train run overmyhead, Susanna muttered,

brushing the dirt and leaves off of her jacket as she stood up on wobbly legs. She glanced

over when she heard a sound like a bike crashing into a tree, and realized there was a girl

staring at her that had, in fact, just crashed her bike into a tree. Smiling brightly, she

waved at the girl, who was looking between her and the train tracks, her mouth working

as if shed like to scream.


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Susanna hoped she wouldnt. Her head felt as if it was split in two. Of course, just

a few moments before, it hadbeen split in two, but she hadnt expected it to hurt

afterward, at least not this much. It wasnt as bad as when shed gotten mauled by a bear,

but still. It was pretty bad.

Grimacing at the dumbfounded girl and dragging her own bike out of the scrub

surrounding the train tracks, Susanna said, Hey, you wouldnt happen to have anything

for headaches, would you?

II The girl froze, blinked, and then started digging around in her bag.

Uhm, yeah, I do. Is aspirin okay? Scooting forward on her bike, the girl handed

Susanna two blue pills. She shifted nervously. You didnt just, uhI mean, I thought I

saw

No. No, of course not, Susanna said, downing the pills. She paused before

glancing at the girl and throwing her a grin. Only joking, you did see me get run over.

Leaving the girl spluttering to herself, Susanna took hold of her mangled bike and

walked off into the not-quite-setting sun. She had to get home, and soon.

She had a history paper due on Monday.

~*~

Halfway through Saturday morning, after her fifth walk around the block for

inspiration, Susanna conceded that she probably needed help with her homework. It


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wasn't that she didn't know what to write aboutshe just couldn't make herself care

enough to do it. As she trudged up the stairs to her room, though, something occurred to

her: she had no one to ask for help. In all her years at high school, she had never managed

to find time enough to make friends.

Sighing, she continued up the stairs, mentally shuffling through the small-enough-

to-count-on-one-hand list of people she knew at school. She nearly laughed out loud

while doing so, though, when she knew there was only one person she could call, really.

Well. Her mother was always asking her to talk to someone normal for a change. Sue

supposed it was time to sit down and give Pete Young a call.

Though they had lived just down the street from each other since they were

babies, Sue hadn't spoken to Pete for years. They'd been friends until middle school, but

when she'd started working, she hadn't had the time for friends anymore. She thought she

might have said hello to him a few weeks ago, but couldn't quite remember.

She'd done a lot of work since then.

Fretting was not Susanna's normal state of mind, but she found herself doing

plenty of it before giving Pete a call. When she finally got the courage to go through with

it, though, she found herself hanging up the phone sheepishly after an easy, casual

conversation with the young man that resulted in one study date to take place that

afternoon.

Before she could congratulate herself for having a normal conversation, the phone

rang again. Grimacing at the lack of details on the ID screen, she decided she was in a


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good enough mood to answer what was probably a telemarketing call. She picked up the

receiver grudgingly, muttering a hello into it.

A deep, mysterious male voice came from the other end, Miss Underwood?

The girl in question smiled. No matter how many times she got calls like this,

they never stopped being fun. No habla ingles. So sorry. Wrong number.

Es ustedSusanna Underwood? the voice asked without missing a beat.

Sue barked out a laugh and said, Dont call here again. I have an office, and I

would suggest you try there.Adis, seor.

No, please, seorita, the voice said before she could hang up. She brought the

receiver back to her ear out of curiosity. It has taken me many days to find you. You are

a very well-hidden young woman.

Sue smiled at the man's subtle compliment. Im listening. Consider yourself

lucky, she said, leaning against the counter. She glanced out the high window that

looked over their street, watching the way the shadows played against the neighbors

fences. She noticed a small grey cat sitting in the shade across the street. It stayed very

still, its eyes trained on where she stood at the window.

Thank you. I apologize for contacting you at home, but it was the best I could do

in an emergency, the man said, sounding penitent. I trust you understand. One of

Sues eyebrows twitched with annoyance.


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Yes, I understand but it doesnt make it any less of an inconvenience. So if you

could make this quick? She crossed an arm over her chest. She could hear laughter

coming from the living room, where her mother was watching television.

Of course.I am calling you regarding something of mine I seem to have lost.

Thats what Im here for, Mister...?

Novatz. I understand you have a business of finding things. Things that may

seem a bit strange. He spoke with confidence, a trait unusual for Sue's normal clients.

She found her interest piqued.

What exactly do you mean by strange, Mr. Novatz? she asked, glancing across

the street at the cat still watching her.

Do you suppose we could discuss this in person, Miss Underwood? Novatz

said, sounding wary.

Of course, Sue began, rattling off her usual speech. If youd like to make an

appointment, just stop by my office at 112 Oakley Street and Ill get you set up. Alright?

Yes, that is fine. Youll see me soon.

And with that, the man hung up. Sue held the phone away from her ear, looking at

it with amusement. Shed had some interesting conversations in her time, but no one had

ever refused to tell her on the phone what they were looking for. She hoped that meant it

would be a fun case. Shed been so bored lately that she had actually considered doing

some of the piled up paperwork strewn about her office.

At least she wouldnt have to do that now, thank God.


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With a sigh, Sue pushed through the door to the living room and sat on the back

of the couch next to her mother. I'm going out to the library in a few hours, Mom. If

anyone calls for me, just tell them to jump off a cliff or something, she said with a smile.

Her mom looked up at her distractedly, brown eyes vacant for a moment before focusing

on her face.

Returning the smile, her mother said, Alright, dear. Who was that on the phone

just now?

Sue was surprised her mother had even noticed the phone ringing. No one

important, just another client.

No, I mean the one before that. Were you talking to a boy? Her mother's smile

turned sly.

Sue laughed. Yes, I was talking to a boy. His name is Pete. Why do you ask?

Well, youve never called any of your classmates before, never mind a boy, her

mother said.

Sue glanced down at her mother. I know what you're thinking, but I only asked

him to help me with a paper for school. Don't get excited.

Hush, her mother said playfully. Pete? Are you talking about Pete Young? The

one you used to play with? His mother makes a very lovely cobbler.

Mmhm, Sue grunted, not wanting to give her mother any fuel for conversation.

She was used to her eagerness every time she showed interest in normal things, and didn't

want to encourage her. She sometimes wondered how long it would be before her mother


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realized that a disinterest in normal teenage behavior was standard for someone with

Sue's job.

They settled into a silence caused by the television's sway over her mother. Sue,

seeing her moment to escape further investigation, trotted upstairs to grab her backpack.

She didnt feel the need to say she was leavingher mother knew she would be fine

wherever she was.

Dead, maybe. But fine.

With a brief thought that she could try to get run over on the way to the library,

she slipped out the front door with a grin.


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Chapter Two

When Pete slipped hesitantly through the library doors, he was almost certain he

was going to vomit. His mouth kept filling with saliva and his stomach was doing its best

interpretation of a circus act. Pausing in front of the main desk, he gaped at the masses

perusing the library. How was he supposed to find Sue among all those people?

Can I help you?

With a start, Pete whipped around to face the librarian who had spoken, rambling

out an explanation. No, no, Im sorry, I was just wonderinger, that is, did you happen

to see a girl?

The librarian raised her eyebrows, her silence making Pete feel even more

awkward than before. She opened her mouth to respond, but Pete cut in before she had

the chance. I mean, have you seen a girl come through here about this tall? He held his

hand halfway up his head. Blonde hair, hazel eyes?

Her lips pursed, the librarian shook her head. Sorry, I see a lot of people.

Pete sighed, hitched his backpack up higher, and made himself smile politely at

the woman. Well, thank you anyway. Walking into the library proper, he passed


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through the crowds to one of the small niches he frequented to do his homework.

Dropping his bag on the table, he decided to see if Sue had already arrived. He'd only

checked a few aisles away before he felt a tap on his shoulder. He reeled around and

found Sue standing there with a smile.

Sorry Pete, did I scare you?

Uhm, no, no, he stammered, blushing and clearing his throat. Or, well, sort

of, he said, trying to regain his composure despite his galloping heart. He had been so

calm and confident about their study date until just this moment. Sue was here. He was

talking to the girl of his dreams, and she was standing so close he could smell her

strawberry shampoo.

He backed up.

I didnt mean to. I just saw you walking around so I thought Id say hello. She

punctuated her sentence with a brilliant smile. He found himself watching her lips as she

spoke, wondering if they were as soft as they looked. When her smile started to fade, he

realized he'd been silently staring, and coughed, blushing again.

No, thatthat's okay.

Sues eyebrows came together and she grinned with concern. You okay, Pete?

You just zoned out there for a while.

Pete squirmed, wishing he hadn't lost his cool in front of Sue. Within a few

minutes, he had effortlessly lost any footing he might have had to begin with and


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wouldn't be able to gain it back, he feared. Yeah, I'm good, he mumbled, chewing at his

lip.

A brief silence stretched between them that felt like an eternity to Pete before Sue

cleared her throat and said, Well, should we get to it?

Pete nodded gratefully and they headed back to his table, sitting across from each

other. Sue set her backpack on the table, taking out her textbooks and a notebook,

arranging them in front of her. Pete made to do the same, and froze: his backpack was

gone. He straightened bolt upright with disbelief before standing and searching for it all

around. How could it be gone? He had only left it for a moment or two. Sue noticed his

distress and stood up next to him.

Pete? she asked lightly.

I he choked out.

Whats wrong? And wheres your stuff? she asked.

Thats what Id like to know! Pete burst out. He realized that someone must

have stolen his backpack. He felt a rush of panic and confusion. Who would actually steal

someones backpack from the library?

Sue hummed with a strangely pensive look, a hand on her hip. She stood that way

just long enough for Pete to notice. Before he could react, she was striding towards the

front of the library. He stared after her in surprise before rushing to catch up.


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Sue? Where are you going? he asked. She kept quiet, weaving between people

until they were at the help desk. The librarian looked surprised to see him again and he

gave a small smile, feeling a little awkward.

Can I help you? she asked, returning the smile.

Do you have a lost and found? Sue asked, her eyes trained on the door to the

office behind the desk. I think you have something of his, a backpack.

The librarian told them to wait as she went to check for his backpack. Pete felt

stupid standing therewhy would it be in the lost and found when he hadn't left it for

long? He kept his mouth shut, though, and was shocked to see the woman come back

through carrying his backpack. Is this yours? she asked, sliding it across the desk.

He nodded, his eyes on Sue as he slung it over his shoulder. Yeah it is, thanks,

he said, an eerie feeling crawling through him. He barely heard the librarian's apology for

her coworker who had gone around to tidy up, seen his bag unattended, and taken it in.

Sue noticed him watching her and smiled, waylaying most of his odd feelings. As they

walked back to the table to get to work, and all through their study session, though, he

could only think of one thing:

How had she instantly known where to look?

~*~


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Sue stared at the office door in disbelief before frowning heavily and cursing

whatever gods were listening for her bad luck. Her keyher only keyfor the office had

just broken off in the lock. She would be tempted to whine if she wasnt so busy being

annoyed.

She discarded the broken half of the key, bending to scoop up a rock. She was

about to smash one of the office windows when a voice from behind her said,

I would hate to have to fix a window as lovely as that, Miss Underwood.

Throwing a glance over her shoulder at the tall man standing at the corner of the

building, she raised an eyebrow. She looked dubiously at the dirty, moss-covered window

that opened up into her waiting room. Returning her gaze to the man, she found a small

smile on his face.

It has history. It is well built. Trust me, it is a beautiful window, the man said

with a faint accent, most likely Spanish. He nodded towards her front door. Why dont

you try the door again?

Curious, Sue dropped the rock and walked over to the door again. The key sat

there in the lock, perfectly whole and waiting to be turned. With a small exhaled huh,

Sue turned the key and pushed open the door, picking up her abandoned backpack and

sliding it over one shoulder. She didnt even glance at the man until shed turned on the

lights, mentally noting they didnt flicker as they had every other night she had been there

for the past two months.


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She silently cleared a dingy round table of the scattered papers shed thrown onto

it several days ago and pulled over two chairs. Sitting down in one and gesturing to the

other, she asked, Mr. Novatz, I presume? He nodded. Please have a seat.

Novatz sat with more grace than she'd have thought a man his size could manage

and she got a good look at him now that there was some light to see him by. He was taller

than she'd thought at first glance, his long legs making her chair seem like a child's, and

his skin was deeply tanned. His hair was a rich black and long enough to hang loose past

his shoulders. Strands of it fell over his dark-chocolate eyes as he situated himself in his

chair. His clothes looked to be expensive, at least the parts she could see under the tan

trench coat he wore.

This man had obviously broken many hearts in his years.

I confess that isnt the name I usually go by, Miss Underwood, he said,

clasping his large hands together. That is an old moniker I havent heard in a very long

time. Most people these days just call me The Fixer.

Sue blinked. I hope you dont mind if I just call you Mr. Novatz.

Novatzs lips twitched up. Not at all, my dear.

Well, then.What can I do for you? she asked.

Not what you can do, Miss Underwood, but what you can find. Sue fought back

the urge to sigh. So many of her clients couldnt resist using that line. Ive lost

something very important to me, you see.


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Normally at this point I would ask you to fill out an application and request

form, but seeing as Im not too busy and I dont know where the forms are anyway, why

dont you just tell me your story, Mr. Novatz? Sue said, leaning back in her chair.

The man seemed to hesitate before saying, Gabriel. My name was Gabriel.

And with that introduction, the man told Sue his story, pausing only to request a

glass of water and occasionally rub his temples. Finally, when he was done, he slumped

forward in his chair as if hed spent all his energy and couldnt hold himself up any

longer. Sue sat for a moment, watching him and thinking over the things hed told her.

Not only had she learned that the man was from Europe and had travelled to find her, but

he was also contracted by the same company as she.

She took a deep breath and held it for as long as she could. Exhaling, she said,

This creature, then. You want me to find it.

Novatz flashed a tired smile. I wouldnt be here if I thought anyone else could do

it fast enough. When Sue raised an eyebrow in response, he explained, Im not in the

habit of sending young women into mortal peril.

This put a smile on Sues face. Anything but mortal peril is boring.

Indeed, he said slowly. Are you accepting my request, then?

Sue paused, thinking. Sure, why not? It's not like I have anything else to do.

Novatz nodded once more at that before standing up. He took a few steps to the

door and stopped, speaking over his shoulder.


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Please do not wait until its too late, seorita. He will not hesitate to destroy this

city and I can only be in so many places at once.

With that, he left, his coat flaring up behind him dramatically. Sue waited until

she knew he was gone before slumping forward against the table and sighing. God, she

was tired. She hadnt slept well the night before and then shed had to get up early on her

day off to do her paper. It had been exhausting to be around Pete, trying to act as normal

as possible. She hadn't realized how difficult it would be.

Shed only come back to the office to pick up some homework shed forgotten,

but then the man was there piquing her curiosity, dammit. And now with this case on her

plate, she was certain she was going to collapse soon if she didnt get a good, solid rest.

She brightened marginally when she considered trying to die of exhaustion. She would

have to check her list and see if shed already done it.

Just as she felt herself start to drift off, she was jolted awake by the office door

being thrown open and bouncing against the wall behind it. She looked up at the man

standing there, his face pinched with worry, and groaned.

Oh Lord, Fred, you didnt let another panther loose, did you?

The brown-haired man in question strode over to where she was rubbing her eyes

and slumping dramatically across from her, eliciting a grunt of irritation. His eyes were

droopy and defeated as he choked out, They took her, Sue. They took Julie!


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Chapter Three

Calm down, Fred.

Sue didnt expect her words to have any effect on the man now pacing across her

office while she made some tea, but she said them anyway. If nothing else, it kept her awake.

Maybe Fred wouldnt notice if she just drifted off a little...

Sue, are you even listening? Fred cried. Hereyelids snapped open.

No, Sue responded, her words half-sigh and half-groan. Im really not.

Fred seemed to be close to tears as he fell into the chair across from her. What are

we going to do, Sue?

We? There is no 'we', Fred. Before he could respond, she barrelled on. Ive just

accepted a terribly urgent case literally moments before you burst in on me sleeping

peacefully, so Im afraid I cant help you find your daughter.

But its Jacob Litz, I just know it, Fred pleaded. Sue frowned at him.

The fact that its a Litz is going to accomplish the exact opposite of getting me to

help you. I told you years ago Ive washed my hands of them. Ask someone else.

Was only twoyears ago, Fred muttered under his breath.

What was that? she asked softly, giving him a warning look.

Nothing. The point is, I dont have anybody else to ask. Everyones afraid to even

say the Litz name, much less cross them. Youre my only hope, Fred said, spreading his

fingers on the table.


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Julie can take care of herself, anyway, Sue muttered, frowning at the table between

them. A thought struck her. What about May?

The blue-eyed man leaned against the table, a crease appearing between his eyebrows.

What about May?

Surely she'd want to help her own daughter, Sue said.

Ive tried to contact her but she isnt responding. Last I heard she was in Japan.

Fred gave her a calculating look when she hummed. What do you know?

Nothing, she said, tapping her fingernails against the table. When Fred continued

watching her, she smiled. Really. I was just asking.

Giving her one more long look, Fred said with a sigh, Anyway, its not like May

could do anything even if she was here. We're both helpless against the Litz coven.

I dont know if Id say an incubus is helpless in any situation, Sue said dully.

Not everyone is immortal, you know, he said with a dazzling smile.

Sue laughed. Dont bother trying your charm on me, Mr. Ackerson. Im not human

enough to fall for it.

So are you going to help me find her or not? Fred grumbled with a pout, downing

the rest of his tea in a single gulp.

Are you going to follow me home and keep asking all night?

Maybe. I havent decided, but it seem like a good strategy, he responded with

another smile.

Sue grunted noncommittally. Fine, Ill help you, but if Im sidetracked and have to

go save somebody from offing themselves, I dont want to hear any fussing.

Good enough for me. Fred reached over the table and took her hand in a firm,

unreciprocated handshake. He paused. Wait, what? People killing themselves?

She shrugged, taking her hand back. Part of the case.


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The terribly urgent one you've just accepted? he asked with a smirk.

A coworker, she said, waving a hand, lost his soul.

Fred sputtered, laughing. His soul? You mean he signed away his soul to the

company?

He didn't have a choice, she said.

How'd he lose it anyhow? I thought contracts found their way back to the contracted

no matter what.

Unfortunately his contract is punishment instead of employment. Whereas mine is

this pretty little bauble that stays put, she said, flashing the ring on her hand. His is a

horrifying monster that escapes regularly.

That's inconvenient, Fred said, glancing down at her ring.

For both of us, she agreed.

Huh, Fred said. So tell me about this guy.

Been watching the news lately? Sue asked. Noticed the slew of suicides in our

sleepy city?

Nice alliteration.

I try, occasionally.

I have noticed more peoples dreams feeling glum. I just figured it was another of

those economic things. Less money makes humans depressed, Fred commented, shrugging.

Sue shook her head, crossing her arms loosely. Not this time, unfortunately. This

guy, Novatz, lost his soul near Belgium and its found its way across the pond.

And now it's making people top themselves? Fred asked, an eyebrow lifted.

Give me a minute and Ill explain, she said and he rolled his eyes. So Novatz,

people call him 'TheFixer.' She inserted air quotesaround the mans alias and waited until

Fred was finished laughing before continuing. He fixes things, just like any other Fixer.


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Only this guy is apparently pretty powerful. Cars, houses, heartsyou name it. Just get him

near something and its whole again.

How does he manage to make a living off that if all he has to do is get near it and its

already fixed? Fred asked, grinning.

Pre-payment, Sue said simply, gaining another laugh. So he fixes things. But his

soulits a destroyer. It breaks anything and anyone it encounters. Wreaks havoc,

destruction, et cetera. The two cant live together, but cant survive apart. So Novatz is

doomed to hold onto his soul for as long as he can before it escapes and he has to clean up the

mess.

Fred shook his head. Damn. What did he do to deserve that?

Sue gave him a pointed look. He hasnt always fixed things.

Mm, he grunted, nodding. And now he wants you to help him find this thing

before it wrecks the city.

Exactly.

Sounds like a fun time. Imsure youll be able to get in a few deaths before catching

it, he said with a wink. Sue surprised herself by laughing.

I hadnt thought of that. Ive certainly not had the pleasure of adding death by evil

soul to my list. She glanced up at the clock. She had to blink a few times to make sure she

was seeing it correct. Although I may get to pencil in exhaustion if Im reading that clock

right.

Fred glanced over his shoulder before turning back to her. Yes, it does say two in the

morning. Why so tired? Ive seen you up this late before and still sprightly. Its always been a

bit eerie, to be honest. Sue made a face at him.

I was just with someone today, she said. Fred gave a bark of laughter.

I see. And they lookedand talkedat you, I bet.


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Sue frowned. As a matter of fact, they did. And joked and laughed.

Heaven help you if you ever fall in love.

Sue gave a snorting laugh, Thanks, I needed a good laugh.

Im serious. Just because you think you're incapable doesn't mean it won't happen.

Youre not thatinhuman, Susanna, Fred said, scowling.

Okay, Frederick, Sue said, reaching over and patting his hand.

Youll see.

Alright, but could you maybe give me a ride home in case I'm ambushed by true

love? she said with a smile.

Yeah, sure, he grumbled, standing up and shrugging on his coat. Sue gathered up

her things as well and locked the office behind them as they headed out. As she closed the

door of his car and put on the seatbelt, she turned to him with a grin and said,

By the way, couldnt you have taken the time to put on something a bit more

substantial than your pajamas before coming to see me?

Through her laughter she could hear him muttering oaths of retribution against her as

they pulled out into the abandoned streets.

~*~

...though no one was hurt, many report feeling more than a little shaken up.

Pete slouched lower on the couch, his arms crossed over his stomach. He wasn't

watching the TV, but he couldn't help but listen as it blared in front of him. The news,

depressing as always, spoke of collapsed buildings, numerous suicides, and gloomy weather

hanging over the city. Even the newscasters seemed depressed with the news report. He

wanted to change the channel to something less horrible, but his father liked to listen to the


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weather every night after work. So he was stuck with the news until his mother claimed it

back.

Not that he minded. He was only using it to forget about how embarrassed he'd been

at the library with Sue, and the odd feeling about her. The last thing he wanted was to feel

weird about his life-long crush. He focused on the TV to stop his thoughts from bothering

him. He paid no attention to his younger sister Emily walking up behind the couch and

snorting.

Aren't you supposed to be running in circles next to other sweaty boys?

Track got canceled, he said as she sat primly on the couch next to him.

I'm sure you're heartbroken, she said, her hands folded in her lap. He rolled his head

to the side to look at his sister. Dressed in a light pink floral dress with a cream cardigan and

her dark brown hair curling over her shoulder, she looked the same as she always did. She

raised her eyebrows at him. How did your date go?

He grimaced. Not a date.

She grinned. Well how did your not-a-date go, then?

Since when are you interested in my love life? Pete asked sullenly.

Since your love life finally involved Susanna Underwood, Emily said. Before he

could respond, the phone behind her rang. She glanced over at the ID and said, Speaking

of.

Pete's heart jumped into his throat as he froze with confusion, unable to move. Sue

was calling? But why? He realized the phone had rang several times already during his shock,

and that Emily had just answered. He scrambled over her, yanking the phone away. Hello?

he croaked.

Pete! Hi, it's Sue.

Sue, Pete said, his brain struggling to catch up.


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Um. Yes.

Pete grunted as an elbow jabbed into his side. He looked back to see Emily scowling

at him. He shrugged with a frown, his eyebrows pulled together. She made a shooing motion,

which he responded to with an annoyed shake of his head.

Pete?

Yup, he coughed out, then cleared his throat. stillhere. What's up? He saw Emily

grinning out of the corner of his eye.

Well, I wanted to say thank you for your help with my essay. Wouldn't have gotten it

done without you, Sue said with a laugh.

Oh, that's alright, Pete said, his heart thumping. He glanced over at Emily, who was

mouthing the words, 'ask her out' clearly. He turned away, ignoring her. Glad to help.

Okay, then I'll see...you... Sue trailed off, still breathing softly down the phone.

Pete waited for her to continue until he began to feel awkward. Sue? Is everything

okay?

Yeah, everything's fine, she said, her voice sounding odd. There was a pause before

she spoke again. There's a man outside your house looking at me.

What? Pete's eyebrows shot together with concern. He glanced over at the windows

that looked out on the front lawn. Who?

I don't know, she said, her voice dropping almost to a whisper.

His heart thumping with nerves, Pete stood up and edged over to the window, drawing

the curtains back to peer out at their lawn. I don't see anything except a cat sitting on your

fence, he said softly. He shooed Emily away when she came up with an inquisitive face.

What did he look like?


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I couldn't see him very well; it was too dark. Sue paused. Actually, he looked a bit

like my... She trailed off again, but before he could respond, she took a deep breath and

spoke as she exhaled, Anyway, I'd better go.

Oh, he said, caught off guard at the change of pace. Okay. Uh, see you tomorrow

at school?

She agreed and they both said goodbye and hung up, Pete looking down at the phone

with some confusion. He looked up when Emily chuckled. What was that all about? she

asked.

I'm not too sure, Pete said. I should maybe be concerned.

Emily laughed, glancing out the window towards Sue's house. Interesting girl, isn't

she?

Pete thought about that. We don't know the half of it, I think.

Chapter Four

Sue crept around the corner of the dark, dirty building, terribly glad shed

remembered to unearth her old shoes that morning as her foot sank into a puddle that was

dreaming of being a lake. She could hear Fred snickering behind her as she lifted her foot out

of the mucky water and made a face.

Oh ha-ha, Fred, Sue muttered, shaking off whatever water she could. Suddenly the

man behind her was spluttering and wiping at his face and she was the one laughing. Justice

is a cruel woman.


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Fred grumbled and pushed past her, purposely knocking his shoulder against her. She

chuckled, following with her hands held out. What? What did I say?

Maybe if you would stop yucking and focus on what were supposed to be doing,

then we could find Julie faster, Fred said, throwing a disapproving look her way.

Oh, for God's sake, Fred, just because she looks like a little girl doesn't mean she's

helpless, Sue said, rolling her eyes. She'll be just fine.

I don't want to take the chance. He frowned, glancing around at their surroundings.

So why are we even down this alley, anyway? And why does it seem like every time Im

with you, were down a dark alley?

Comes with the job, now hush. Closing her eyes and focusing on her memory of the

dark-haired little girl that was Freds daughter, she felt two pulls: one defined and strong to

the north and one faint off to the east. North, she decided. Shes in the north.

I knew it! I cant set foot up there unless I want to pull back a peg leg, Fred said,

dragging a hand through his dirty brown hair. It looked as if he hadnt showered for a week.

Probably for as long as Julie had been gone, Sue thought.

Well then I propose we go back and think of a real plan before continuing on this

rescue, Sue said, rolling up the sleeves of her jacket. The chill of winter had begun to be

replaced by springtime.

Oh, really? Well I propose we keep going until we find Julie, Fred said, scowling at

her. She scowled right back at him.

Dont be stupid. You just said yourself that we cant go up there without a plan.

No, I said thatIcant go up there. That doesnt mean you cant go and find her, he

said, staring her down angrily.

Sue narrowed her eyes in warning. When neither of them made a move, she said in a

soft voice, Dont push me, Fred.


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My daughter is out there

And youre lucky I even agreed to help you in the first place, given the

circumstance, Sue interjected calmly, crossing her arms. Dont press it, or I will leave.

Fred continued glaring at her for several moments before bowing his head and

scrubbing his face with his hands, sighing. Sorry. I didn't mean to... he trailed off, gesturing

vaguely.

Sue nodded. Thats alright. Youre tired and worried.

I amworried, but I shouldnt be such an ass. Youre out here late, on a school night

no less, he said with a weak laugh. He looked up at her with tired eyes. Sometimes I forget

youre still a kid. Sorry.

She shook her head. I've never been a kid, she said, closing the distance between

them and gripping his shoulder comfortingly. Forget about it. We just need to think of a plan

for getting up to her without getting ourselves witched.

Fred nodded absently. Youre right. Lets get out of here before it starts to rain

again.

With that settled they began making their way back through the maze of alleyways

and abandoned buildings. Sue glanced over at Fred as they walked, thinking on something.

Finally she asked,

Fred, are we friends?

Fred threw a confused look her way. With how many times youve saved my ass?

You could probably get away with calling us friends.

Huh, she said, nudging a rock aside with her foot. Ive never had a friend before.

He was silent for a while before laughing. Would I be right in saying 'boy trouble'?

Sue looked up at him and saw him smiling. She rolled her eyes. I suppose you could

say that. We used to play together when we were little, actually.


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Ah, even better! Soul mates, together all their life but never seeing the love between

them. The romance! Fred said dramatically, his hands clasped together at his chest. He

fluttered his lashes at her and she laughed.

Youve been alone too long, Fred. Why dont you go invade someone's dreams and

make them date you?

What makes you think I havent, dear girl? he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

As they laughed together, they didnt hear the whimpering until they almost ran over

the girl. She was about Sues age and dressed in filthy rags that barely covered her skinny

body, her blonde hair lank and greasy. Her face was contorted with pain as she cried into her

arms, which were covered in dark blood. When they came upon her she looked up with

panicked eyes.

Its okay, Sue said quickly, bending down next to the girl slowly, holding her hands

up so she could see they were empty. Im not going to hurt you.

The girl was curled in on herself, her eyes wide and her breath fast. It looked as

though she was trying to say something, her lips working but no real words coming out.

What happened? Sue said, realizing the blood was coming from deep gouges in the girls

forearms.

H-help meee The girls words drew into a wail that trailed off in tears.

Sue, alarmed, noticed the girl wasnt cowering away from them, but from a shadowy

figure at the end of the street. He looked almost identical to Novatz except for the manic

smile he wore and the darkness surrounding him. Sue felt her skin crawl as she glanced up at

Fred, saying simply,

The Breaker.

As they watched, the dark man turned and disappeared around a building, laughing

dementedly. Sue was already running as she called back to Fred, Watch the girl! Her hair


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whipped around her face as she ran, the wind picking up and the drizzle from earlier

returning as cold raindrops.

She followed the creature as he escaped into the maze of the city. Every time she

turned a corner he seemed to be farther away from her no matter how much it seemed she

should be catching up. Her breath came in painful gasps as she found herself skidding down a

grassy slope to follow the creature into an old tenement. She cried out in alarm as she burst

through the door, the creature just on the other side, waiting for her.

The wind slammed the door shut behind her. She didnt turn to see if it would open

again as she heard a popping and cracking behind her. She looked around desperately for

anything helpful in the room, but there was nothing to be seen. She was alone with this thing,

with no weapon to defend herself until Novatz came.

Shit, she spat.

The breaker smiled gleefully, his teeth bright against the shifting shadows of his face.

Ive been looking for you. Youre a hard one to find.

Not all that hard. You could have asked your better half. He knew exactly where to

find me, she said calmly, wondering if this death was going to hurt and hoping she wouldnt

have to miss school tomorrow. She had an exam and the teacher hated giving late tests.

The creature threw back its head and laughed. Ah, yes, I bet he does. But as you can

see, I have no need for his assistance.

Sue could feel her spirits sinking rapidly. She thought perhaps she should think of

happy things, but found the task difficult. May I ask why you were searching for me? she

said, keeping her voice steady.

Must you? I think you already know why I want someone like you, Susanna, the

creature said, reaching forward and touching her cheek gently. A whimper escaped her throat

as she flinched away. She was ashamed of herself but still couldn't help it. His touch felt


34/49


worse than death. It was as if he was the embodiment of pain. There was such a heavy weight

on her. Her body ached miserably, every heartbeat sickening.

Such a lovely, soft body, the creature said, gripping her jaw. She made the mistake

of looking into its eyes. It smiled. All mine to destroy. Again and again.

Sue gasped for breath, her lungs struggling to work as her legs gave out. She

crumpled to her knees, dark spots swimming in her vision. She felt enormous pressure against

her chest and arms, as if her bones were being crushed slowly. She shook hard enough to

make her teeth chatter, her blood running cold. She realized blood was streaming down her

arms to the filthy floor just as the pain hit her.

With a mighty crack, the bones in her arms and legs seemed to splinter at once,

bringing Sue to the floor with an ear-splitting scream. Her vision sank fast as she felt the rest

of the bones in her body giving way. The last thing she knew was the sound of the rain falling

peacefully outside.

~*~

Why are we here?

What an existential question, Pete. Shall we talk about finding religion?

Shut up, Em.

Yeah, shut up Em.

Why don't you go play with one of your little friends, Luc?

Why don'tyougo eat a dick?

Pete sighed heavily. Whyam I here?

The youth club down the street from their school was extra busy, as it always got on

2-for-1 Pizza Tuesday. It was packed with students all chatting and laughing and avoiding


35/49


going home until it got too late and the older kids in college decided to show up. It had been

his little brother, Lucas's idea to go out instead of home, since their parents were going out

for dinner anyway. Pete hadn't wanted to, but as his choices for the afternoon had been the

club or going home and watching slow, depressing news told by slow, depressed newscasters

while sitting in the dark, he chose the club.

It seemed a much better choice than letting himself think too much. Sue hadn't been at

school that day. He was trying not to worry, since Sue was out sick a lot; she always had

been. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, though. Maybe it was because

of the odd phone call they'd had. No matter the reason, though, he knew he wasn't going to

enjoy the next couple of hours in the club.

After some of Lucas's friends all fell into their booth, laughing in the way that only

14-year-old boys can, Pete decided to get some air. He leaned over to Emily and said, I'm

getting out of here for a bit, Em. I'll be back later.

You want some company? she asked, grimacing at the young, dirty-haired boy

grinning next to her.

Nah, but you should get out of here too.

Yeah, I might, she said, scooting away from the boy. See you in an hour?

Pete nodded and pushed his way through the crowd of chairs out into the darkness of

early spring. He shoved his hands deep in his coat pockets, putting his head down against the

rain. It had been raining for almost a week straight now, in some capacity. Some days it was

just a light drizzle and other days it was more like spring rain, with actual drops. The past few

days, though, it had been getting steadily worse, with heavy, fat drops dive bombing the

ground below. It was unusual for their city to get this much rain, especially when it was still

so cold. Pete just wished it would go away.


36/49


He walked along the sidewalks, keeping a slow but steady pace as he got lost in his

thoughts of Sue. He didn't know how his thoughts managed to loop endlessly, but they kept

him running in mental circles until he realized he'd wandered into the bad part of town

adjacent to the school. It wasn't that it had gangs or drug problems, it was just old and

dilapidated, with many of the buildings collapsing into themselves. Most people knew to stay

away, with a general consensus that it just felt wrong to be there.

Pete could understand why they felt that way. His skin crawled as he took in his

surroundings. Shattered windows and splintered wood loomed over him, framed by bent and

sometimes broken steel beams. The shadows of the buildings were somehow menacing as

they stretched toward him, as though warning him against something. He shuddered

involuntarily and turned to backtrack out of the area as quickly as he could without running.

After a few moments he heard footsteps behind him and felt eyes on his back. He kept

walking as long as he could stand it before whipping around to see that there was nobody

there. He stood there breathing hard, searching the darkness for something, anything. Soon

his galloping heart and fraying nerves urged him into a half-jog that he mocked himself for.

What was he afraid of? There wasn't anything behind him.

But still, he thought as he turned a sharp corner, better safe than sorry. His heart

nearly stopped when he took another step and saw a crumpled shape in the window just

ahead. She was clearly feminine, with long blonde hair splayed across the dirty floor beneath

her. Pete inched forward with cautious curiosity, quiet familiarity making his stomach knot

with dread. The shoes the girl wore looked incredibly similar to...and the ring on her hand...

Oh, God, it was Sue.

Sue! Pete yelled, running up to the window as rain began pouring down around

him. It was when he got closer that he saw the blood pooled around her, her shirt dotted with

it. He banged on the window in a panic but it had bars over it, and there was nothing around


37/49


to bash them with. He combed the building until he found a door, but it seemed to be welded

shut, as no amount of ramming or kicking could budge it.

He needed to get help. He didn't have his cell phone, as he'd left it with Emily. He

could run back to the club, but he didn't want to leave Sue. With one more fruitless attempt to

get through the door, he realized he didn't have a choice. He took off in a sprint towards the

direction of the club, but drew up fast when he saw someone standing at the exit of the alley,

smiling at him in a horrible way.

Adrenaline shot through him like a bullet. He didn't think he'd ever been so afraid in

his life as he was right at that moment. The worst part was he had no idea why he was so

scared. It did occur to him that the man at the end of the alley could be the person who hurt

Sue, but consciously that only made him want to tackle him. No, it was something deep

inside him that was afraid. He wanted nothing more than to run away as fast as he could, but

he was frozen in place, shivering with cold rain and fear as he saw the man take a step closer.

Before Pete could force himself to run, though, the smiling man's head whipped to the

side and his smile was immediately gone. Pete watched with relieved confusion as the man

fled down the street away from him, and the fear dwindled into pure concern for Sue. He took

a deep breath and continued back to the club, trying to ignore what had just happened so he

could focus on helping Sue.

He smashed into Emily as he went through the doors of the club, and she grinned up

at him. Can't stand the rain, big brPete, what's wrong? she asked, cutting herself off

when she saw his face.

It's Sue, he choked out, pulling Emily out the doors and dragging her to his car.

Pete, calm down, what's wrong withSue? Emily asked, climbing into the passenger

side and buckling up as he backed out of the space wildly.


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He held out his hand to Emily as he drove with abandon. I need my phone, we have

to call the police.

Whoah, whoah, whatis going on? What happened?

Just give me my phone! he snapped, slamming on his brakes and pulling into the

alley. He took the phone from Emily when she handed it over, hopping out of the car and

dialing the police as he ran. He heard Emily shouting behind him. When a woman finally

answered just as he turned the corner, he shouted over the rain, I need an ambulance, my

friend is hurt and I don't

He cut himself off as he approached the window with a sick, empty feeling in the pit

of his stomach. He heard the emergency response woman ask him his location, but he ignored

her, reaching through the bars to wipe away the rivulets of rain, hoping it was just a trick of

the eye. The darkness in the window didn't change, though, no matter how hard he looked.

He hung up his phone, still staring.

Sue wasn't there.

In fact, there wasn't anything in the building at all, it seemed. Emily skidded to a stop

beside him, grabbing his arm and turning him to face her.

What the hell is going on, Pete? What's wrong with Sue? And why are we here?

She was...here. Right in there, he said, pointing through the window and running a

hand through his sopping wet curls.

Emily peered through the window, then looked back at him. I think I see a door on

the other side; let's go check it out.

Relieved that his sister seemed to believe him at least somewhat, he led the way to the

door in a slight daze. When they came up to it, Pete opened his mouth to tell her it was no use

trying, but stopped as she pulled the handle and the door opened instantly. He stared at the


39/49


handle as Emily poked her head into the room and looked around. That was stuck before. I

tried everything to get it open.

Emily pulled back and looked up at him with concern. There's nothing in there, Pete.

What exactly did you see, anyway?

Pete thought of the image of Sue crumpled on the floor with blood caked on her hair

and hands, and swallowed, looking up from the muddy ground to his sister. He shook his

head. I don't know anymore.


40/49


Chapter Five

The most annoying part of this is, Sue began, tapping her finger edgily on the

wooden tabletop, I dont know whether to call it suicide or murder.

Fred laughed and the girl in the corner flinched, drawing into herself. Sue thought this

was definitely an improvement on how shed reacted when Sue had burst into the office

covered in mud and blood. She didnt know how long it had actually taken to stop the

shrieking, but at the time it had seemed like an eternity.

Sue studied the girl now, taking in her torn clothes that still had stains spotting them.

The bandages wrapped around her wrists showed she had at least gone to a doctor, and her

hair seemed to be washed now, but Fred had obviously not thought to find some fresh clothes

for the young woman. Sue sat for a few seconds before grunting out, What size are you?

The girls head whipped up, her eyes wide. A-are you talking to me? she rasped,

cowering. Sue nodded, trying not to get too impatient with the girl. What do you mean?

Sue sighed and resisted the urge to rub her temples. Dying always gave her such a

headache. The fact that shed spent the past twenty-four hours being murdered and forced to

commit suicide over and over was foretelling doom for her supply of painkillers. She didnt

want to deal with a jittery, death-spooked teenager just then.

Clothes. What size do you wear? I can get you another pair. Unless, of course, Sue

paused, giving the girl a dull look, youd like to keep the ones you have on.

No, she said, shaking her head. Thank you, Id like some clothes.


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Alright. Sue stood up and stretched, working out the kinks in her muscles. By the

way, whats your name?

Tabitha, the girl said quietly, and Im a size six.

Okay, Tabitha. Ill be right back.

Sue trudged into her office, pushing aside a stack of folders blocking the closet door.

She kept several pairs of extra clothes in case she stayed at the office overnight. They had

come in handy over the years, her work frequently keeping her at the office for long periods

of time. She grabbed an old pair of jeans and a t-shirt, kicking the pile of clothes back into the

closet.

When she turned, Fred was standing in the doorway giving her an amused look.

Whats so funny now? she asked.

He shook his head, still grinning. You need a secretary.

Whats that supposed to mean? she grumbled, stepping over a pile of extremely

outdated maps.

Have you seenyour office, Susanna? he laughed, gesturing to the mess. Sue pushed

him out of the way and went back into the foyer, refusing to acknowledge his comment.

Tabitha gave her a grateful smile when she handed over the clothes, asking if there

was a bathroom where she could change. Sue directed her to it and sat at the table, closing her

eyes and massaging her temples. She heard Fred sit down across from her.

You okay? You look tired.

You would too if youd spent a full day being dead, Sue said, rubbing her eyes with

her palms. He chuckled.

Maybe.Ive not had the pleasure of dying yet, Fred said. Sue opened her eyes

reluctantly and saw him smiling. Although there was this one dream someone had that was

quite realistic.


42/49


She leaned back and crossed her arms, wincing at the soreness of her muscles.

Falling off a cliff?

Bullet in the face, he replied.

Eh, it's not so bad, Sue said, shrugging a shoulder. She noticed Fred watching her

closely and sighed. What?

Are you really okay? He leaned closer. Youve never died so many times in quick

succession.

Im tired, she said. Forget dying. I had to run all the way here from my cell.

So what really happened there anyway? he asked, leaning back in his chair.

Honestly? she said, spreading her fingers on the table. I have no idea. All I

remember is a monstrous amount of pain, waking up to an empty room, and running out of

there. She paused. I think maybe Novatz got a little too close and hehad to run.

Do you think hes going to come after you again?

Sue was silent, thinking on his question. Maybe, she said quietly. He certainly

seemed to enjoy my company.

Um, said a small voice. Sue looked up to see Tabitha standing outside the

bathroom door, one hand grasping a handful of jeans at her hip. Sorry to interrupt the girl

trailed off, blushing a deep red.

Sue shook her head. Not interrupting anything; we were just talking business. Whats

the matter?

Tabitha took a step forward. Its just thatI mean, I tried to find something to tie

them with, but

When she trailed off again, her eyes averted, Sue said, The jeans dont fit?

Im really sorry, I tried to


43/49


Ill get you a belt, Sue cut the girl off, jumping up and returning to the closet. When

she returned with one and handed it to Tabitha, she said, Here you go. I know they arent the

best clothes, but theyre only backups.

Oh no, Tabitha said, blushing again as she threaded the belt through. Im just glad

Im not wearing the others.

Sue smiled and was rewarded with a small grin in return. So, Tabitha, do you have a

home? Someone we should be calling?

The grin disappeared. Tabitha looked hesitant to speak. Yeah, uh.

Whats the number and well give your parents She saw Fred give a quick shake

of his head. She raised her eyebrows. Or not. Why won't we?

She's a runaway, he said, still lounging in his chair at the table.

Sue looked back to Tabitha, who appeared both shocked and nervous. You told him

that?

The blonde girl shook her head, her hair hitting her face. No, I-I didnt...

Sue sighed. Fred, what have I told you about customers?

They arent to be touched, Fred quoted with a laugh, and turned to face her. But

shes not a customer and I didnt touch her. I only watched.

Tabithas eyes grew wide. What?

Dont look so nervous, sweetheart. I didn't watch you sleep or anything, only your

dreams, Fred said, flashing a smile at the girl, who immediately calmed down. Sue grimaced

when Tabitha smiled dreamily at Fred, completely charmed.

Fred, stop it. I dont need another lovesick girl following us around when Im

working, Sue said with disgust.

Just trying to distract her, Fred said, shrugging.


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Fair enough, Sue sighed. She watched him for a second, noting his scruffiness. I

haven't forgotten about Julie, you know. I'm sorry for letting myself get caught. It wasted too

much time.

It's alright, kid, he said. I asked around about the Litz family, anyway. Its not

going to be easy getting her out.

Did you find out why they took her in the first place?

Do you really need to ask? Fred said with a wry smile.

No, I suppose putting one of their sons in jail is enough reason to kidnap a little girl,

Sue said, crossing her arms. For people of their calibre, at least. She glanced at the clock

over the door. She needed to get home to let her mother know she was okay. Whatre we

going to do about her? she asked, gesturing to Tabitha, who was still dreamy-eyed.

She had good reason for leaving home, so I suggest we dont throw her back, Fred

said, his eyes serious as he looked at the charmed girl.

If you say so, Sue said, rocking forward on the balls of her feet. What then? You

have somewhere she can go?

Fred nodded absently. I think so.

Good. Thats settled. Call me sometime after school and well talk about Julie, she

said. Now, could you give me a ride home? Im quite hungry.

Fred laughed. Such compassion and warmth you have for your fellow man, Susanna.

Its inspiring, really. Sue rolled her eyes and he stood up, throwing on his jacket and

grabbing his car keys. Yeah, yeah, I know. Not human enough for that.

No, she said with a crooked smile, walking Tabitha out to Fred's car and sitting her

in the backseat, scoffing at the dazed look on her face. She waited until Fred was out of the

office before locking it behind them and turning to him. Too busy for that.


45/49


~*~

Pete was upset.

He'd stayed up nearly all night thinking about what he'd seen in that alley. Not just

about Sue appearing and disappearing, either, but also about the figure who'd shown up when

he'd tried to go for help. There had been something distinctly wrong about the man, but he

couldn't figure out what. So he continued thinking, until he realized that the sun was peeking

over the horizon and his clock was telling him it was almost time to wake up.

The only solace he could find in his musings was that Sue was sure to be at school

that day. Even though she was off from school quite often, she had never been gone more

than one or two days at a time. So it was with a relieved mind that he drove in to school with

his siblings bickering like always, and pushed through the crowd to his locker beside Sue's.

There he waited, his eyes burning with tiredness as he scanned the hallways for her distinct

hair.

When she never showed at her locker, he wrote it off as her not needing books that

day. But when he'd made it through every class while searching for her face at the door and

still she didn't show, his unease spiked an unhealthy amount.

He told Emily and Lucas to find their own rides home, informed his track coach that

he was feeling ill, and shortly after found himself pulling into Sue's driveway behind her

beat-up car. After a few knocks, the door opened in a wide arc to show Sue standing there in

pajamas and looking just fine. He released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

She blinked at him and smiled. Hey, Pete.

He had to hold himself back from picking her up and giving her a bear hug right

there. Hi, Sue, he said a little breathlessly.


46/49


Whats up? You wanna come in? she asked, taking a step back and waving him

inside.

Sure, thanks. He inhaled as he stepped past her, something he'd done

subconsciously for years. She smelled like strawberries, as always.

So whats going on? You looked like youd seen a ghost when I opened the door,

Sue said, closing the door behind them and walking into the living room. Pete followed,

sitting in the armchair across from the couch where she flopped down and curled her legs

under her.

Nothing, really. I just wanted to make sure you were aliokay. He swallowed.

Clearing his throat, he began again. You havent been at school.

Ive had the stomach flu, she said with a grimace. Mom kept me home so I could

rest up.

Oh. Uh, good. Well thats all I wanted to ask, so I guess Ill get out of

Good? Sue laughed. She cocked her eyebrows, still smiling. Pete, where did you

think I was?

Susanna, whos that? Pete heard Sues mom calling from the kitchen.

Sue turned and shouted back, Its just Pete, Mom.

The short strawberry-blonde-haired woman pushed the door of the kitchen open and

poked her head out. You want to stay for dinner, hon? she asked, her kind eyes on Pete.

He shook his head and gave her a small smile. No thanks, Mrs. Underwood.

You sure?Its lasagna.

Yeah, I gotta get home. But thanks anyway. It smells really good, He said.

You want to take some home? she asked. Im sure your brother wouldnt mind

having something else to put into his black hole of a stomach. She chuckled.

Actually, you wouldnt think it, but Emily eats more than Lucas, Pete said.


47/49


Emily? But shes so thin! Sue exclaimed, grinning.

His heart skipped with excitement. Dont let that fool you. She could eat a horse, he

said, smiling down at her.

Ill pack a piece for her as well, then, Mrs. Underwood said before disappearing

into the kitchen. Sue shook her head, looking in the direction her mother left.

Shell probably give you the rest of the pan.

Thats alrightmy family eats way too much. My mom can barely keep up. Sue

snorted softly and turned back to him, meeting his eyes. She held his gaze and said nothing,

making him wish he didnt suddenly feel as if there was cotton in place of his brain. He

struggled not to look away.

Finally she said, You want to go for a walk?

Pete didnt know what to say. On one hand, he would love the chance to spend time

alone with Sue, but on the other hand, he was still feeling a bit odd. He threw caution to the

wind and said, Alright.

As he waited downstairs while Sue went to her room to get dressed, he closed his eyes

for a moment, resting. He immediately saw the image of Sue dead, just as he had all night.

His eyes sprang open to see Sue's mom looking down at him with a motherly smile, a plastic

container in her hands. Surprised, he looked over to the clock and saw he had lost a few

minutes.

You look tired, dear. Why don't you have a rest on the couch?

No, Pete said with a husky voice. He cleared his throat. No, that's okay. We're

about to go out.

Are you sure, Pete? You look about ready to fall over.

I'm good, he said, standing up and taking the offered food with a smile. Just didn't

get much sleep last night.


48/49


Oh, I was the same. Worrying keeps me up all the time. I try not to, but it's easier

said than done with a daughter like Sue, she said, her arms crossed over her stomach. When

Pete's eyebrows lifted with confusion, she seemed to check herself, and laughed nervously.

Always getting sick.

Pete nodded, watching her expression carefully. When the silence between them grew

too thick to ignore, Mrs. Underwood cleared her throat and said, Well, I better get back to

finishing up dinner. Tell your parents hi for me. She gave a thin-lipped smile and

disappeared into the kitchen before Pete could respond.

Still watching the kitchen door, his thoughts caught on the oddness of Mrs.

Underwood's behavior, Pete heard Sue trot down the stairs. He turned to face her, his heart

giving the familiar thump at seeing her.

Ready? he asked. She nodded and he gestured hertowards the door, following

closely. He realized he was too tired to be nervous around Sue, and had an inward laugh. All

these years of being cripplingly shy and all he'd had to do was exhaust himself.

He was so busy being amused at the irony of the situation that he almost missed the

patch of rust-colored mud on the porch. He froze with the door halfway closed behind him,

staring down at the footprint shape. He glanced over at Sue to see if she was paying attention.

She didn't seem to notice him, as she had stepped down the porch and was looking up at the

ominous clouds above. He bent down and touched his fingertip to the mud, grimacing when

he felt how sticky it was. And then it hit him.

The reddish footprint wasn't clay mud. It was blood.

You okay, Pete?

Sue's voice startled him into bolting upright, his heart galloping. Yeah, he said,

surprised when his voice didn't shake. He stuck his hand into his pocket, discreetly wiping

away the mess on his finger. Yeah, I'm fine.


49/49


She smiled. Let's go, then.

He took a deep breath, keeping his gaze away from the ground. Sure, yeah, let's go.

He jumped down the porch steps, refusing to look back as he caught up to Sue.

Lost and Found 5 Chapters

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