CHAPTER SIXTEEN

1083 Words
Eddie’s POV The next morning, I sat near Dad as he drank coffee. “Hi, Dad,” I said. “Hey, son,” he replied, sipping. “Dad, I need your help,” I said. Mom looked over from the kitchen. “What is it?” Dad asked, setting his coffee down. “A friend’s parents were killed by her uncle. She lives with him and is used as a s*x machine. I want justice for her,” I said sadly. “The cops need evidence, Eddie,” he said, concerned. “That’s why I brought this,” I said, showing the tape and phone photos of the wall and guns. “What’s this?” he asked, taking the tape. “A video of him killing her parents. I’ve seen it,” I said, showing him the pictures. He scanned them carefully, then looked at me suspiciously. “How did you get these?” “I… broke into his house,” I stammered, shrugging. “You what? Broke into a criminal’s house without cops?” Mom asked, shocked. “It was the only way, Mom. I couldn’t watch her suffer, and I didn’t trust the cops to find evidence,” I said, bowing my head. “Who’s this girl you’re risking your life for?” she asked. “Princess,” I said, looking down. “Who’s Princess?” she asked, angry. “A girl I love, Mother,” I said, meeting her eyes. Her expression softened. “You took a dangerous step, son,” Dad said calmly. “I know, Dad, but I wasn’t caught. Please, don’t let my risk be in vain,” I said, holding his hand. “I’ll do my best. Let me watch the tape first,” he said, smiling. “Thank you,” I said, hugging him. “Where does she live?” Mom asked, stirring her coffee. “Next compound,” I said, smiling. “And I haven’t seen her? How?” she asked, sipping. “She’s locked inside by her wicked uncle,” I said, clenching my fists. “This is serious. Honey, act fast,” she said to Dad. “I will,” he nodded. Ryan’s POV I yawned, descending the stairs to find everyone talking. “Did I miss something?” I asked, sitting on Mom’s lap. “No, son. Good morning,” she said, tickling me. I giggled. “Good morning, everyone,” I said, looking at Eddie. “Morning, smartie,” he replied, smiling. My stomach growled, and everyone laughed. “Mom, I’m hungry,” I said shyly. “Sorry, Eddie, breakfast isn’t ready,” she said, pouting. “Fine, I’ll play to forget the hunger,” I said, standing. “Don’t go far, Ryan,” Dad said, smiling. “I’ll ride my bicycle down the street,” I said, heading to the garage. I rode happily, trying stunts, until I saw Princess’s uncle in a sweaty hoodie. Fear hit me, but I stayed calm. He approached fast. I waved, trying to pedal away, but he grabbed me, covering my nose with a handkerchief. I struggled, but my eyes closed. Uncle Joe’s POV I carried Ryan to my abandoned warehouse, far from the street, and dropped him on the floor. I sprayed an antidote on his face, and he sneezed, waking weakly. He saw me and flinched. “Please don’t kill me,” he said, crying. “I won’t if you answer my questions,” I said, squatting before him. He nodded. “Why do you stare at me when I pass your house?” I asked. “I love how you dress. I want to dress like that,” he said, smiling. I raised an eyebrow. “Really?” I thought, skeptical. “Yesterday, while you sat outside, did you see anyone break into my house?” “No, I was trimming my nails,” he said, showing them. Frustrated, I thought, “Waste of time.” “Why did you stare and sing?” I asked. “I was happy to see you,” he said shyly. “And the song? Who’s Eddie?” I asked, scratching my head. “It’s from an American action movie. Eddie’s my favorite character. I sing it to people I like, like you,” he said, smiling. I smiled back, no one had said they loved me. I pulled him up, dusting his clothes. “Sorry, I thought you knew something,” I said. “I don’t, but I’ll tell you if I notice anything,” he said. I smiled. “Can I go home? I’m hungry,” he said, holding his stomach. “Sure, but promise not to tell anyone,” I said, holding his shoulders. “I promise,” he said, eyeing my bracelets. “Can I have one?” Sighing, I gave him one. “Thank you!” he said, kissing my cheek. Shocked, I said, “I’ll take you home.” Eddie’s POV “Ryan’s taking too long,” Mom said, worried. “He’s probably hungry,” Dad added. “I’ll find him,” I said, standing. “Tell him the table’s set,” Mom said. As I reached the door, it opened, revealing Ryan. His expression was strange. He pushed past me, running upstairs without a word. “Ryan!” Mom called, heading to the stairs. “Mom, eat. I’ll talk to him. You know Ryan,” I said, entering my room. “Ryan,” I called, hearing the shower. In the bathroom, he sat under the water, fully clothed, shaking. “Ryan, what happened?” I asked, stopping the water and pulling him into my arms. “He took me, Eddie,” he stammered, crying, holding me tight. “I’m so sorry, Ryan,” I said, brushing his hair. “He could’ve killed me, but I played smart, acting like a kid who knew nothing,” he said, looking at me. “The worst part? I kissed his cheek to seem like I admired him,” he yelled, childlike. “Kissed him?” I asked, confused. “I told him I loved his style and that ‘Eddie’ was a movie character. I kissed him to get this,” he said, showing a bracelet. “You’re a genius!” I said, hugging him, examining the bracelet. “This will help.” “What about my lips?” he screamed. “He’s your ‘royal model,’ Ryan. It’s fine,” I teased, running out as he chased me, laughing.
Free reading for new users
Scan code to download app
Facebookexpand_more
  • author-avatar
    Writer
  • chap_listContents
  • likeADD