{•Lynette•}

End of the day came and soon we were able to go home.

Janis was gonna have someone come in tomorrow and fix the lights.

I parked my car in our driveway and sighed as I closed the door, and noticed Trevor was home.

I sighed nervously before walking over to the door.

I walked in and saw the place empty.

Weird.... He'd be home by now....

I kick off my heels by the door before going to the kitchen. I then noticed a note on the counter and walked over, opening it.

Out of town with Johnny for a few days. Bye.
-Trevor

I sighed softly with relief as I crumpled the note up.

At least I get a break from everything...

I went to take my jacket off when I noticed something fall out of my blazer pocket.

I looked and saw it was a piece of paper.

I furrowed my brows and bent down to pick it up, reading what it said.

"Call me if you need anything.
-Aldous

There was a phone number written underneath and behind the card was a strange logo of three keys crossed over each other.

Huh..... That... That's strange....

I shook the thought away.

When did Aldous slip this into my jacket?

I did space out after he saved me from the fall.... Could it have been during that??

Curious, I decided to try it out, see if it was a prank or not.

I got my phone and dialed the number, waiting as it rung.

"Hello," A familiar, smooth voice spoke.

"H-Hi, umm..... I-I found your card...." I said, deciding to get to the point.

It was quiet for a few seconds before he spoke.

"Lynette, hello.... I hope it wasn't too forward," he said.

"Oh no no, no, its alright, " I assured. "I will admit, you are quite sneaky..."

He chuckled softly. "So I'm told."

I smiled. "Umm, I never got to ask if you were okay also.... I-I don't know if you got hurt when you caught me or anything...."

"Not at all. How are you doing after that fall?" he asked.

"I'm fine... I'm just glad nobody got hurt," I said, sitting on the couch.

"That's true.... But, if I may ask.... What were those bruises from??" he asked cautiously.

I went still and took a deep breath.

"I, umm.... I fell...." I tried.

He was quiet before speaking.

"I know we only just met.... But bruises aren't supposed to be shaped like fingers....." he said.

My heart stopped and I placed my hand carefully over where the bruises are.

"I-I....." I said, feeling tears. "C-Can we talk about something else? P-Please?"

He hesitated, but then spoke. "As you wish..." he said.

"Umm, y-your brother seems like a strict man," I tried.

He chuckled softly. "He means well, but he does tend to be bossy. Being the oldest and all."

"You're the youngest?" I asked curiously as I put my feet up on the couch and

"Middle child... Hence why Frederick's an heir," He said. "Alan is our younger brother."

"So you have two brothers?" I asked, laying back.

"Yes. I am unfortunately the middle sibling, " he chuckled.

I smiled. "That's great... I honestly didn't really have any siblings growing up, unless you count the foster siblings I had from time to time, I guess..."

"You grew up in the system?" he asked.

"And grew out of it," I sighed.

He was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry..."

"It's okay... Wait, you said Frederick is an heir?" I asked, confused.

"Our family has a famous inn franchise in Ontario," He explained.

I chuckled. "So, you guys are like a Canadian Hamptons?" I chuckled.

He laughed. "Well, not exactly, but it is popular among the locals, and its lodgings for summers and winters mostly."

"That's pretty cool," I said, then decided to joke. "This isn't you trying to impress me, though, is it?"

He laughed. "I don't know... Is it working?"

"Well, hotel inns can be interesting," I chuckled playfully.

He laughed.

We continued to talk for a while, mostly of random things.

We have a lot in common, really.

Then he asked...

"If it isn't too bold to ask, Lynette.... Are you available tomorrow?" he asked.

I furrowed my brows curiously. "Uhh actually, I am off tomorrow. Why do you ask?"

"I wanted to ask, if its okay with you, if you would join me for coffee tomorrow morning?" he asked.

"A-Aldous..." I mumbled.

"I understand if you don't want to.... I just want to get to know you more," he said.

I gulped nervously. "I-I mean....."

Would Trevor find out?

Then again.... He is out of town with his friends....

I should be safe for the next couple of days..... Plus it is just coffee....

"Uhh, coffee sounds great," I said.

"Really?" he asked.

"Of course. There's a reader's cafe 2 blocks from the mall, on Holden Street," I asked. "We can meet there if you want...9 am sound okay?"

"Sounds interesting. I'll see you there at 9 am then," he said.

"Okay," I smiled, then felt a yawn escape from me.

"I guess I should let you rest for now," he said. "I'll see you tomorrow then?"

I smiled. "Yeah, sure... I'll see you tomorrow..."

We said good night and hung up, and I sighed as I tossed my phone aside.

I'm not really that tired, though.... Maybe some television can help...

I grabbed the remote and turned it on, seeing the news was on.

"I'm on scene now live where a body was discovered in Washington State National Forest along the East End hiking trail. The body has yet to be identified but authorities say it is a male in his mid to late 30s, and the body has been dead for 12-24 hours," the reporter said.

My eyes widen as I see the scene live in the woods, police and crime scene investigators all over the place.

"It is believed the victim could have been attacked by animals, most likely wolves or bears, but what's baffled investigators was the lack of blood on the scene and in the victim himself. According to investigators, the body appeared to be completely drained of blood," the reporter said.

"Jeez..." I said in shock.

"Seattle police continue to investigate if this really was the work of an animal attack or murder. If you have any information regarding this, please contact local crime stoppers at the number below. I'm Gwen Bates, now back to the studio," the reporter said.

I changed the channel and took a deep breath.

"God, that was awful," I said with a sigh.

That poor man....

I took a deep breath and just decided best to shower and get some sleep.

I turned off the TV and then, as I got up, I looked at the balcony.

I gulped and looked around, then walked over and made sure it was locked before closing the curtains shut.

I then went and check the front door and other windows, checking the locks and putting the deadbolt, and then checked the windows around the house.

Once I made sure all was well, I stopped and sighed, pressing my hand over my face.

Good god.... When did I suddenly become so paranoid?

I shook my head and decided I needed that hot shower more than I realized.

Its been a really long day.....

~~~~~

So, I decided to change the character 's name. Just letting you all know.

Hope you all are enjoying the story so far.

Let me know what you all think so far! 🌻

🎧Currently in Sapph's playlist:

Cigarettes After Sex "Heavenly"

♡~ sapphire.