Broken

Chapter 35

Morgan

It's...not like I planned on having fun.

I had just realized what he was trying to do. Saying weird things and following me. I figured out that he WANTED me to take him to an alley and attack him. If that was the case then he must have certainly come prepared with a plan to fight back.

In that scenario, I couldn't kill him. Even if I did manage to do it, the risk factors would be high. Firstly, it was broad daylight. Secondly, we were on a crowded street, so obviously, people saw us and lastly, What if he had informed someone where he was going and who he was going to meet.

Hence, the odds against killing him were greater. However, it also made me wonder why he didn't just secretly follow me? Did he somehow knew that I'm always hyper-aware of my surroundings and take different routes every day? Nevertheless, the things he said started to remind me of my time with Lydia and since he wasn't going to leave me, I just had to humor him for a while.

I stand at the roadside, looking down at the paper with his number on it.

Extorting his money was what I was doing at first. But...when did I start enjoying his company? I hate to admit it but...it really, if for a moment, felt like I'm back in time having fun with a friend in the arcade.

Do I consider him a friend now?

No way. Not gonna happen. I've learned from my mistakes.

But still...I don't like this feeling growing in my heart.

As I walk towards my destination, I start to feel somewhat anxious. I was so lost in thought that I didn't realize what was going on around me. I see several people going in the same direction. Something feels off.

Is there a show about to start in Riverdale?

Wait...no...it can't be

I turn towards the person on my right and ask, hiding the nervousness in my voice.

"Umm, excuse me? What's going on?"

The person looks at me and then back ahead.

"The SWAT team is raiding that old toy factory. I heard someone say they found the serial killer."

What!?

As if on cue, I pick up my pace. It's not that I didn't expect to find my location, I mean, that's why I begin hiding underground but still...I'm getting anxious.

After reaching the designated area, I see a huge crowd of people held back by the police. Not being able to see anything, I try to push my way through the crowd until I can see the vehicles parked right outside the factory. I glance over to the alleyway with the hidden trapdoor and luckily, no one is there.

I anticipated this situation. That's why I sealed shut the other entrance from the factory. They won't find it.

The people around me talk and look at the scene with fear and shock that a serial killer was living so close to them. Some say they did see someone go into that factory. I feel a slight amusement about the fact that the person in question is standing right next to them and they have no idea. I stand here for a while, gazing upon the scene in front of me, heart pounding with uncertainty.

A tall man comes out of the building and starts walking towards us. There's a look of anger on his face. He whispers something to another officer and to my surprise, walks into that alleyway with the trapdoor. The other officer follows him after a few seconds.

Panic grips my heart and I make my way through the crowd to follow him. As I stand outside the alleyway, I peek inside and see him angrily punching a wall.

Phew! That was close. I hope he doesn't start kicking the trashcans or go anywhere near the trapdoor.

"Don't push yourself too hard. We at least have evidence that she was here" he says as he lights up a cigarette.

"At least have evidence!? THAT WASN'T OUR GOAL HERE! WE NEEDED TO FIND HER!" the angry officer yells causing me to flinch.

"I know. Locals said they did spot someone coming in and out of there. They didn't think too much of it since teenagers go there sometimes. It's clear she moved locations. Look, Zane, we'll figure it out. You've still got time." He reassures as he smokes.

"No...I'm running out of time. I'm getting really sick of this..." the one named Zane says and straightens himself up. He then starts walking outside the alleyway and I, as quickly as I can, walk away from the spot.

"Sick of what? Zane, where are you going!?"

The two men then walk towards the crowd.

"To murder someone"

"Hey! You shouldn't joke like that near the crowd, people might take it seriously. And I get the chief is giving you a tough time but seriously, don't say anything to her that'll make you lose your job" the other officer says, making their way through the crowd and then out of sight.

That witch really knows how to drive people crazy.

I spend my time at a nearby fast-food restaurant, waiting for the crowd of people to leave so I can safely go back.

I wonder if Jessica heard anything. If she did...

A bright smile forms on my face as I picture her screaming and begging at the top of her lungs and struggling to get to the door only to be held back by the chains. Now I can't wait to see her.

I bite down on my cheeseburger as I stare at the tiny piece of paper Ethan had given me. Should I? For some reason, I feel drawn to it. After contemplating it for a few seconds, I take out my phone and add the number to my contacts.