Chapter 6 - Ethan -
2391 Words
Ethan threw on some shorts and a vest top, shoved on his converse and rushed from the room, Monster was at his heels, already alert to his master’s distress.
That phone call with Serena had his gut in knots. He hated the idea of her hiding in her own home frightened of an intruder. He had heard the crashing sound through the phone, and he had been in action before he could process any other thought.
He dived into his car with Monster and started the engine tearing away from the kerb and racing to get to his girl. He had never been more grateful for knowing all the backstreets and short cuts. Just as promised he pulled up outside her home within five minutes of disconnecting the call.
As they clambered out, Ethan turned to Monster. "Monster, Guard."
A low growl came from his German Shepherd as he stalked closer to the house and then planted himself on all fours just beside the front door.
From outside, he could see the front window had been smashed, it looked like something heavy had been thrown through the glass. He tried the front door and it opened easily. He didn't like that. He had watched her lock this earlier. He really didn't like that.
As he crept in, he assessed the house. There wasn't a single sound inside. You could hear a pin drop it was that quiet. He spotted three rocks in the living room surrounded by glass shards. At least he knew what caused the damage. The coffee table had been destroyed by one of them. There were shards of glass sticking out of the sofa and armchair in random places.
He could hear sirens in the distance. Good, the police were on their way. He quickly cleared the downstairs, careful not to touch anything, then he dashed up the stairs and made his way to Serena's room.
He knocked gently. "Serena? It’s me."
When there was no answer, he panicked, wondered for a brief moment if she was still there. He pushed the door open and peered inside.
"Serena?" He walked in and looked around as a door to the right opened.
"Ethan?"
He rushed over and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight.
"I'm here. Monsters outside on guard and the police are on their way. I could hear the sirens."
"Thank you for coming," she whispered against his chest. "I didn't even think about calling the police, I only thought of you."
"I'm glad you called me." He could feel her whole body trembling in his arms, he rubbed her back soothingly. "You're my girl. I'll always come when you need me."
He felt her relax in his arms and looked down at her.
"Your girl..." She smiled at him.
"Yep. Your mine." He kissed her head and pulled her towards the door. "Let's go wait for the police." He glanced at her outfit and snatched up a hoody that was hanging on the back of the bedroom door.
He led her downstairs and outside onto the front porch, Monster moved to stand beside them both. He noticed Serena placed her hand on Monster's head and stroked him gently behind his ears. The police pulled up and made their way over to the three of them on the porch.
There were two police officers, one man and one woman. The woman advised them both to stay whilst they searched the property.
"There are three rocks in the living room. I think it's obvious that someone did this on purpose. You don't throw three rocks by accident. But I'll leave that up to your investigation," Ethan said knowing they had to look for themselves.
Five minutes later and they returned and took their statements.
He squeezed Serena's shoulder in support and told the police officers everything he could remember from the late call, the smash in the background and him rushing over straight away.
They nodded and turned to Serena, who advised of the same thing. The first two smashes woke her, her call to him and then her hiding in the bathroom upstairs.
"Do you have any idea who might want to target you?"
"No. I think I'm quite a nice person. I never cause trouble. I get on with my neighbours."
"Has anything strange happened lately?"
"Well, I've been getting some nuisance calls lately from a withheld number and felt like I was being watched. I received a weird package this morning which has been handed over to the police. My boyfriend spoke to a friend about it, but I don't know who would be this angry at me to target me like this..."
Ethan quickly explained about Eric on the police force who was a detective, at the mention of his name both police officers nodded in understanding, clearly recognising who he was talking about. He explained about the phone calls in more detail and how the last one had threatened her, so they'd arranged to put a trace on Serena's phone in case the person contacted again, along with collecting the package earlier today.
"This threat. What is it the man said earlier today?"
"He said I should have kept my nose out and to watch where I walk in the park."
"Why the park?"
"I was cutting through the park on my way to meet a friend for lunch when the call came through. As I was walking, I did get the weird feeling I was being watched again, but there was no one around."
Both police officers looked alarmed at her words.
The more they discussed the situation between the four of them, the more convinced Ethan was that someone was targeting Serena. He kept her close and every so often he would kiss her temple gently.
"What did he mean by ‘keep your nose out,’? That's not something you'd say to just anyone." The male officer added. "It must mean something. Try to think."
"I'm not sure." Serena shrugged in his arms then he felt her whole body stiffen. "Oh my god..." she gasped and covered her mouth.
He watched her eyes widen in fear and she turned to look at him sharply.
"What is it, baby?" He cupped her face gently, caressing her cheek to soothe her.
She whispered one word that made his heart still. "Chloe..."
He realised she was probably right. He watched her lower lip tremble and her skin paled before his eyes.
"Hey don't worry. I've got you. I won't let anything happen to you."
"Excuse me - who is Chloe?"
He waited whilst Serena quickly explained what she could but insisted she couldn't reveal all the details. Then she asked for the detective on her case.
Ten minutes later, the detective on Miss Richard’s case arrived.
Ethan recognised him immediately; it was his friend Eric Peters whom they had called earlier about Serena's calls and the package.
Eric didn't look like the typical detective. He was about the same height as Ethan, six-foot-four, but he had a bulkier frame than him. He had smooth cocoa coloured skin, something he inherited from his Caribbean mother. His hair was black and in long dreadlocks and he had a small goatee and moustache. He had a scar above his right eye and his eyes were mocha brown. He would have looked dangerous if it wasn't for the huge grin on his face at seeing him.
"Ethan, what are you doing here?" Eric asked as he looked to the house behind with the smashed window then back.
"This is my girlfriend Serena, and this is her house." He gestured to Serena, and Eric's gaze landed on Serena, then back to the house.
"It's lovely to meet you, Serena." He shook her hand with a warm smile.
"Thank you for coming out." She shook his hand and nodded at him.
"No worries. I heard there was something related to a case I am working on. You're the one having calls from a withheld number, right?"
"Yes. You also sent an officer to collect that package this afternoon. I think I know who it is." She took a deep breath and explained what had happened again. She also discussed her concerns about the missed calls being related and also about her concerns regarding Chloe's case. "That's the only thing I have become involved in. It's the only thing that makes sense."
"Okay. I will look into all this. I'll be honest, the case with Chloe I've struggled with as it's his word against hers. To be honest Keith has disappeared. There's been no sign of him for weeks. And there is no hard evidence about the abuse. So, if I can find a link between your calls, what has happened tonight and him I'll get him. Our technical analyst has already put a trace on your phone." He paused before continuing. "You'll not be able to stay here for a few nights. Our forensic experts will need to come. Not to mention it's not safe with the window."
"She'll be at mine," Ethan said as he rubbed her arms gently. "Monster and I would love to have you stay." He expected resistance from her; he knew how independent she was. It was one of the things he loved about her.
Love? Did he love her?
Yes! His mind screamed. He smiled at that but knew now wasn't the time to tell her that.
"Okay, if you're sure you don't mind," Serena said.
"Of course, I don't mind. You're my girl. You can stay as long as you want." He pulled her to him and wrapped both arms around her. He kissed her gently on the lips and pressed his forehead against her own.
After a few more words with Eric, Ethan helped Serena pack up some of her things from her room and then led Serena to his car. He held the door open for her and turned towards Monster.
Ethan watched as Monster sniffed the air, his nuzzle pointed up as he stood to guard the door. He turned his head and began to walk along the porch to the left and sniffed around the window.
"Monster, come." He waited then Monster turned, looked around and then ducked his head and ran to the car; he climbed into the back and made himself comfortable behind Serena's seat. He was that big, his head lolled over the shoulder of the seat and he nuzzled into Serena's neck.
Ethan climbed into the driver’s seat and glanced at his girl as she cuddled into Monster for comfort.
He marvelled at how beautiful she was even after such a trying night.
He stifled a snort when Monster licked her face and nuzzled even closer into Serena’s neck.
A low rumble came from his chest and he watched as his alert and well-trained canine melted and softened against her.
"He loves you already."
"He is beautiful and very smart," Serena said softly, her hands continued to stroke his fur.
He started the engine and pulled away from the kerb, heading back the way he came. He took the same route he used earlier to get to Serena, and within five minutes he pulled into one of the spaces outside his block of flats.
He helped her out of the car, grabbed her bags and let Monster out, who rushed ahead towards the door. He sat patiently and waited for Ethan to unlock the door, and then he led her through the entrance and to the lift.
They rode the lift to the fourth floor and he once again led her down a hallway to the door of his studio apartment. He unlocked his door and allowed her to enter first, Monster followed, heading straight for his bed. He took her hoody and hung it on a peg by the door.
He wondered what she would think of his place. In the weeks they had been dating, he hadn't brought her here simply because he wanted to get to know her properly. If he had brought her here, he would have wanted her in his bed, and he didn't want to force anything more with her history.
It was an open-plan space. The kitchen and dining area were on the right and the walls were painted in a smoky grey colour. The colour went perfectly with the linoleum flooring that was a dark wooden pattern. There was a row of cabinets and marble counters against the wall, along with a double marble island countertop that separated the kitchen from the lounge and a couple of cushioned bar stools to sit on, along with a dark wooden table and chairs set for four.
On the left side was the lounge area. This side was decorated the opposite to the kitchen. The floor was a light grey shade carpet and the walls were dark wooden panelling. There was a white leather sofa in the middle, facing the TV by the far wall and a door leading out onto a small balcony next to it. There were a few photos dotted about of his family and friends but not many decorations or knick-knacks. The doors to his bathroom, bedroom and spare room were on the far-right wall off the lounge.
"It's not much."
"Don't be daft. It's lovely, very masculine but it’s very cosy. I love it."
"Thank you. Come on I'll make you a cup of tea." He took her hand and tugged her to the kitchen area.
He settled her onto a barstool and busied himself making her a brew.
He turned when he heard a sniffle, and caught a few tears trickling down her face.
"Don't cry, babe." He left the kettle and went back to her, wrapped his arms around her tightly and rubbed her back to comfort her.
"I guess I'm more shook up than I realised. Thank you for coming so quickly. You were the first person I thought of," Serena whispered into his chest.
He almost didn’t hear her.
Her hands tightened on his shirt and he just held her for a little while until the tears stopped.
"As I told you before you’re my girl. I’ll always come when you need me. You don't need to worry. I've got you." He tilted her head up and kissed her gently.
- Writer
