Judith's POV

If Chris Mitchell could spill his own guts out; literally, he would've done that too.

Well, metaphorically he just did.
Which is good of course.

"I see." I nodded. I sat on the bed, across the boy who sat in front of me on the floor of his bedroom. I rethought about what he just told me, and boy what a mess he got himself into.
"So let's go through this again. Your friends, Dylan Hall, Ethan Thomas, and Brandon Price have the other tapes, right?"

The boy nodded.

"Well shit..you need to get these tapes back, you know that puts them in danger too, right?"

"Shit- y-yeah..but, then what?-"

"Then I will take care of them" I answered. "And since that's what they're after, they don't come after you or your friends next."

"I guess...b-but wait then- doesn't that mean they'll go after you instead?"

I sighed.
"They're already after me, but then you'll be safe and I can come up with something..." I said. "I'm thinking maybe I can make a deal with them or something...it was the reason I already got away from before" That wasn't a complete lie.

"Yeah but-...." The boy's expression turned into concern and guilt. "W-why...you could've just..left already..why are you helping me- I mean! I'm happy you are! Really- but-"

It took me a minute to come up with something, I put on a small smile. "Well, you remind me of someone, someone dear to me. I'm doing this for him."

It was the truth.
This is all for him, and because it's for him...
You need to be gone.

"Oh.." the boy nodded.
The room fell silent for a minute before he spoke again. "They'll..still get away with...
What they did to.. my parents..." he bit his lip.

Well buddy, good and bad news;
Good news, they won't.
Because they didn't kill your parents in the first place.
Bad news, because I did.

I cleared my thoughts and placed my other hand, the one that wasn't injured on his shoulder. "It's going to be okay." I got up.
I walked around the room stretching my legs as I thought about what to do next.

At this point, they don't just want the tapes, but the boys as well.

I looked down at the boy.
"You should call them. your friends, ask them to bring the tap--"

"About that...I already talked to them...well the ones that picked up anyways- but they can't come.."

"What? What do you mean they can't-"

"They can't - Dylan is grounded because of what happened to my parents...His mom won't let him out of the house. Ethan has this dinner with his family and neighbors or something - and I don't know what Brandon is up to, he didn't answer my calls...and then there's Derek...I was gonna invite him here before you came..to keep me company.." he said.

shit.
I bit my bottom lip and recalled the discussion we had. 'If they won't come, we go to them'

I sat back down on the bed and rethought the whole situation.

This was it. I thought.
Chris Mitchell is right in front of me, alone and vulnerable...I could just get it done now and dip...but I know I can't.

"Then.." I started, trying to come up with something. "Then, maybe it doesn't have to be tonight...yeah- yes, you can contact them again tomorrow, and we can gather the tapes and I'll have enough time to come up with a plan."

"But-....what if they-"

"Oh! And you don't have to stay here," I stood up again. "You can go stay at- maybe Derek's? Or some-"

That's when Chris's eyes lit up.
"That- the motel!..I- my friends and I rented this one Room for the weekend and I-" he got off the floor and his eyes shifted to a school bag laying on top of his desk. He grabbed it and took out the keys.

Unfortunately, I know which motel he's talking about and I really didn't want to go back there...but this is a perfect opportunity

He also grabbed something else, a notebook. "What about this..." From inside the notebook, he took out a small tape, that he had hidden between the pages.

So this is what all the fuss is about,
some dumb little tape.

"Is that one of the tapes?" I asked as he handed it to me.
"Yes, and like I said there's 3 more."

My eyes examined the tape. "Alright, then 3 to go. I'll keep this safe okay? Now why don't you grab whatever you need and head to the motel, and- oh yes I need you to write down the Motel and your friends' addresses, in case I need to reach you or something happens." I said as I pushed the little tapes into my pocket.

"W-wait you're not coming with me?"

"Huh? Oh no, I can't it will.." I thought of something quick. "It would place too much attention on us, trust me it's better if you're alone, how would they know you're at some motel room"

"O-oh..alright.." the boy agreed, although he looked unsure.

Just how dumb are you, Chris Mitchell.
You're a kid after all, and too trusting it's almost sad.

I pushed these thoughts away and waited for the boy to grab some of his things. Once he was done he handed me a small piece of paper with addresses and the spare key of his hotel motel room that I asked for. we walked downstairs and went straight to the door.

"A-are you sure they left..?" He asked.

"Positive. Oh and- wait." I turned to look at him. "Do you have a car? How are you gonna get there?" I asked.

"Oh I have this," he reached into his pocket and took out car keys. "It's...my mom's car..yeah I'll drive there." He smiled a bit.

"Alright." I nodded. "Remember what we talked about, you're gonna get there and wait for me, got it? Don't contact anyone- that includes texting too."
He nodded. "I don't have my phone on me- I couldn't find it earlier but I think I left it in the kitchen...but I can't stay there forever? How long are you going to be-"

"Hey, we already said we'll meet tomorrow and gather the tapes okay? It's just for one night." I said and he pursed his lips as he nodded.
I reached out to open the door and as I did, I turned my head to look at him, wanting to tell him something but I soon forgot what it was
As I bumped into something- someone.

"By the way don't- uff!! Oh what the-"
I think the both of us, me and Chris jumped at the figure that stood outside the door. I raised my head up to look at who it was that I bumped into....and my heart sank.

"O-oh! Excuse me-...oh it's you again? Hello~" said the person.

It was the guy from this morning, the tall man in a suit, the lovely sight, the detective.

"I?..uh-" I looked back at Chris looking for an explanation as to why is he here, but he looked just as surprised as I am.

The man, who if I remember correctly is Nickolas Hayes, the detective.

He seemed to find something funny because next, he chuckled a bit and then spoke. "Do you live here? I didn't quite catch your name- oh or introduce myself this morning I-"

I crossed my arms and raised a brow.
"Oh, so a person can't just be in a house without being a resident of it?" I said sarcastically.

He gave me a toothy smile and before he could reply Chris cut him off.
"Why are you here?" He asked.

The detective's eyes took a minute before shifting to Chris who stood before me. A smile never leaving his lips. "There was a noise complaint from the neighbors, they said they heard loud noises coming from here and I wanted to check it out myself, to check on you too" he answered. "But I see that the two of you are heading out? Did something happen here?"

I tried to control my breathing and not actually hold it in, but I don't like this situation we were thrown into, it's making me nervous.

I glanced at Chris over my shoulder who looked like he was unsure of what to say, he looked at me and I got the hint I needed to act quickly. I looked back at the detective standing in front of me.
"Yeah, yeah something did happen- oh officer it was horrible!!- look!" I raised my injured hand for him to see.

"It's actually detect-- oh this looks bad?! What happened-" his eyes rounded at my injured hand.

"It was HUGE! The biggest one I've ever seen!!" I blurted. I peeked at Chris who had the biggest question mark written all over his face, it was hilarious.

As I turned back to the detective I continued with my lie. "Oh, it all happened so quickly!! Took us both by surprise- ugh it even broke some things around the house!! I tried chasing it and ended up injuring myself."

"What- miss what exactly are you
talking about-"

"The bird!! It was big!!"

"A what-" the detective narrowed his eyes.
"A bird?...a bird did this?" He asked, asking to make sure he heard me correctly.

"Yes! A bird." I nodded. "And now-" I grabbed Chris's arm and pulled him outside then shut the door. "Chris can't stay alone so he's gonna spend the night at his friend's house- right?" I looked at Chris with a smile.

It took him a minute but he took the hint.
"H-Huh- uh oh! Yeah, yeah. Imma stay at my friend Derek's house--"

That's enough information. "And I, as you can already see are going to the hospital, so excuse us." I interrupted Chris and then flashed the detective a smile before dragging Chris along with me past the detective.

"Yes but if I can ask you-"

I realized getting rid of him wasn't going to be easy, I needed Chris out of here before he starts asking him questions.

I nudged Chris. "Just go, I'll see you later okay?" I whispered to him, and nodded before getting into the car. I turned back to the detective and paused in front of him making him stop.

"What? Officer don't you see that--"
"Again, it's detective Ha-"
"Whatever!-" Behind me I heard the car start and I was happy the kid didn't waste any time and just drove off. "Well Detective, I need to get to a hospital so if you excuse me-"

The detective watched the car drive off and he looked around the house for other cars before looking back at me. "Yeah? Alright but tell me.." he placed his hands on his hips. "How exactly are you going to get there miss- oh I didn't quite catch your name?"

Maybe I should just walk away...
he can't follow me, right? Or arrest me?...
But that would raise a flag, and I don't need that.

I rolled my eyes, crossed my arms, and was sure to smile. "Oh don't worry, I was gonna call a-"

"I'll drive you there." He offered, smiling back at me.

Oh hell no.
This offer and the smile are for some reason are unsettling, I don't like this.

I only widened my smile, which now is starting to hurt. "Oh you're so nice but I-"

"Please I insist, I won't take no for an answer not when your injury looks this bad, please." He insisted as he put his hand out motioning to his car.

I know that by now I've lost. There's nothing more I can do- well, there's but that will only cause me more troubles which I don't need now. I finally dropped my smile and sighed.
"Fine." I gave up and walked past him to his parked car.

After we both got in he drove off and there was silence for a short while, I kept my eyes out the window as I pressed pressure on my hand. I saw that he was messing with something so I looked back at him to see if he was messing with the GPS and I tilted my head. "What are you doing?" I asked.

"You know what, Maybe you can just give me directions to the nearest hospital-"

My jaw dropped. "You're kidding? How do you not know-"

He chuckled. "In my defense, I'm new in town! Haha, I just got here a week ago and I know a hospital is around here...I just need to figure this thing out-" he said as he kept messing with the GPS.

I shook my head, jaw still hanging. "Oh wow, then maybe you shouldn't offer people rides then!? Oh, you're joking right...right?"

He looked at me with a funny look on his face, he looked as if he was holding a smile back, and he shook his head. "No- no really! I know it's near but I- oh just give me the directions and-"

I slapped my hand, the one that was not injured over my mouth trying not to laugh, and looked out the window. ".......Can't."

"Hm? Why not? I'm serious I don't know where exactly is it but--"

"I can't!" I looked back at him for a second, enough to look him in the eyes then I turned away. "I can't because I'm new to town too...just got here a couple of days ago..." I said quietly.

I didn't know what to expect next but I definitely didn't expect whatever he said next.

He laughed. "Oh!! Hahaha!! Well damn! Then I guess we're gonna have to drive till we by some miracle reach a hospital." He chuckled.

I looked back at him.
"Funny. just stop the car and I'll call someone to-"

He shook his head with a smile that seemed to be taped on his lips. "Nope, I'm still taking you to the hospital. It's my job."

"Since when is giving people rides to the hospital is a part of a detective's job? Are they paying extra or something for this?" I snickered

"It's the right thing to do. Besides, this is? And my job? Are the same, both are to help people."
He said as he kept his eyes on the road.

I stared at him for a minute before looking away. "How noble." I commented quietly.

A few minutes passed and the car was quiet. I realized I needed to get out of this situation as fast as I could, because as my eyes fell on the time in the car, it was almost 8 p.m. and the night might be young but time was running, and there were so many things that needed to be done. I was about to ask him to pull over when I got startled by him.

"YES!! Bingo! There we go- oh! Oh I'm so sorry oh my god did I-"

That made me jump in my seat, where did all of this energy come from? I gasped and glared at him. "What the fuck! You scared the hell out of me why did you yell--"

"The hospital! I knew it was around here!" He said as he pulled into the hospital's parking lot.

"Okay and!? God..you didn't have to scare me like that.." I mumbled.

"Ah I know I know, I'm really sorry I didn't mean to I'm just happy we found it." He chuckled.

I sighed and waited for him to park before getting out. "Thanks for the ride." I said before shutting the door and walking away.

My eyes might've been looking ahead but my ears were paying attention to the back, I was waiting for him to drive off but it didn't happen. Instead, I heard a car door open and shut, followed by footsteps.

"Wait!" He called.

Great, what now.
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm because he was starting to get on my nerves.

I didn't even need to look at him because in a matter of seconds, he got in front of me.
"I'll walk in with you, if that is alright of course, I'd just like to make sure you're alright."

I can't believe this man.
"Oh I'm alright, what I need right now is for you to--" Hold on, I thought.

Maybe he can walk in with me, why not...since I do need stitches and since he's a detective...maybe they'll ask less questions.

I shut my mouth and smiled.
"Actually,...yeah you can walk in with me~" I chimed.

A nurse walked up to us as I sat on one of the beds in the ER, thankfully it was indeed a good idea to have him come along, because the detective did all the talking.

"Alright dear what's your name," she asked ready to write it down on her clipboard.

I'm not a fan of this part, but what other choice do I have?

"Judith Williams," I said. It was half true, although maybe I should've used a fake first name as well but it's too late for that now.
"I'll be right back, need some solution for that cut." She said before she walked away again.

"So I finally got to know your name, Judith? That's a pretty name."
I turned my head to the man standing next to me, giving me his back.
"Thanks?....and You know you can look at me right?..."

The detective cleared his throat and turned to face me. "Ehm. Yes, but I felt like I was violating your privacy."

I couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh?~ it was your idea to tag along!"

He chuckled. "Yeah well I know better now, but the thing is..." he looked down for a moment before looking back at me. "I was hoping I get a chance to talk to you about Chris Mitchell."

There, there it is.
I knew it, he was too nice. Way too nice.
And after I started thinking he's one of those good people left in this shitty world.

I sighed as my smile dropped.
"Actually, I was going to ask you about the other incidents that happened recently but since you're new in town, how long do you know Chris Mitchell? And did you know his parents as w-"

"Detective, do you think this is a good time for a questioning-"

"Oh, oh no. I'm not- please just consider this a causal conversation because they assigned me here to work on the Mitchell's case and-"

"Alright dear, let's take a look at the cut." The nurse thankfully walked back, interrupting him and she started stitching up my hand.

"It's not that deep, so it will heal fast hopefully," she said after she was done. "Alright, you can finish up filling in your information right there and call me if you need anything." She added before leaving.

I gazed down at my bandaged hand for a minute before looking up at the detective who remained silent. "Did you...find anything About...Chris's parents incident?" I asked.

It was risky and bold of me, but it's worth a try since he's been all causal with me.

"Well.." he sighed and titled his head as he smiled a bit "I can't tell you anything about an ongoing case you know...but the only thing I can say is that it's rough, and--"

"Hey, there you are."

We both Turned to the figure approaching us, my eyes widened as it took me by surprise.

It was Brian.

But how did he know I was coming here? Did they follow me all the way here?

I put on a smile as I collected my thoughts, I needed to come up with something I could keep up with. So I started talking instead of waiting for him. "O-oh! Hey! Did you get my text? I told you, you didn't need to come to the hospital for this thing." I said smiling.

"Nonsense had to make sure you're alright."
He smiled back, Playing along.
"Well, oh this-" I turned to the detective. "Uh, Detective Hayes." I introduced. "He stopped by to check on Chris and insisted he give me a ride to the hospital." I added.

"Hello, Detective Hayes, Nickolas Hayes." He said As they shook hands. "And You're?"

Shit, Brian only knows the fake name I used previously, and now the detective knows me by a different name, this isn't good.

"O-oh! He's my- roommate! The most unorganized roommate ever. And speaking of-" I jumped off the bed and grabbed Brain's arm hugging it. "You promised to help me rearrange my room! And you already dipped on me twice!" I said, looking up at him and smiling. "Oh detective-" I looked back at the detective. "I have so much to do, Thank you again for the ride!- we have to go now- come on" I pulled Brain away.

"Yes, we have so much stuff to rearrange." Brain hummed.

I turned to look at the detective who stood there eyebrows knitted together in a frown.
"Oh, good luck with your job!" I chirped, before walking out of the ER.

"Good save." Brian murmured.
"Let's just get out of here before they start asking about my insurance." I said through my clenched teeth.

Brian placed a hand around my waist and led me outside the hospital fast, he knew his way around it without any trouble.
We made it outside and to the car where Tim was waiting.

Before we made it to the car, Brian stopped and looked down at me.
"I'm not unorganized." He Said quietly.
I raised a brow. "Okay?.."

Apparently, that was all he had to say, because he said nothing else and got in the car instead.
As I got in I let out a long sigh.

"Okay, I have SO many questions. One, did you two actually follow me here? Two, what the FUCK was that Brian!? YOU were supposed to come in not jackass over here!! And-" I jumped to the opposite side to take a look at Jackass aka Tim. "Three, so when you came in DID YOU HAVE TO ACTUALLY FIGHT ME YOU ASSHOLE- look what you did!!" I throw my injured hand at him to see. "Ever heard of ACTING?!" I fumed.

"Hahah, well sweetheart I couldn't resist," Tim rejoiced with a stupid grin on his face. "And hey, you decided to play with knives. I only planned on breaking a few bones."

Technically it was a shard of glass, which I ended up stabbing him in the thigh with and speaking of....

I squinted my eyes as I got closer, taking up the space between the two front seats.
"What happened to the...did you get that shard out? How the fuck are you not bleeding.." I mumbled staring down at his thigh, the shard is gone and he is supposed to be bleeding but the wound...there's no wound? "What the fuck- How come the-"

"You really do talk too much." Brian said as he pushed me back into my seat.

"Hey!-" I sat back down and glared at him. "Ugh." Maybe I shouldn't ask any more questions and focus on my own business. "Where are we going now anyways?" I asked.

"Did you get what we asked for?" Asked Tim.

"Yes." I replied.

"Then wait and you'll see." Answered Brian.

Both men remained quiet after that.
For some reason, I don't like this.

As we drove in Silence, I started having this heavy troubling feeling.
I have felt like this before, it is almost similar to the feeling I get when It, Red-eyes is around, but no this one is different- it's like the feeling I got when I first arrived at this cursed town but this time it's heavier, it's also similar to the feeling I got back then; back in Omaha.

My eyes peeked at the wooded side road, the woods.
I can't help but wonder what is out there...

Yes, I definitely don't like this feeling.