Chapter Nine

Caden

 Groaning, I rolled over and checked the time on my phone. Three minutes past five. Great, I thought to myself, no sleep and a full day ahead.

Placing my cell phone back on the nightstand, I reached for the remote. A moment later, the screen glowed to life. The meteorologist reported a cloudy day with a fifty percent chance of showers.

Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes and yawned. Swinging my legs over the side of my bed, I started to get up, but then paused as a breaking news banner scrolled the bottom of the screen.

"We have been covering the horrific accident that took place last night on the north side of town, where a hit and run has resulted in a fatality. The police do not have any suspects at this time and they are urging any witnesses to please come forward."

I chuckled. No more mystery guy for you, Hadley. Now you're all mine.

The reporter paused and placed her hand to her earpiece.

"This just in," she said looking into the camera, "the police have released the name of the victim of the fatal hit and run. The victim is forty-year-old, Charlie Andrews, a local psychologist, better known as, "Dr. Charlie."

My jaw dropped and I blinked hard.

With a solemn face, the news reporter nodded and said, "We will continue to follow this story and update you with further developments."

"No, no, no, no," I murmured, burying my face in my hands. It was supposed to be the guy she was with last night! Not Dr. Charlie! Where did he come from? Why was he by Hadley's place? What the HELL happened?

Shaking my head, I began rocking back and forth. No, no, no, no! Hadley is going to be devastated! I've ruined everything!  

Grabbing a pillow and holding it to my mouth with a clenched fist, I let out an anguished scream.

What have I done?

Seconds felt like minutes, ticking by, slower and slower.

What am I going to do? How am I going to fix this?

The background noise of the television hummed in my ears as my heart hammered away in my chest.

I dropped the pillow and turned off the television. Taking a deep breath, I tried to clear my mind of all of the negative thoughts. Okay, it's over and done with, right? Now it's time to move forward, I tried to convince myself. First, I need to get my car fixed. I can't drive around town with a banged up bumper.

Forcing myself to the shower, I turned on the taps and stood as the hot water washed over my body.

"Wait," I said aloud to myself. "No more Dr. Charlie means..." I trailed off as a wicked smile took over my face. "No, more Dr. Charlie, now THIS I can work with..."

***

"Thanks, Gustav," I said as I handed a short man with a potbelly a fat wad of cash.

He smiled, revealing two missing teeth. "It will be ready in a few hours."

I nodded and walked out of the garage.

Across the street, a stocky man with a black hat shook hands with a disturbingly thin woman wearing a short skirt and a tank top. She leaned in toward his body and whispered something in his ear. The man shrugged his shoulders and took a step backward. The woman scowled, then shoved her hands in her tiny pockets and stomped away.

I waited a few minutes before crossing the street.

The man smiled as I approached. "Yo, C, haven't seen you in a minute."

"It's been awhile," I admitted.

"You just stopping by to say, 'Hi,' or are you here for some product?" he asked.

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a stack of cash. "I need some of that Special K."

"Ah," he said licking his lips, "You after that tail again?"

Cocking my head to the side, I smiled, "You know it."

He dug into his pockets. "Powder or pills?"

"Powder," I said.

Smiling, he shook his head, "She won't even have chance."

"Sounds perfect," I said as I extended my hand, holding the cash.

He chuckled and reached forward, exchanging the money for a small baggie filled with white powder.

"Nice doing business with you again, T," I said.

He placed a toothpick in his mouth and winked at me, "Likewise."

Three Hours Later

Memories of London and Bianca raced through my mind as I made my way back to Gustav's garage.

This time is going to be different. She's going to love me. Even if it takes awhile, she's going to love me...

Gustav met me as I ducked under the half open garage door. He motioned to my car, a new bumper and paint job. "You like?"

"Looks great, Gustav," I answered. "Thank you."

He held my car keys in his hand.

"I'll be needing those now," I said taking a step forward.

Gustav closed his grease-covered fingers around the keys and retracted his hand.

I frowned. "Keys, please," I said a bit more forcefully.

He cleared his throat. "You know, I saw a story on the news while we were fixing your car."

Pressing my lips together, I exhaled slowly though my nose.

"They're looking for a car with red paint and damage to the front end," he continued.

I remained silent.

"You never told me what happened," he said. "How did you bust up the front of your car and why did you want me to paint it a different color?"

Refusing to answer, I crossed my arms and held my ground.

"Oh, you don't want to talk? Perhaps I need to make a phone call," he said reaching into his pocket.

Someone dropped a tool in the background. The metal clanged loudly on the floor, causing me to flinch. I looked over my shoulder. The other mechanics had stopped working and were staring at me with wide eyes. Turning back toward Gustav, I scowled. "How much?" I asked through gritted teeth.

Gustav rubbed his dirty thumb and forefinger on his chin. "I think three grand will do."

"Three grand?" I repeated in disbelief.

"Did I stutter? Did you not understand me, Caden?"

"I'm not giving you another penny, let alone three grand," I spat.

Gustav picked up a rusted tire iron off of a nearby workbench. "I guess we'll have to hold on to your car until you find a way to come up with the money either that or I can hand it over to the cops."

Adrenaline pumped through my body and I wanted nothing more then to rush the dirty mechanic and snap his neck.

He turned his back and tossed my keys to a massive man standing a few feet to his left. "Andre will take real good car of these until you come back with my money."

The sound of his voice made my blood boil. "You're making a big mistake, Gustav."

He let out a loud snort. "Me? Making a big mistake? Now that's the funniest shit I've heard all day!"

"I'll give you one last chance, Gustav," I said in a flat voice. "Give me my keys."

He crossed his arms over his portly stomach. "Right after you give me my money."

"I'll be back for my car later," I said. Then, without another word, I turned around and walked out of his garage.

Cursing under my breath, I began walking back to my place. I figured it would take me just over an hour. Plenty of time to figure out how I'm going to get my car back and how I'm going to pay Gustav back for his bullshit.

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Hey, Lovelies!

I'm so sorry it took so long to update Under! Hopefully it will be much quicker from now on! 

I'm excited to hear your thoughts on the latest chapter!

Kelly Anne Blount xoxo