“You're home early...” I said to Vic as he walked through the door. I was sat on the floor, in front of the couch because Mike still hadn't woken up.

“Don't feel well.” He was lying to me. There was something else. “How's he doing?”

“Hasn't woke up yet.” I shrugged. “Oh the police called, they're sending someone round to speak to us. They'll be here soon.” I heard him sigh before putting his stuff away neatly. I turned my attention back to the TV. The news had now started, I was about to change the channel when a story came up. I turned it up a bit.

Former guitarist of Pierce The Veil, Tony Perry is still on the run after his escape from prison just over a week ago. Police are urging that members of the public must not approach him as he may be armed. As this stage they are not aware of his mental state, if you see him please call your local authorities. We'll update you when we know more....

Over a week ago? He's been out a week and I found out two days ago. I was frozen, staring blankly at the television.He may be armed. He's coming for me. He's going to finish me off once and for all. What if I found him first and tried to talk to him? Understand what's going on in that mind of him. “You'll stay away from him Claire.”

“What? I neve-- I said that out loud didn't I?” He nodded. I stood up, grabbing Mike's cigarette's and went outside. Sitting myself at the table on the patio bit, I let my thoughts consume me. What caused all this? Back in high school was caused him to snap like he did. I looked up to see a groggy looking Mike sat across from me. “Oh he's alive then.”

“I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I said. I was just so scared, so mad at you for leaving without someone. Can you forgive me?” I looked back at the table, pulling another. cigarette out and lighting it. “Claire?” I still stayed quiet. “Dammit Claire, talk to me”

“Help me find him.” He looked at me as if I'd gone crazy, he got a cigarette out lighting it. The colour drained from his face.

“I can't do that. Not after what happened.” his voice was quiet.

“Mikey, you're the strongest person I know. Think of it of a mission for revenge after he raped you.” I took hold of his hand, gently squeezing it as he flinched when I said the 'R' word. I looked at him with hopeful eyes, practically begging him with them. Yes, I was crazy for wanting to do this. I was running back to him, but what if I was the only one that could honestly help him out of this? He moved his hand away.

“You're on your own with this one. If you do go, I promise to cover for you.” He flicked his cigarette over the fence before heading back inside. I leant back in my seat, letting out a frustrated groan. My phone vibrated in my pocket, causing me to jump a little. Pulling it out, I looked at the message.

New Message.

Careful how you go, you never know who's watching you.

After a while, I went back inside. “Vic? I wanna visit mom and dad.”

“In the UK? On your own?” he didn't look up at me from all the papers on the table. He was frustrated.

“Yeah, if that okay.”

“Go on, book your tickets. Mike can take you to the airport on the day.” I threw my arms around his neck. Saying thank you a dozen times. I told him that I'd take my own car, that I'd just leave it at the airport. I needed some form of transport. I went upstairs and got my laptop out. I just sort of stared it, staying up there so it would look like I was actually booking flights. After about 30 minutes I headed back downstairs. I knew he'd ring mom and dad, but by the time he knows I won't be there, it'll be too late for him to stop me from doing this.

“Who's cooking?” I asked as I sat across from my older brother. He shrugged, well looks like we're ordering pizza again. There's only so much pizza you can eat, I swear just us three alone keep the pizza industry alive. I grabbed one the papers that were in front of him, curious to see what was keeping him so quiet. “Repossession?”

“I had to re-morgage the house. Give it back.” He motioned with his hand, I shook my head.

“Why haven't you told us?” I wasn't angry, I was disappointed that he was doing this alone.

“This is my problem. Not yours, now for your own sake give it back to me now.” He shouted the last few words. Admitting defeat I handed it back, I didn't want to annoy him anymore. We sat there in silence, the only noise coming from the TV. I was drumming against the table when the door slammed making both me and Vic look up, Mike had gone out. I was a little worried about him, he hasn't been right since we found out Tony was on the run. Grabbing my keys from the shelf I headed out in my car to find him. He can't of gone far, but then again he'd probably run knowing one of us would go out after him. I heard Vic call my name as I left but I ignored him.

I found him sat under a tree in the park, the big old oak one. We always came here when we were younger. No-one ever came to this side of the park, it was so perfect. He looked as if he was deep in thought. He looked up at me as I approached him. I sat myself at the other side of the tree, just like when we were younger. “What's going on in that head of yours?” I sighed, I hated seeing him like this.

“Thinking about our options.” His voice barely audible.

“Tell me? Maybe we could help ourselves and Vic at the same time.” I pulled out a cigarette, lighting it and passing him it before lighting my own up.

“We bring the band back.”

“That means leaving me behind.” Fear washed over me as I thought of everything that could go wrong if they left me. I'd probably end up ending my life if I was to be alone.

“No, you've learnt everything Vic plays. You can do his job, minus the vocals....” He paused a second. I waited for him to continue. “...because no offence Claire, you can't sing for shit.”

I laughed a little. “Little blunt there Mikey. You'd have to run it by Vic.” He turned round the tree, sitting by my side. It'd be a good way to bring some extra money in. We'd probably be better off if we brought the band back. We headed back, we still had to wait for the police to arrive to talk to us. When we arrived back home, they were already there. I knew one of them, she dealt with the case. The other I didn't, he looked a bit stuck up if I'm honest. He looked at me, then over to Mike. He had a disgusted look on his face. “Evening Claire, how are things?”

“Alright I guess.” She nodded. “So, not to sound like a bitch but are you going to tell us what you plan on doing?”

“We're placing an umarked patrol car outside, that will have a plain clothed officer in it at all times. I'm also appointing Harry here to be inside the house at all times, to monitor all phone calls, all messages. That's about it at the moment.” I stared at her in disbelief. That's all they can do? “Until he makes a threat to you, or actually attempts anything there isn't much we can do. He's smart, he's out run all our units so far.”

“More like your patrol squads are just shit.” I didn't even regret shouting that at her. They soon left, telling us that the 'Harry' guy would be back shortly. I told them not to bother because we wouldn't be here much longer. Mike grinned at me when I said that, whereas Vic looked at us both with confusion written all over his.

“Pierce The Veil are making a comeback....”

Notes

I know this chapter is short and I know it sucks but here's an update :) thanks for reading and don't be silent readers!

Stay Beautiful;
- vickyptv
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