Broken

Chapter 18

Ethan

The sky is covered with dark grey clouds as far as the eye can see. The sound of thunder and lightning has stopped now, Although there's a good amount of humidity in the air. Since it rained two hours ago, the weather has gotten really cold. Well, it IS the middle of October. Winter is gonna be here sooner than we thought.

As I walk down the street lit up by street lamps, I feel myself shiver. My aunt had ran out of some stuff like sugar, cheese etc so she sent me to get them. Even though it had stopped raining, I still brought an umbrella with me just in case. Now carrying a large plastic bag filled with goods in one hand and an umbrella in another, I wish I had worn gloves. My jacket is just barely keeping me from freezing to death. As I keep walking down the wet and slippery sidewalk next to a busy road with cars passing by in a rush, I have a strong urge to get home quickly.

All of a sudden, my phone starts ringing. After shifting the bag to my left hand, I take my phone out of my pocket.

Ha! About time he called.

I frantically search for a place to stop and talk. I run towards an alleyway and after reaching there, look around to make sure no ones there.

"Hel-" I began to say after answering the call but he cuts me off.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?" He barks.

"Whatever do you mean?" I say in my innocent voice.

"You idiot! I already told you no. Why would you keep calling me non-stop. I was at a freaking meeting! " He says angrily. Guess he needs a few seconds.

"Are you done?" I ask him patiently.

" Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was? My boss kept glaring at me every time!" He says.

"Zane is always glaring. It's like his signature look. But enough about that, will you do that favour I asked of you?" I ask him as I stuff my left hand into my pocket after putting the things down. The gentle warmth on my hand is super relaxing.

He sighs "Ethan. I can't give out important information to just anyone who asks for it. Like, this is confidential stuff." He says. I can hear a packet of chips being opened in the background.

"But I'm not just anybody. I'm your favourite little lovable and awesome BFF. Come on, Walter. I really need that video footage related to Jessica Miller's case." I insist. I look out at the road.

People are passing by, minding their own business. A group of high school girls out at this time laughing and chatting about stuff. A guy sitting on a nearby bench reading a newspaper. A couple getting into a car. A bunch of office workers entering a bar, looking exhausted from working all day. A group of guys talking next to a telephone stand. A woman in a raincoat talking to someone on the phone. A boy smoking outside the bookshop. A man in his car, waiting outside a restaurant.

Too many people. It's hard to tell who's the one following you this entire time.

"No. And why are you so obsessed with this case anyway? I'd suggest you don't get involved for your own safety." He says while chewing on something.

"I...can't explain. I, myself don't exactly know why. All I can say is that I don't want an innocent person behind bars." That is what I manage to say.

"Wait...don't tell me you think Morgan Stanley is innocent, do you?" He says clearly confused.

"My intuition tells me she is. That's all. So I wanna find out the truth myself. This is something I can't ignore. Also, I've helped you guys out a couple of times too, right? So you can trust me. I just need that video footage. Please" I say in a sad tone. There's also another reason. I don't know why but I have this strange feeling that this case will...help me find something. Whatever that means.