28

We have to wait for the lab to come back with results on the fingerprints. Jasper explained as he made his way to the front door.
You’re not having breakfast ? Gerrit asked.
We’re eating out. The Alpha motioned for Darren to follow.
Darren tagged along obediently, knowing that they were both avoiding Liam at this point.
Pancakes ?
What ?
I was asking if you want pancakes ? Jasper explained. There’s a place I know that has the best breakfast menu.
Sure ? Darren agreed halfheartedly.
They soon pulled into an old cafe’ and were seated immediately once the owner recognized Jasper. The waitress then took their orders and sped off to the kitchen. Darren tapped his spoon against the table as they waited. He stared out the front window, which was located three tables away, hoping to spot a spirit. He had thought that hanging around Jasper would improve his odds by now.
So…What sort of things do you do for fun ? Jasper asked out of the blue.
Darren snapped his head around and stared him down suspiciously. Why would you want to know ?
The young Alpha shrugged as a waiter placed a small jug of coffee and two cups on the table. I just realized we don’t really know much about each other.
There’s a reason for that. Darren retorted. In case you forgot.
I know, but I thought maybe we could try getting to know each other better since we’re working together. Not that we have to, I understand if you don’t want that. I just thought I’d ask.
Darren tilted his head and considered his offer. While there was no excuse for anything that this man had done to him before, it was clear that he was trying to make an effort to fix things. Furthermore, he was doing it without hesitation. As much as the rogue hated his former bully, if Jasper turned a new leaf then wouldn’t it be better for the whole pack ?
He thought of all the future kids who would be picked on and ignored because of their erroneous pack mentality. If Liam had ever bothered valuing his fellow pack members and listened when Darren came to him, then the rogue could have gotten his issues with Jasper sorted years ago. So if Jasper were to become a better Alpha, then that would mean that things could change for the entire pack and no one would have to put up with what Darren had.
Eventually the rogue agreed, much to Jasper’s relief. I like to draw.
Jasper looked surprised. You ? Really ?
What’s that supposed to mean ?
It’s just that, well you work construction and you don’t seem like the sort of person who is into art. You look more like a…I don’t know, someone who’s more into video games ?
I play games too. Darren replied. I prefer the Zelda games, but I don’t play a lot. And I don’t draw a lot either since art supplies are expensive. I just doodle when I’m bored.
Do you have anything with you ?
Darren rolled his eyes. I came here to help find missing kids, not enter an art exhibit. So no, I don’t have anything with me to show you.
Not even pictures on your phone ?
No. Darren was relieved when the waitress arrived with their breakfast, interrupting the conversation.
For the most part, they stopped talking while they ate. Darren, having eaten faster, finished his plate first and pulled out his phone to check the local news. He also shot his uncle a text to let him know he was doing fine. Then something caught his attention from the corner of his eye.
Looking back towards the front window, he saw a small toddler walking down the sidewalk all by herself. There were a few other people walking around her, but none of them appeared to notice the little girl. She seemed lost and confused as she glanced around, wide eyed.
Hey, you see that ? Darren asked Jasper, concerned. It looks like someone lost their kid.
Jasper glanced out the window and squinted before shaking his head. I don’t see anything.
She’s right there ! Darren pointed as the girl stumbled and fell to her knees. The girl was tough though and stood back up without crying. Then she began heading towards the street.
Dude ! The rogue shot out of his seat. Why is no one stopping her !
Jasper stood with him. Calm down ! What are you talking about ? I don’t see any kid out there !
Darren glanced between the Alpha and the little girl, considering the fact that it might be a ghost, but that was impossible, mostly because she was neither transparent nor the usual greyish tones that ghosts took on. In all his life he had never experienced a ghost who looked so much like the living.
He watched as she stumbled off the curve and into the street. He couldn’t just watch anymore. Bursting out of the cafe’, he ran towards the little girl and reached out to grab her.
The child glanced at him wide eyed as a car turned the corner and came barreling at her.
Desperately, Darren dashed for her, and just as he was within reach, he fell right through the child as she vanished into thin air.
A blast of cold air was all he felt before scraping his hands against the pavement.
Hey ! Jasper called, chasing after him and kneeling down to check on the errant rogue. What the hell was that ?
It was a ghost… Darren stated in disbelief, then turned towards Jasper. That little girl…Was a ghost !
Jasper’s face went serious when he heard what Darren had to say. What did she look like ?
The rogue glanced around once more, hoping to spot the unusual spirit, but found that she had completely vanished.
What. Did. She. Look. Like ? Jasper repeated sternly.
I…I uh…She…. He tried to recall specific details. She was blond with blue eyes, and her hair was in a ponytail. She had on overalls too.
How young ?
I dunno, toddler aged ?
Darren ! Jasper snapped. I need to you to give me a number !
Less than ten ? The rogue snipped back sarcastically.
Darren had never been good at guessing anyone’s age. Preteens looked like they were in their twenties, and he once mistook a three year old for a ten year old. It was easier to just say either baby, toddler, kid, or teen.
The Alpha sucked in a clearly annoyed breath and held it as he worked to keep his irritation in check. Then he let it out slowly. Did she look like any of the missing kids ?
Darren realized at that point that he only knew what one of the kids looked like, and that was thanks to a newspaper clipping that Sophie had shown him.
Remembering that she had an entire portfolio on the case, Darren turned towards Jasper. We need to see my aunt.
Why ?
Because she has pictures. I can look through them and see if I recognize the ghost.
You do realize that I have pictures from the case too, right ?
My aunt lives close by. Darren argued. Unless you WANT to deal with Liam again ?
That stopped the Alpha as he reconsidered, then he reluctantly agreed to give Darren a ride to Sophie’s, but not before stopping to pay their bill from the cafe’.
Pulling up to the house, Darren hopped out and entered the home without so much as knocking. After all, he was family, and family never gives a heads up when visiting, right ?
Jasper entered behind him, and there was a loud clatter in the next room over. It sounded like an entire shelf had been knocked over and just as Darren considered running over to see what it was, out flew Sophie in a purple satin robe with a baseball bat raised above her head.