Home is Where I Belong
Chapter Four
(Lillian’s POV)
“You seriously need to take some time off from work, you know.” Quinn said, looking over the files on my desk. I shot her a quick glance before turning back to my laptop. “We’re going,” she stated as she shut the laptop’s lid. I groaned as I got up and grabbed my coat, earning a smile from the blonde.
“I hate you, you know?” I said once we got outside, a little anger still inside of me.
“Yeah, well, whatever. You’re just going to hate me more.” she responded, almost bluntly. I rolled my eyes, but kept following her to wherever it was she was taking me.
Sometime later, we stopped in front of the back entrance of Nite Sky, a ‘renowned’ club. I inwardly cringed at I realized Quinn had brought me here. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, the back door opened, revealing a tall, lean man.
“Great of you to have made it, Quinn, Lillian.” the man smiled, revealing a pair of dimples. I turned to Quinn, giving her a look that said that I hadn’t a clue as to who he was.
“Uh, this is Harry Styles. He was in the school’s yearbook club?” Quinn whispered. I stared at her blankly. I still had no idea as to who he was. Quinn rolled her eyes at my lack of remembering the fellow in front of us. How was I supposed to remember someone that I didn’t care about back then?
“So, um, come on in,” Harry awkwardly cut in, as he motioned towards the door.
“Thanks,” I replied as I followed Quinn inside.
Loud electric music blared over the speakers as people let loose and danced in sync with the rhythm. Quinn and I somehow managed to make our way to the bar and order a few drinks. A few minutes afterwards, Quinn excused herself to receive a call. I waved her off, only to have Harry take her place.
“So, you having fun?” he yelled over the deafening music.
“Yeah, an abundance of fun!” I replied sarcastically, before chugging down my drink. Harry shook his head as he let out a laugh.
“You’re still kind of the same,” he said, playing with his hands. He seemed nervous about something, but I couldn’t get my finger wrapped around it. “Well, um, I should get going. See you around!” he waved before leaving me alone with just an empty glass in my hand.
I awkwardly sat at the bar, waiting for Quinn to come back. I looked around the club, wondering how people had enough time to actually come to places like this. How did Quinn have enough time?
She never forced me to leave work and waste my time drinking and remembering people who I never even saw before. We only ever met when she visited The Blazing Times, and that was it. We had been friends since high school, but I was really only focused on my studies to actually worry about friends and crushes and things of the sort.
A little while later, Quinn returned, a satisfied expression on her face. I raised an eyebrow at her as she took a seat next to me.
“The people at the theatre loved the costume I sent in this morning!” the blonde chirped, a wide smile on her face.
“Well, that’s great news!” I returned the smile. It must have been a huge deal for her.
The rest of the night, I tried getting Quinn to let us leave, but she wouldn’t budge. Just as I was beginning to think that she was acting quite bizarre, she agreed.
I took in the fresh air and let out a sigh of relief as soon as we got outside. The streets were quite unlike the club which would be open till God knows when. As we cut the corner, I turned to look at Quinn, who in turn was squinting at her phone screen. She hadn’t let go of that thing the entire night and I was wondering if everything was alright. I didn’t worry too much, however, since I knew it had something to do with her work at the theatre.
>>>>>>
I sat at my desk, minding my own business like usual, until my boss and the editor, Rebecca Ross, barged into the office. Everyone stopped what they were doing and quickly focused their attention on the woman standing before us. She glanced around the room, her expression unreadable as she played with a file in her hands.
“Alright, listen up! I have just received news that there was a break-in at a house in the same neighbourhood as the latest murder scene. I have a feeling it could’ve been the killer the police are trying to find,” Rebecca started, her voice reeking of authority. “I want a reporter down there and one at the police department. I better have proper information from both the residents and police and any leads thus far. Understood?”
Everyone nodded before the reporters were assigned. To my luck, I was selected as the one to inquire Miss Iris Stone, the woman whose house was broken into.
I piled my notepad, recorder, and every other useful thing I required for the task. I debated whether or not to call Juliana since she was in on the job as well. I ended up calling her over to the scene of crime.
I waited outside Iris’ house for Juliana to show up. The garden outside the house was filled with wilting flowers, most likely due to the change in weather. The house itself seemed to be have been going under some construction as there were a few paint cans and other items piled along the side of the house.
I was pulled out my thoughts by the sound of heels clicking against the pavement. I turned to face the sound and was welcomed by the sight of Juliana and someone I didn’t recognize. She seemed to be the same age as Juliana or maybe younger and looked more interested in this project in comparison to Juliana.
“Hey, Lillian. This is Willa Parker, my best friend and partner for the investigation you wanted me to conduct. I hope you don’t mind me bringing her along.” the blue haired girl introduced me to her friend.
“Not at all,” I replied, eyeing Willa suspiciously. I wasn’t prepared to trust everyone working with Juliana, hell, I don’t think I trust Juliana completely, either.
Willa offered me a smile as she extended her hand, which I shook firmly. After being acquainted, and Juliana ringing the bell, we waited for Iris to open the door to her house.
A minute or so later, an average heighted woman with pink hair tied up in a ponytail greeted us at the door. She introduced herself as Iris Stone and ushered us inside. The house itself was quite well kept and neat from the room where we were seated. Picture frames were aligned on the shelf over the fireplace, while vases filled with gorgeous flowers sat at the window sill and the dining table.
Juliana and I took a seat at the table, while Willa looked around the room, probably searching for any clues the police might have missed. We were soon joined by Iris, who had brought three glasses of grape juice. She placed the tray on the table and took a seat in front of us.
“So, what do you want to know?” she asked, her voice hoarse and her eyes tired.
“Where were you when the robbery took place?” I inquired as I took out my tape recorder. It was faster than to jot everything down.
“Well, I was out of town for a few days and came back to be welcomed by a broken lock and everything else a complete and utter mess.” Iris responded, her eyes trained on the recorder.
“The police are assuming that it’s the same person who had killed Kelly back in 2010, and Joseph Green a few days ago. Do you have your suspicions?” I questioned.
“I don’t know, to be honest. I mean if it’s the same murderer, which means that I was next on their list. I’m still on it. I personally don’t have a clue as to who’d want to rob or kill me,” she explained, fear evident in her voice. “Whoever it is, left a little to no traces or clues or at least none the police have found.”
“Uh, guys? I think they did leave something behind,” Willa suddenly called out, a piece of crumpled paper in her hands.
We all shared shocked and confused glances as Willa came over to the table. She smoothed out the paper and revealed what was written on it. It was an address of a house in the same neighbourhood. The colour left Iris’ face as she held the paper in her hands.
“This is where Zayn lives. Oh, my God, what if he’s next?” Iris cried, her hands slightly trembling.
“Zayn? The one that works at the library? That Zayn?” Juliana asked, her voice getting slightly higher.
Iris nodded as she ran a hand through her hair. As we all sat there, dumbfounded, Willa jumped into action.
“Okay, so we’ve got to take this to the police and we’ve got to warn Zayn. Hopefully, it doesn’t get bloody.” the brunette stated, her voice loud and clear.
“Lillian and I’ll go to the police, while you two head on over to Zayn’s. If he’s not at home, he’s probably working his shift at the library.” Juliana added as she stood up.
“Then let’s do this,” Iris stated.
“You seriously need to take some time off from work, you know.” Quinn said, looking over the files on my desk. I shot her a quick glance before turning back to my laptop. “We’re going,” she stated as she shut the laptop’s lid. I groaned as I got up and grabbed my coat, earning a smile from the blonde.
“I hate you, you know?” I said once we got outside, a little anger still inside of me.
“Yeah, well, whatever. You’re just going to hate me more.” she responded, almost bluntly. I rolled my eyes, but kept following her to wherever it was she was taking me.
Sometime later, we stopped in front of the back entrance of Nite Sky, a ‘renowned’ club. I inwardly cringed at I realized Quinn had brought me here. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, the back door opened, revealing a tall, lean man.
“Great of you to have made it, Quinn, Lillian.” the man smiled, revealing a pair of dimples. I turned to Quinn, giving her a look that said that I hadn’t a clue as to who he was.
“Uh, this is Harry Styles. He was in the school’s yearbook club?” Quinn whispered. I stared at her blankly. I still had no idea as to who he was. Quinn rolled her eyes at my lack of remembering the fellow in front of us. How was I supposed to remember someone that I didn’t care about back then?
“So, um, come on in,” Harry awkwardly cut in, as he motioned towards the door.
“Thanks,” I replied as I followed Quinn inside.
Loud electric music blared over the speakers as people let loose and danced in sync with the rhythm. Quinn and I somehow managed to make our way to the bar and order a few drinks. A few minutes afterwards, Quinn excused herself to receive a call. I waved her off, only to have Harry take her place.
“So, you having fun?” he yelled over the deafening music.
“Yeah, an abundance of fun!” I replied sarcastically, before chugging down my drink. Harry shook his head as he let out a laugh.
“You’re still kind of the same,” he said, playing with his hands. He seemed nervous about something, but I couldn’t get my finger wrapped around it. “Well, um, I should get going. See you around!” he waved before leaving me alone with just an empty glass in my hand.
I awkwardly sat at the bar, waiting for Quinn to come back. I looked around the club, wondering how people had enough time to actually come to places like this. How did Quinn have enough time?
She never forced me to leave work and waste my time drinking and remembering people who I never even saw before. We only ever met when she visited The Blazing Times, and that was it. We had been friends since high school, but I was really only focused on my studies to actually worry about friends and crushes and things of the sort.
A little while later, Quinn returned, a satisfied expression on her face. I raised an eyebrow at her as she took a seat next to me.
“The people at the theatre loved the costume I sent in this morning!” the blonde chirped, a wide smile on her face.
“Well, that’s great news!” I returned the smile. It must have been a huge deal for her.
The rest of the night, I tried getting Quinn to let us leave, but she wouldn’t budge. Just as I was beginning to think that she was acting quite bizarre, she agreed.
I took in the fresh air and let out a sigh of relief as soon as we got outside. The streets were quite unlike the club which would be open till God knows when. As we cut the corner, I turned to look at Quinn, who in turn was squinting at her phone screen. She hadn’t let go of that thing the entire night and I was wondering if everything was alright. I didn’t worry too much, however, since I knew it had something to do with her work at the theatre.
>>>>>>
I sat at my desk, minding my own business like usual, until my boss and the editor, Rebecca Ross, barged into the office. Everyone stopped what they were doing and quickly focused their attention on the woman standing before us. She glanced around the room, her expression unreadable as she played with a file in her hands.
“Alright, listen up! I have just received news that there was a break-in at a house in the same neighbourhood as the latest murder scene. I have a feeling it could’ve been the killer the police are trying to find,” Rebecca started, her voice reeking of authority. “I want a reporter down there and one at the police department. I better have proper information from both the residents and police and any leads thus far. Understood?”
Everyone nodded before the reporters were assigned. To my luck, I was selected as the one to inquire Miss Iris Stone, the woman whose house was broken into.
I piled my notepad, recorder, and every other useful thing I required for the task. I debated whether or not to call Juliana since she was in on the job as well. I ended up calling her over to the scene of crime.
I waited outside Iris’ house for Juliana to show up. The garden outside the house was filled with wilting flowers, most likely due to the change in weather. The house itself seemed to be have been going under some construction as there were a few paint cans and other items piled along the side of the house.
I was pulled out my thoughts by the sound of heels clicking against the pavement. I turned to face the sound and was welcomed by the sight of Juliana and someone I didn’t recognize. She seemed to be the same age as Juliana or maybe younger and looked more interested in this project in comparison to Juliana.
“Hey, Lillian. This is Willa Parker, my best friend and partner for the investigation you wanted me to conduct. I hope you don’t mind me bringing her along.” the blue haired girl introduced me to her friend.
“Not at all,” I replied, eyeing Willa suspiciously. I wasn’t prepared to trust everyone working with Juliana, hell, I don’t think I trust Juliana completely, either.
Willa offered me a smile as she extended her hand, which I shook firmly. After being acquainted, and Juliana ringing the bell, we waited for Iris to open the door to her house.
A minute or so later, an average heighted woman with pink hair tied up in a ponytail greeted us at the door. She introduced herself as Iris Stone and ushered us inside. The house itself was quite well kept and neat from the room where we were seated. Picture frames were aligned on the shelf over the fireplace, while vases filled with gorgeous flowers sat at the window sill and the dining table.
Juliana and I took a seat at the table, while Willa looked around the room, probably searching for any clues the police might have missed. We were soon joined by Iris, who had brought three glasses of grape juice. She placed the tray on the table and took a seat in front of us.
“So, what do you want to know?” she asked, her voice hoarse and her eyes tired.
“Where were you when the robbery took place?” I inquired as I took out my tape recorder. It was faster than to jot everything down.
“Well, I was out of town for a few days and came back to be welcomed by a broken lock and everything else a complete and utter mess.” Iris responded, her eyes trained on the recorder.
“The police are assuming that it’s the same person who had killed Kelly back in 2010, and Joseph Green a few days ago. Do you have your suspicions?” I questioned.
“I don’t know, to be honest. I mean if it’s the same murderer, which means that I was next on their list. I’m still on it. I personally don’t have a clue as to who’d want to rob or kill me,” she explained, fear evident in her voice. “Whoever it is, left a little to no traces or clues or at least none the police have found.”
“Uh, guys? I think they did leave something behind,” Willa suddenly called out, a piece of crumpled paper in her hands.
We all shared shocked and confused glances as Willa came over to the table. She smoothed out the paper and revealed what was written on it. It was an address of a house in the same neighbourhood. The colour left Iris’ face as she held the paper in her hands.
“This is where Zayn lives. Oh, my God, what if he’s next?” Iris cried, her hands slightly trembling.
“Zayn? The one that works at the library? That Zayn?” Juliana asked, her voice getting slightly higher.
Iris nodded as she ran a hand through her hair. As we all sat there, dumbfounded, Willa jumped into action.
“Okay, so we’ve got to take this to the police and we’ve got to warn Zayn. Hopefully, it doesn’t get bloody.” the brunette stated, her voice loud and clear.
“Lillian and I’ll go to the police, while you two head on over to Zayn’s. If he’s not at home, he’s probably working his shift at the library.” Juliana added as she stood up.
“Then let’s do this,” Iris stated.
Notes
Hi guys!! It's me again! I am so sorry for the really late update. Exams have started again and my Cambridge O Level exams are nearing as well so I gotta study hard. I hope this was an alright chapter and that you liked it. Anyway, thanks for reading and have a great day! :)
