Page 69 of The Smart Killer
Before he could answer, a couple of teens came around the corner. Mia quickly planted a kiss on Richy, hiding their conversation. “Oh, sorry,” the teens said, disappearing as fast as they had come. As soon as they were gone, Mia pulled away from Richy and spat, making it clear that she wasn’t interested in him.
“Go on,” she said, her focus back on him
“Zeke took him over to the hive.”
“The hive?” she questioned.
“Yeah,” Richy continued, his words coming out in a rush. “The house. Behind the bowling alley. Teens go there to get high, drink, have sex, and so on. I think Gavin owns it, or someone else does. They have teens looking out for cops. If anyone shows up, they flush drugs down the toilets. They’ve had a few close calls, but so far, no raids.”
Mia nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. “And?” she asked, urging him to divulge more.
“I don’t know,” he replied. “I saw Ethan later that evening with Darla. He seemed a little out of it but was still alert.”
“This Darla. You can point me to her?”
“I guess. I mean. She’s not always here.”
Mia nodded, contemplating the next move. “That’s all you know?” she questioned, her tone firm.
Richy looked exasperated. “That’s all I know. I swear.”
Determined to uncover the truth, Mia made up her mind. “Take me over to the hive,” she said, her voice resolute.
As Miaand Richy made their way into the hive, the air was thick with a combination of cigarette smoke and the heavy bass beats from the music pulsating through the dimly lit space. The walls were covered with graffiti, and neon lights cast an eerie glow, creating a hazy atmosphere that concealed the faces of the teens scattered around. The hive was a chaotic blend of laughter, chatter, and the occasional clinking of bottles.
Mia firmly gripped Richy’s jacket from behind as he leaned into the crowd. She scanned the room, her eyes adjusting to the low light. She noticed a group of teens huddled together, some dancing to the rhythm, others in deep conversation, a couplesucking faces. The smell of cheap cologne and the unmistakable scent of weed permeated the air.
“Which one is Darla?” Mia asked.
He pointed her out.
Mia focused on her. Among the sea of faces, Darla stood out. She wasn’t just beautiful, but there was a sense that she was respected by those around her. Her eyes held a depth that suggested she’d seen more than her age would imply. Her hair was dyed an unconventional shade of turquoise, adding to her distinctive look. Dressed in leather and lace, Darla exuded a rebellious charm.
“Stay here,” she said. Mia broke away from Richy, determination in each stride.
“Darla, can I speak with you?” Mia asked over the booming music.
Darla, looking slightly confused, responded, “About what?”
Motioning towards the chaotic scene around them, Mia raised her voice. “It’s a little loud down here. Can we go upstairs? I’ll explain everything.”
Darla, nonchalant and seemingly uninterested, shrugged Mia off. However, Mia refused to take no for an answer. Acting on her urgency to get answers, Mia seized Darla’s arm and pulled her through the crowd of teens, maneuvering her even under resistance.
Ignoring Darla’s protests, Mia led her upstairs and forced her into a bathroom. The noise from the main floor became muted, creating an isolated space for the confrontation.
Mia locked the door behind them before confronting Darla about her brother.
Darla, visibly annoyed, demanded, “Let go of my arm. What the heck is this all about?”
Mia got closer, stating firmly, “My brother Ethan.”
Darla registered the name but denied any knowledge, attempting to step by Mia. However, Mia blocked her path, insisting that she knew. “Richy told me you were with him that night. I want answers. What was he given and by whom?”
“I don’t owe you anything, bitch. Now get out of my way,” Darla retorted, shoving Mia back into the wall. Seizing the opportunity, Darla rushed toward the door, attempting to unlock it.
In a quick reaction, Mia grabbed Darla by the hair from behind, causing her to trip and fall to the floor. Mia leaped on top of her, asserting, “I want answers. You are going to give them to me.”
Outside the door, a voice interrupted. “Hey, how much longer are you going to be? I need to use the washroom.”
