Chapter 23
SALEM P.D.
Hope sat in her office. Her new office. As she was the commissioner, she was given Roman's office. She hadn't changed it much, but had put up some pictures of her children on her desk. She was currently overlooking the mass of paperwork taht came with being the new commissioner. The phone pinged. She picked it up.
MSG from 5559230: Where are you?
Hope looked at the number. It wasn't one she recognized.
HOPE: Who are you?
Hope typed in her response. Another came a moment later.
MSG from 5559230: An old friend.
Hope looked even more puzzled. She didn't have time to respond, as another message came in.
MSG from 5559230: Meet me @ the Pier late tonight. Big surprise for you.
Hope hesitated, but put the phone away. There was a knock on the door.
HOPE: Come in.
Aiden entered.
AIDEN: Just thought I'd come and see how you're settling in.
HOPE: Oh, you know. Loads of paperwork.
Aiden nodded.
AIDEN: I know that goes, de...sorry, make that Commissioner Brady, now.
Hope and Aiden smiled.
HOPE: How are you?
AIDEN: Oh, I'm fine. What about you?
HOPE: Well...
Hope hesitated.
HOPE: I got this text a few minutes ago from a number I didn't recognize. Whoever sent it claims to be an old friend.
AIDEN: But, you don't trust that?
HOPE: Of course not. It could be anybody.
AIDEN: Hey, I'm with you on that.
HOPE: But I just...I have a feeling about this. Not exactly a bad one. Just one that intrigues me.
AIDEN: You wanna check it out?
HOPE: Of course.
AIDEN: Do you want someone to go with you?
HOPE: I probably should, but I don't think so.
AIDEN: Up to you, Commissioner.
HOPE: I don't need anyone to protect me.
AIDEN: I didn't say that. But, it's always nice to have backup.
HOPE: True. Maybe I'll ask one of the detectives to come with.
PIER
Later that night, Hope arrived at the Pier. She shone her flashlight and looked around.
HOPE: Hello? Anybody here?
She heard a rustling noise. She shone her flashlight behind her and got her gun out.
HOPE: Freeze!
Aiden came out with his hands out.
AIDEN: Sorry. Hey, it's me.
Hope put the gun back in its holster.
HOPE: Aiden Jennings, I was about to shoot you!
AIDEN: Well, I'm very glad you didn't.
HOPE: I told you, I didn't need anyone to watch my back.
AIDEN: And I told you, I know you don't. Believe me, you're more than capable of handling yourself, and I know that. But like I said, it's always good to have back up.
HOPE: Well, you're here now, so you might as well help me look.
They walked all along, until, at the very end of the Pier, they saw it. A ship. Not just a ship, it was huge, like one you'd find taking people on a cruise. The ship's horn sounded as Hope and Aiden drew near. Then, they saw a figure waving to them. It was Steve.
HOPE: My god.
Steve motioned for them to come onboard.
