******

I heard rustles and a soft whimper ahead. Then a gunshot, followed by a scream. I ran toward the alley where they came from, my boots splashed the small puddles on the street. I stopped at the entrance of the alleyway.

I snorted.

"Owen Thompson. " I rested one hand on my waist. "You still hang around these parts?"

"Oh wow. Greetings, M'lady Nicole. I just came by to pick something up... " He smirked that ominous, sadistic smirk of his.

I squinted into the darkness to locate where the whimpers were coming from...

"Cheryl?"

She was in a corner, huddled in the far corner. Her clothes were ripped at some places, her hair was ragged, her face was dirty. She had various cuts here and there too.

"Nicole, help me. I only came out here to-"

"Shut up your pretty little mouth!" Owen yelled.

She shuddered violently, losing her voice.

He folded his arms, and leaned a shoulder on the wall. His icy blue eyes moved from her to me. A gaze that could pin any girl down.

But sorry, I wasn't any girl.

"Long time no see, Nicki. And honestly... I kinda missed you."

"Right," I drawled, rolling my eyes

"You look good. Better even. As always," He brushed white hair behind his ear.

"That's sweet and all, but I don't really have time for compliments right now. Also, what the heck? You can't torture Cheryl."

"Why not? I found her, fair and square." He shrugged.

"She's important to a friend of mine. Don't touch her."

"Oh, a friend? Who is it? "

I sighed, "Just let her be."

"You wouldn't care if it was just any friend, Nicki, I know you. So, I guess Shaun must still be around."

"Does it matter Owen?"

"Wait... he likes this girl? That gives me all the more reason to do what I want."

"After all this time, I thought you'd gotten over-"

"I haven't gotten over anything,...