Hopefully this was worth the wait. I hope you find it...interesting.
Love you all. I really appreciate you guys for being so patient and nice and just awesome in general.
Enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-Three
Joe watched as Ashley was briefed on what she should say in her statement. He knew she was nervous without even having to ask, and he wished he could say something to her, but they were about to broadcast. It would be live, which only added to her worries.
When he saw her glance up at him worriedly, he flashed her a reassuring smile and pointed to where he would be. That seemed to help, and she smiled at him before being directed to the camera. “We’ll start shooting in thirty seconds.” Someone told her, and she nodded.
Those thirty seconds were agony for Ashley, and she tried to focus on what she would say. She was never good in front of a camera, though she loved acting. Before she could calm herself down, she was given the signal to start speaking.
“I’m Ashley Cloverfield,” she said, talking confidently to the camera. This was nothing but a stage performance she told herself. She could do it. “I worked at the Merry Oaks convenience store at 81st and Oak. Earlier this week two men tried to rob the shop and it resulted in the murder of my co-worker Ashlynn Taylor. I’m asking for your help to catch these murderers. We’re all in danger, as I myself live in the apartment complex only a few blocks from the store. What little information gathered will be shared soon. Thank you.”
Joe watched her make her statement in awe. She did so well. “You did great!” he said, rushing over to her and hugging her.
“Really? I was so nervous!” She said, wrapping her arms around him. Remembering the dream, he let go of her quickly and ran his hands through his hair awkwardly.
“So I guess this is it for today huh?” he said, trying to avoid the situation.
“Unless you want to hang out, yeah.” Ashley replied.
“I really should get to working on Dani’s case.” He said, glad to have that as an excuse.
This made her beam. “I really think it’s incredible that you’re doing this for her. Let me pay you to do it since you wouldn’t take my money earlier.”
“It’s nothing” he said, refusing her offer. “Really, I don’t mind.”
The two chatted for a few minutes before going their separate ways; Ashley to her apartment and Joe to the office to start working on Dani’s case.
Hours passed, and Ashley was preparing for bed, feeling oddly saddened that she and Joe didn’t spend much time together today. She realized it was because they didn’t have any obligations to see one another, but it didn’t help the fact that she wanted to spend time with him. Turning on the television, sh saw herself making the statement. It was awkward seeing herself on tv, but she watched it anyway.
It was still on when she heard a loud crash coming from one of the windows of her apartment.
