• 1. Alleys Are For Murder

    "I am a rock, but not a diamond. Yet he came to me, picked me up from the dirt, and said I was beautiful."


    Just to call it an old and dusty antique shop was a mere insult. No, to her it was an historical get away were she could find items that dated back to the civil war or rare exported goods that have been passed down till they ended up here, right into her awaiting arms. She especially loved the jewelry that would pop up every once in a while. It continually seemed to be pleading with her to buy them and take them back home were she placed them in an ancient jewelry box that had been passed down from great-grandmothers to great granddaughters of the old Allen family.
    She sighed in a wistful manner at the thought of the old box. The very same box that was tucked away in her small closet that was hidden beneath an unsightly old, red saggy rug that had been her mothers in the early 70’s. Her mother loved the 70’s. Always had. Every now and then she place a string of love beads underneath her massively expensive law suit and hum an old hippie song as she left to Austin were her business was located.
    Shaking her head, the girl looked around the place and couldn’t help but admire the unique store.
    This was a daily routine since she worked here, and always enjoyed the old sweet couple. Even though they didn’t pay her much due to the slow business, she always got a huge discounts on much of the items that caught her eye.
    Speaking of which, she needed to get back to cleaning.
    Mr. Oliver never really minded the dust that resided along the floors. He thought it added character. Yet his wife on the other hand, Misses Oliver, did care.
    Sweeping along the floors, she day dreamed as a timeless tune echoed throughout the small historical building. She felt like any other typical sixteen-year-old who had a job, but mostly enjoyed it since the days were usually peaceful and quite. With a few exceptions of course, during the afternoon hours and mornings when early risers take they’re daily strolls and seem to glide on in.
    Sighing, she placed the broom near the counter and took her usual seat, glancing occasionally through the window as passing bystanders would peek inside, admiring the merchandise with intrigued eyes. The weather was nice today, since it was not to hot or cold and the humidity was long gone due to the fact it was the beginning of winter. She squinted a little and glanced towards one of the many old father clocks that the Oliver’s had gotten over the years. It was 4:45 now, meaning her shift would end in another half hour or so.
    Smiling thoughtfully, her gaze falls to the see-through glass counter below her that holds treasures of wonder. Many were old, but well taken cared rings with some necklaces and broaches.
    Everything seemed to have a story of some sort, whether it was wonderfully carved music box made from a lover or a doll that sat still with beaded eyes filled with childhood memories, she always felt at peace in this cozy building that laid in the center of George Town Texas. Tucking a strand of loss hair behind her ear, she looks into the glass with more detail. There, she found a girl like herself, staring back through smoldering gray eyes that were framed with wild locks of natural red hair.
    My eyes. She thought solemnly.
    They were the reason why her mother and father devoiced.
    It may seem silly to others, that a father would question their child’s eyes of affair, but not to her father. Both her mother and father’s eyes were blue. Her mothers were icy while her fathers were more electric, no hint of gray or green in either. Her bother was the same.
    So when she was born, her father accused her mother of having affair with another man. Her mother tried convincing him it was in her blood, which even the doctor agreed the possibilities since it was in their DNA but her father refused to listen even though the girl staring back at him had the same fiery locks as him. After a rigorous, and measly two weeks of mindless arguing, he left. He moved to a small town in the Colorado Mountains to start a new life and family were he met Emily Para, a high strung women who loved to hate her family.
    Even after all theses years, the only person he allows to visit him is her brother, since he held the same eyes and coincidentally looked just like her mother with his beach sun hair. He too tried to convince him to see her, but he just brushed it off like it was nothing, saying why would he want trash in his nice million dollar home?
    Sniffling, she heaved in a breath to calm herself. Tears were already prickling along the edges of her eyes, stinging slightly as she carelessly rubbed them in order to stop them in their tracks. She hated it when she opened old wounds. Hated how she felt the pain, the vulnerability, and the desolation that washed over her in just mere seconds.
    Heaving in another breath, she managed to keep her heart from throbbing. Since she was a child, she was always able to suppress her feelings within her. She learned this by practicing, by driving the pain into the depths of her mind were it could no longer hurt her.
    Leaning against the glass, her eyes linger on the image for a mere minuet before she lifts her head to find a pair of greenish gray eyes boring into the window.
    Startled, she instinctively finds herself looking else were with a uncharacteristic blush forming along her cheeks, hoping they couldn’t seen that far in through the slightly tinted windows. Yes, she’s seen people stare inside before to look at the antiques but not like this. Usually it’s the items they’re trying to look at, but this time it seemed the eyes were more focused on her than the anything else.
    Trying as hard as she might, the prickling sensation on her neck told her that whoever it was still stood there, boring their heated gaze on her back now. Maybe it was the tinted windows that made them look in so deeply? Like to check if a worker was perhaps inside to know if the store was open. Yet even that sounded illogical, since right on the window was a sign that said in dramatic bold lettering OPEN.
    Heedlessly, she twisted her head to take a quick glance of the individual, trying to gain as much detail as she could while striving to look indifferent. She felt her body slightly shiver anxiously, like she would come face to face with her worst nightmare or something.
    But that just silly. She thought quietly, straining to clam her nerves while putting logic into good use. It was impractical to think such things like monsters and beasts could exist in the middle of pure daylight! How old was she anyway? Two, three? No way!
    Without another word, she whirled herself to the window, smoldering eyes locking with the idiosyncratic mixed hues.
    Her lips suddenly parted as she took in figure, seeing a man or boy that was just as beautiful as a Greek god. Dark, lush hair framed ivory skin that was slightly parted to the side, grazing over his greenish gray hues that were largely complemented with long lashes. She couldn’t help feel drawn by a mysterious pull to drown within the contrasting hues, but she slowly rakes her gaze else were, if not downward to be correct.
    Though his gaze seemed to command attention, she took in the rest of his blazing appearance that struck her in an odd way. His cloths, though typical for most young male’s now in days, seem awkward for he looked like he’d look better dressed just in leather, but that didn’t mean she was complaining either, he looked just great in his seemly tight black shirt that read the words “Escape the Fate” and plain faded jeans that shown some were and tear.
    Pressing her lips together, she hears the deifying jingle of the sweet chime bells from the entry door; sounding like a warning hiss to either get her act together or run for the back door for a quick escape.
    She moved slowly, moving towards the back to seem like she was going to do some inventory work in the other room, but it was too late. Stretching her lips into a forced smile, she finds herself looking into the same eyes, except they weren’t both greenish gray, oh no. One was a deep forest green while the other was a cloudy gray. From afar they could look the same but they were obviously both different eye colors, which just seem to make the teenaged boy appear even more godly, if beyond gorgeous.
    “May I help you sir?” she inquired politely, keeping the tight smile in a firm hold. She felt his eyes linger along her face, as though making a mental photo of her as she shivered inwardly. There was something about his startling appearance that chilled her to the bone.
    After a minuet passed by, he finally returned the smile that made her insides set aflame, her cheeks burning a fair red as blood rushed to them in haste. It was real compared to her counterfeit employ smile and revealed dazzling white teeth that would charm any girl in its path. Well at least anyone apart from her anyway. Behind that model perfect smile, she hopped what she saw was her imagination. Since, the white teeth seem oddly sharp..almost too sharp for normal human teeth.
    “Yes, can you tell me were to find this building.” His voice flowed like water, which completely caught her off guard. She expected his voice to sound rougher, rather than a velvety tone that made her feel like butterflies were slowly blooming from within. She had to take a deep, slow breath to make her heart rate form passing the limited speed while she found herself breathing in the linger sent of pine and..cinmmoin?
    That’s odd. She didn’t recall Misses Oliver ever placing herbal scents in the store. She was allergic after all, and barely even sprays a hint of Lysol here and there. Perhaps this guy was wearing some new colonel or something?
    Shoving the thought away, she quickly grasped the small piece of paper that the guy had already extended out for her. Her smoldering gray hues scanned the address over as her fine brows knitted together in confusion. A simple question formed within her head before glancing back to the man.
    That’s an abandon building across from here..why would he go there? she wondered, pressing her lips into a thin line before mentally shaking her head. It wasn’t any business of hers, so it wouldn’t matter anyway. Unconscientiously, she folded the paper back and handed it to the young man; noticing his beautiful eyes gazing down with an unreadable expression. He must have noticed her slight hesitation before she cleared her burning throat.
    “Ah, that would be across the street. See that bookstore? It’s behind it at the far end.” She complied evenly, or at least tried any way. From the sound of it, it came out more in a rush than a cool tone. She held back the defiant questions that wanted to hound the man. She pointed toward the direction of the building to the far right, sneaking glances to him, wondering if he might sense her discomfort but he merely nodded in understanding.
    “Thanks.” He finally said with another charming smile, causing her to sigh unconsciously as he began towards the door. She didn’t know what conspired her to stop him in his tracks.
    “You don’t seem the normal type. Are you from around here?” Oh, she could just kill herself right now. What made her say that? Scratch that, what compelled her mouth to even move?
    stupid stupid stupid She hissed in her thoughts, mentally kicking herself as the man silently stood by the door, looking as though he was weighing his options on either leaving or answering her question.
    “No, I’m actually not from around here.” he said after measuring his thoughts. An enigmatic smile carelessly sliding along his lips while he watched she shift her weight beside the counter, leaning against it as she chewed on another question.
    “Really? Were are you from, if you don’t mind me asking?” She wanted to shut her mouth from asking but the curiosity from within burned like a hot needle that was wedged in her brain. She knew curiosity killed that cat but..didn’t satisfaction bring it back?
    “Not at all, I just came here to visit family.” At the word family, his expression suddenly turned bemused. He examined a random knickknack that lay beside an old ballerina sculpture, letting his fingers brush delicately as though he break it if he flexed his hand.
    “Oh.” That was all she could say. She suddenly felt very awkward with him. It wasn’t that she couldn’t find anything to say, it was just being in the room with him. He seemed radiate something that belonged to the past. Something that was far beyond her that she could never obtain even if she reach out for eternity. Like he was a powerful being that she didn’t even deserve to be in his presence. It was went so far that she compared herself to a lowly, dull stone that would never shine like a diamond that he possessed.
    “Oh what?” she startled, forgetting she was still in the room with this perfect being that now was right beside her. She could see the puzzled expression that played in those mixed eyes that drowned her soul. She had to swallow a gasp of air that wanted to escape. She didn’t even notice him drifting toward her.
    “I mean that’s nice. Do you visit them often?” She exclaimed more thoroughly, trying hard not to imagine him back in the past, an emperor or godlike being that ruled mere mortals like she. She couldn’t believe she felt the sudden surge of desire that wanted him. What was wrong with her?
    “Not much. The reason why I’m here is because one of my uncles had a little accident and cant walk at the moment.” He said with mirthful grin, as though there was a secretive joke about it.
    “I’m sorry..” She didn’t really see anything funny about it, but she made the instinctive response most say to this kind of statement. She saw his eyes on her turn from humor to a more tender emotion as gave her a gentle smile.
    “Don’t be. He’s tough for his old age.” He shrugged it off with crooked grin, lazily resting against the counter while she shifted again, trying not to lean to close to him. It seemed like an inviting invitation, yet she felt the tiny voice of protest that hissed a silent warning. She couldn’t quite place the warning, like something about him seemed…
    “How old are you?” He asked abruptly, bringing her out of her thoughts and back to the present. She found her gaze was locked with his, and was blazing right through her soul once more. She seemed to be blanking out lately.
    “Sixteen, you?” She riposted coolly, trying to look anywhere but his gaze. He didnt seem to notice thankfully.
    “Seventeen.” His dark brows swiftly rose when he saw her laugh at this discovery.
    “That’s the same age as my bother, Vevon..but he rarely acts his age.” She remark with an all-knowing smile. Whenever she thought of her brother, her big, goofy, overprotective brother, it couldn’t help bring a smile to her lips. She loved him to death, despite the fact he was a major playboy who dated almost half the girls in the Estelle High School. She never got a brake with his usual type. Dumb, preppy…and b*tchy.
    “I know how that feels.” He exclaimed with a low whistle before chuckling at some random thought that crossed his mind.
    “You have a sibling?” She breathed, already wondering how one person could look so flawless and to find out another was out there? The world was purely cruel to her.
    “Yep. My sis is twenty but she acts like a teeny bopper.” He exclaimed while rolling his eyes in exasperation. She couldn’t help but laugh, picturing her brother and the women getting along quite well. She mulled over the idea for a bit until the boy beside her outstretched his hand to her. She forgotten for a mere two seconds what it meant.
    “By the way, my names Florence.” He said as he held his hand out, leaving her at lest a second to consider the name.
    Such an old fashion name..She thought before moving her hand forward, counting the seconds till their hands met.
    “Lacy Allen.” She said back as their hands finally meet, setting off an inner explosion through her body. Literally. Her body felt like liquid fire as they froze there, their hands clasped together while she felt jolts of electricity moving down her spine. It didn’t hurt though, not like you’d think it would the way she described it. The fire warmed her soul and coursed though her body while the electricity seemed to rejuvenate her mind.
    Huh? Her thoughts were jumbled as she finally felt the grip on Florence’s become lose, causing them to slowly awake from their state.
    “Lace?” She felt the dizziness slowly retreat from her sight, finally being able to regain control over both her body and sense. Outside, A tall well built figure stood in front of the door, looking in with a worried expression. Through the haze of her mind she could barely recognize the voice of her good friend Jeremy.
    “I better go..” Florence remark softly, almost to softy for her to hear the slight hesitation as she felt herself frown inwardly. Why did she feel like she didn’t want him to leave?
    “Right, sorry for keeping you waiting.” She mumbled before smiling, a pure genuine smile. She had the sudden urge to just jump him, but she mentally kicks herself as she shoved her hand into her jean pockets. It would be too awkward to just do something out of a mere whim no?
    “See you around Lace.” He said with a small wave, giving her a crocked smile before passing through the door were the day was turning into twilight. Her heart was throbbing when he disappeared behind the cars of the front lot. She took a deep, steady breath as she heard the chimes once more sing through her ears her thoughts all the while being consumed by the words: That was strange.
    “Lacy?” She jumped, feeling slightly angry and flustered about the fact she couldn’t stop being so startled whenever someone addressed her. Looking through her eyelashes, she finds a very well built boy around her age standing a few feet away from her, his hand moving in a friendly wave. She waved back, a smile tugging along her lips as she recognizes the handsome face of her long time best friend Jeremy. His copper hair framed his attractive auburn eyes that seemed almost faintly golden whenever he faced the sun, which also complemented his slightly tanned complexion, due to the fact he played on Estelle’s High viscosity football team.
    “Oh, Jeremy, how’s it going?” She laughed when he was materialized beside her, his arms around her in a big, brotherly bear hug.
    “Great.” He grinned, letting her go before she lost any air supply. He then looked around the room with a slight alarmed gaze before saying, “Did you get a late costumer?”
    “Sort of. He was just asking were to locate to the old Camber’s Building.” She shrugged, still thinking about the mysterious boy that had left not to long ago. Her eyes started to haze over in a dreamy state of mind at the thought Florence.
    “Sounds like he might be bad news.” Jeremy mumbled with narrowed eyes. His gaze was seemly locked on the roof, but she knew he was in deep thought. She shook herself out of the dream state.
    “I highly doubt it. I think he might be related to them.” She snorted, turning her once dreamy gray to a mid summer thunderstorm.
    “Whatever.” He muttered before passing her, seating himself in one of the two chairs that sat behind the counter. Deciding to ignore this, she spies something in his hand and raises a fine brow at the innocent bag. It was decorated in tiny silver snowflakes and the color of a shimmering scarlet.
    “What’s that?” She asked with a puzzled expression, Jeremy just shrugged with a careless smile.
    “An early x-mass presents for a special someone.” He hummed secretively, glancing at the bag with amusement.
    “Let me guess, Stacy Miller?” Lacey said with a smug look, her arms crossing over her blue-black plaid tank top. She knew he was into the pretty, slim brunette. Every time she’d walk to the cafeteria Lacy would always see a group of guys hounding the girl at a near by table. To her surprise, Jeremy shook his head and answered with a simple, “Nope.”
    “Veronica Bekoms?” The little blonde pixie cutie was always getting gifts during the seasonal holidays. Boys couldn’t help themselves when they see her strutting down the hall with a cute, dimpled smile.
    “Wrong.” Jeremy shook his copper head once again. His secretive smile still planted along his lips.
    “Jessica Kerbert?” She was guessing now, remembering one of the most prettiest girls in Estelle high. She used to date her older brother during sophomore year. She wasn’t dumb, nor was she a preppy, but she sure had a hissy streak.
    Jessica never did show it around her brother, since they were dating and all. No, she only did it to people who she thought were below her. Like Lacy for example. The thought of the black haired beauty always seemed to set her blood aflame.
    The girl never let her have a break. She’d accidentally trip her during passing periods and verbalize the occasional “ Dropped your face again Allen?” and walk off with her little paparazzi that mimic her every move. Thankfully Lacy’s brother finally got a clue and dumped the girl’s *ss without a second thought. But not after the little temper tantrum she had in their own house..in front of her mom.
    “Not even close.” He snorted in disdain. Lacy had told him about the incidents Jessica caused and decided to lose all interest in the girl. She had to be thankful for that.
    “Your mom.” Lacy said dumbly as Jeremy rolled his eyes.
    “Har har.” He mocked, leaning on his elbows that laid against the counter.
    “Then who?” Lacy asked with genuine curiosity, a brow rise in response.
    “I’m not telling.” Jeremy looked through the glass and lazily grinned. This was driving her into insanity!
    “Well then that’s no fun.” She grumbled, her cheeks flushing in frustration. He always found a way to push her buttons at a leisurely pace.
    “Join the club, life isn’t fun.”
    “Amen to that.” She glanced around the room. Looking for something until she spotted her broom still propped against the glass. “Now, mind helping me finish cleaning?”
    “It already looks spotless, why clean?” Auburn eyes stared up, meeting smoldering gray. She could see the perplexity dwelling within them.
    “To get my mind off of things you know.” She explained before gripping the broom like a lifesaver, gently sweeping the imaginary dirt off the floor at a relaxing pace.
    “That’s a strange way to do it.” Jeremy mumbled, folding his arms on the counter as he placed his head down upon them, looking absolutely bored.
    “Your face is strange.” She exclaimed childishly, sticking her tongue out while he just laughed it off.
    “No its not. More than half of the girl population in our school wants nothing but my face.” He said with pure confidence, sitting up half way and giving her one of his infamous smirks. At this, she felt her cheeks well up with blood and quickly look away. She was too embarrass to admit he was right. Half the population of the girls, maybe even more were after that face..and body. She had exclusive look too during their junior year when the rain started to pour down, and his shirt was beyond soaked so they went to her house to borrow her brother’s.
    It was one of the rememberable sights that will forever stay with her when she realized her best friend was attractive to her. Gone with the shy lanky boy with the goggle like glasses whom would cower whenever he’d see his shadow. She remembered how his cooper hair used to be scruffy hair then, how it seemed almost quite dull till she realized he was now cutting it and using more products to keep it back from his auburn eyes. At that moment she was thanking the heavens to have this handsome boy as her best friend, which struck her hard when the word best friend crossed her thoughts.
    friend..just friends.. The words echoed vacantly in her mind, shredding something in her body that she was too painfully aware of. Her heart was torn.
    “Whatever.” She huffed, sitting beside him as she dropped the broom beside her. Memories shall always remain just memories, just as friends should only remain friends.
    “Where’s old misses O?” Jeremy asked quietly, resting his head on her shoulder. To another it would appear they were a couple, but to her it was only one-sided.
    “Shopping for groceries.” She stated, blankly staring at the wall towards the left, away from his coppered head.
    “And her husband?” He said evenly, looking at the window with a vexed expression. The question made Lacy snap out of her dream world.
    Come to think of it, she didn’t know. Glancing over to the back, she rose to her feet and left to the room in the back. All the thoughts of Jeremy were now forgotten and was now pointed to a more concerning matter. If old Mr. Oliver was here, he be watching his special reruns of ‘Leave It To Beaver’ or something on his ancient TV set.
    Opening the door, she peers in slowly, hoping she wouldn’t disturb him if he were there. To her surprise, she found not a soul. Instead, she sees the empty couch facing me with the darkened TV screen.
    He probably went to throw out the garbage. She thought, trying to soothe the anxiety that was building within. She left the room, feeling both slightly annoyed and anxious as she felt Jeremy move toward her, his face reflecting no emotions.
    “Not there?” He asked with an even tone, his hands shoved into his pockets in a relaxed pose. He seemed at ease, but something about his eyes seem more hard, almost disturbing to her as she walked passed him to grab an old black coat that was behind the desk.
    “No..mabey he took the trash out?” It was more of a question to herself rather than Jeremy, but he didn’t seem to notice.
    “The alley? It’s getting to dark for an old person like himself.” He said as she went toward the back door, feeling the rush of anxiety turned up a notch.
    “Let me just check.” She said in a rush, grasping the knob firmly.
    “Want me to come with you?” Lacey noted the concern in his voice but just shook her head in dismay as she walked out the door.
    “No, I’ll be fine.” She said without turning her head and shut the door behind her, feeling the bitter December air kiss her face through artic winds. The night had already creped in and blotted out the remaining lights in the west, covering it with a blanket of sweet scents of cider and misty air. The lights had kicked on and lit her way through the dank ally, smelling somewhat stale and musty.
    Unlike those movies with those nasty alleys, this was cleaner and less frightening looking. Trash was about as for a few, measly rodents but nothing like rotting foods of sorts and police were usually surveying the area to keep people who lived in these buildings safe.
    Maintaining a steady pace, she walks past a few dumpsters to see if the kind old man was out dumping his garage, but so far no dice. Her steps began to echo throughout the small alley, making the skittish rodents flee before she was even a foot from them. She felt Goosebumps start to form along her arms, causing her to instantly shiver. It wasn’t the cold that caused it either, something in the depths of her mind screamed abominable thoughts that told her something wasn’t right.
    Shifting her eyes from left to right, she moved cautiously. Her attention turned to the rodents now as they seemed to slither along the ground, all-moving into one general direction.
    Rodents don’t tend move like that unless they smell something they like. Perhaps a garbage fest? Lacy pondered and slowly moved behind them, following them past another ally then right were they now all formed in a tittering huddle. In that huddle, something long and dark stood out.
    What’s that…? She moved closer, scaring some of the little creatures and caused them to skitter away. Leaning in, she caught a glint of something that was underneath some newspaper, lit by a streetlamp that was near by. Bracing herself, she threw her body to the wall, away from the horrid thing.
    Yet that didn’t stop wind from blowing the foul smell into her nostril were the repulsive smell rippled through the air as she coughed at the offensive of it. The wind also didnt stop from blowing away the newspaper that covered the body.
    Yes a body. A dead human body.
    So torn..so bloody that Lacy couldn’t even distinguish to who it could be.
    Oh..God. She gripped the wall feverishly as her knees suddenly felt wobbly, her mouth feeling hot and sticky while she felt the urge to heave out the contents of her stomach. She held on to it though, doing her best from looking at the grotesque scene. The image was already implanted into her memory and she did the only thing she could do as her lips twisted open.
    She screamed.


    Should there be a chapter two? ;]]