Extra's Descent

Chapter 386: Evelyn Cessna [3]

Amelia was just outside the restaurant, waiting for Brandon, when she received a message.

—Let's call it off. I don't feel so good today.

"What?"

And so, she sent messages back, rather confused by the sudden situation.

—Huh?

—What happened?

—I understand, but are you okay?

—Where are you? I'll come over right away.

However, her messages were only on sent recipient. Brandon had stopped reading her messages after the first message.

"...."

But instead of feeling dejected, a sudden sense of concern grew inside her heart.

Brandon had always been diligent whenever they were out on a date.

From what she knew, Brandon was just picking something up from Evelyn's place.

Did something happen there?

She couldn't wave off the feeling of unease.

But Brandon was never one to be unreasonable.

Undoubtedly, something must've happened. Like maybe, he had to train, and it would occupy most of his time unexpectedly?

Amelia's cheeks puffed, pouting, as she pondered on those thoughts.

"Jeez, he needs to learn how to take a break."

Training.... always training....

In some days, Brandon would come back battered and bruised, and would just doze off randomly around the apartment.

Thinking waiting here would be a waste of time, Amelia pocketed her phone, her breath visible in the cold air as she walked ahead.

The city buzzed with excitement, snow falling softly as people hurried by, ready for the New Year.

About five hours left until the calendar turned over.

Amelia recalled the events that happened this year.

While the year had started off shaky, she was in a better place now.

And it was all thanks to Brandon.

Amelia raised her head upon noticing a familiar figure, holding an umbrella. Beautiful platinum blonde hair fluttered amidst the cold breeze, dazzling crimson eyes, and a pleasant fragrance that wafted in the air.

It was a face that would be imprinted in anyone's mind, incomparable to any beauty Amelia had ever seen.

"Miss Lianna?"

A woman Amelia had met recently during the Christmas party they held.

"Oh?"

Lianna, noticing her, their gaze meeting.

"You're.... Amelia, correct?"

"Yes, that's me."

"What a coincidence!"

Lianna's voice was soft. Despite her age, her voice was a bit high and sweet.

"What are you doing here?"

Lianna asked.

"Oh uhm, nothing. I was just about to head home."

"Oh, I just stumbled upon Miss Lianna."

"That so?"

Brandon neared her and grabbed her wrist.

"Anyway, let's go. We don't have much time."

"A–Ah...! Hey, this is awfully rude to Miss Lianna."

"Just listen to me."

Brandon forcefully dragged her away. Amelia looked back at Lianna trying to fix the misunderstanding.

"Sorry! I had fun! Happy New Year, Miss Lianna!"

"Y-Yes! Happy New Year!"

***

"Hey!"

Brandon didn't have time to think about it deeply.

The only thing that probed his mind was that no one could be trusted.

He knew there was no time. And while his face wasn't seen, he had left a bundle of evidence around.

"You're hurting me...."

To be precise, his DNA.

His DNA could be found all over Evelyn's room, and it would only take a matter of time before everything would lead back to him.

He had to prepare thoroughly when that time came.

If it were the police, the Imperial Army, or the hunting dogs, then it was highly likely they would already know his whereabouts right about now.

They had eyes and ears everywhere. It was especially scary in the hunting dog's case, where they disguised themselves as regular people.

There were cases in the past, where criminals had been living scot–free for years, taking a different identity, only to be arrested by someone they had been friends with for years.

With the gadgets they had, it would only take a brief second to figure out he was in the room.

And with their information network, all they had to do was disseminate the information.

"Brandon!"

"Ah?"

Amelia pulled her arm back and rubbed her wrist.

There, Brandon could see a slight bruise on her wrist.

Realizing he had probably gripped on her wrist tightly, he shook his head and dismissed his thoughts.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. Tell me, what happened? Why do you look like.... this?"

Brandon held onto her shoulders at that moment.

"Listen to me, Amelia."

His face was rather blank. But his trembling eyes told a different story.

"From this point forward, no matter what happens. Believe in me."

"What are y—"

"Brandon Locke."

A sudden voice rang from behind Brandon. Amelia leaned to the side and scrutinized.

There, two people stood, holding mana shackles.

"You're under arrest for the murder of Evelyn Cessna."

Cuffed by mana shackles, Brandon felt all the mana in his body restricted. Looking at Amelia as he was being taken away, he mouthed.

"I trust you."