Forty- six - The scream again

Three days had passed and Chloe kept counting minutes and hours as her head schemed ways to get out of her situation. Also, she was finally leaving Nathaniel's room for hers, it was really awkward having him walk in numerous times to get a towel or a toothbrush.

They didn't talk much and that was because Chloe didn't actually have the luxury of time to.

As she leaned onto the balcony railings and watched the green scenario ahead, she wondered if she could reach Agent Connor again. This time, without having to call the Agency's line.

She racked her brain for anything- his mail, his personal number, whatever else there was- but nothing came. Not even a hint.

As she made to walk into the room to get her phone, she felt huge hands wrap around her waist.

"It is so weird to see you so quiet," Nathaniel murmured as he took her hands and entangled it with his sending a kind of warmth to Chloe.

"That building over there..." She didn't fight his hold and she nudged towards the distant bungalow. "What's it for?"

"It is supposed to be our garage."

"But?"

He nuzzled her hair and she found herself melting into his chest. "We abandoned it long ago because of the distance we have to walk to get to our cars. It also doubles as my art studio too. But the remaining space is practically useless."

Chloe turned her head so she was looking into his eyes. "You are an artist?"

"I believe so," he replied almost blankly.

"What kind?"

"I used to paint."

"Used to?" Her nose scrunched a bit.

His eyes left hers and he looked ahead with a strong look. "For a long time, I have not had a reason to paint."

Chloe believed she had found something to momentarily get her mind off her problem. She knew not so much about the man she felt things for. And now that she knew something... she wanted to know more. "Why?" she asked.

Nathaniel gave a light shrug. "We should go out there sometime," he said instead, his arms hugging her even warmly. "It is a beautiful view out there." She smiled as she took her eyes back to the scene. "We should finally have a proper date."

Chloe had no idea her smile had widened and as it did, she hugged his hand with her slim ones and placed it close to her chest. "That sounds really good."

"Let me see your hands." He leaned and held out her hands so he could have a proper view. The red marks were faded a bit but the fact that she had to see them everyday for as long as they remained angered Chloe a bit. "You need to talk Chloe. Let us catch this person together."

"You'll hate me when this is all over Nathaniel," she said, her voice, a whisper.

"Uh?"

"I have been thinking..."

"Yeah?" he asked eagerly.

"If you find out my secret, will you hate me forever?" She knew what his answer would be. And that made her smile sadly. When the moment of truth finally comes, there will be a huge chance he would hate her with all he has, contradicting the response he was going to give at that moment.

"I'd rather not know the secret if it will make me hate you," came his response. Immediatey, he had her facing him. "When we catch this person, we won't give him a chance to even talk, I promise you. Just don't live in fear of what this person can do. Instead be the strong woman I know you are and help us."

He brought her hands up and clasped them with his. "We will protect you Chloe. I will protect you," he said assuredly and Chloe lost it.

She was really being put in a tight spot.

"Hmm..." her agony came out as a mere sound. "I will think about it." As she said that, she determined within her to find out if truly the brothers were traffickers once she was done sucessfully dealing with her problem. That information could have been part of Markings plan for all she knew.

She was just sure of one thing, she didn't want to lose what she had at the moment so soon.

"Chloe?"

"Hmm?"

"I was talking to you."

"Oh. Sorry, I was-"

"Hey." He gave her a soft smile and pulled her left cheek gently. "Don't explain yourself. I will excuse you so you can think freely." He was about to walk away when he said, "But don't stress yourself too much while at it." Chloe smiled.

"Why are you smiling?" he asked amusedly.

"It is just weird to see you being so caring."

He frowned. "But I am always caring." She made a face. "What?"

"What?" she asked in return.

He pointed. "What was that face?"

"What face?" she asked innocently.

Nathaniel had moved closer. "That-" He then narrowed his eyes and moved even closer.

"Nathaniel?"

His eyes into hers, he ducked closer and Chloe knew what was next already. Her eyes closed instantly and she waited for his lips to touch hers.

It never did despite the fact that he was still so close to her.

As she opened her eyes, he cleared his throat and said, "I will see you later."

Then he walked out, Chloe feeling really hot immediately despite the cool air.

~

Nathaniel was right, the distance from the main house to the used-to-be garage was crazy long. It almost seemed like she was hiking.

But she was determined to check the building out there out, she continued her walk past the tarred path that had plants of different kinds adorning its side.

Finally, after walking another distance past a huge field, she got to her destination.

It was more of a shed, but it was a really huge and tall shed.

Pushing the wooden entrance which was heavier than it seemed, Chloe was greeted by a chill air. Then a strong breeze came from outside and forced the door shut before she could close it herself.

That had her instantly immersed in partial darkness.

And that reminded her of the junkyard scenario.

With a quickened sense, she got her phone's flashlight on and found a switch which instantly assured her nothing was lurking around wanting to attack her.

She was in a room that had two cars which were covered and that was about it. Apart from some tools and lubricants, there was nothing fancy to take note of.

That drove her towards the door at the extreme end of the room. The door led her to a practically empty which was not as huge as the first.

Chloe was about to walk away when she heard a scratchy noise. Her steps stopped immediately and she listened raptly.

It came again, this time, it stayed for some seconds. It sounded like a huge mass of metal was being dragged along a surface but she was having difficulties determining where it was coming from.

As she made to change her direction, the next sound came and this one caused her to freeze instantly.

It was the scream from earlier and this time... it was louder.