Tuesday...

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

  The sound echoed in Eli's head as the row of cashiers continued to scan the oncoming goods. That, mixed with the constant rattling of the run-down grocery cart and his phone pressed against his face, he felt his ears going numb. Letting his injured leg rest upon the bottom level of the cart, he hopped down each isle. It was his first time there, but after three hours of the repeated route, he quickly became well acquainted with every item; their location imprinted in his brain. It was exhausting, but he still kept his eyes peeled nonetheless.

"Can I have a box of cookies please?"
The familiar voice entered Eli's ear, making him groan, adjusting his grip on the device.

"Are you seriously getting cookies right now?" Elias whispered into the phone. "You're suppose to be keeping an eye out for Jade."

"I'm at a cafe--what do you expect me to do?"

"Sunshine." Elias face-palmed.

"Don't worry. I'll share." Rainbow boy replied, his voice sounding much more faint as he took the phone away from his ear. "I'm sorry, what'd you say miss? What kind?"

"Is it too late to switch locations?" Porter's voice joined. "I-I know I picked the laundry mat, but it's going on like three times I've washed the same load...and this old lady keeps giving me the side eye..."

"Just hold out Porter." Elias pushed the cart down the start of the snack isle. "Remember why you're there."

"I think she's catching onto me." His voice returned low.

Elias chuckled slightly. "Try offering her a quarter--tell her she looks nice."

"My clothes were really dirty." Porter laughed uncomfortably before clearing his throat. "I have a few extra quarters--here--you look nice by the way. Older women are underrated. I mean--the grey looks nice on you. Not that there's alot!"

"Porter." Elias rose a brow.

"Yeah?"

"Leave the woman alone."

"Okay." Porter answered quick, shuffling as he apologized and walked away.

"Those all sound delicious." Sunshine giggled.

"Sunshine, leave the cookies alone and get back to your spot." Elias said firm.

"It's so hard to choose."

"Sunshine." Elias repeated.

"Sounds like everything's going to shit over there." Rocco's voice chimed in. "Meanwhile, I'm at the pub with fine chicks walking in and out every second. Mm mm mmm."

"You're not supposed to be looking at the girls Rocco." Porter snapped.

"Not girls, little man. Women. Oh my god, she's golden--"

"All of you, get your head together and stop goofing off. We're out here for one thing and one thing only. Finding Jade, got it?"

"Got it."

"Got it."

"What kind of cookies do you guys perfer?"

"Sunshine!" Elias shouted, looking around the store from his sudden intensity.

"Chocolate chip will do just fine." He said quickly.

Eli's voice returned much lower. "Find him."

  Elias knew that if they were ever going to get eyes on Jade anytime soon, they would need to split up to cover more ground, but he was slowly regretting his decision. Though he appreciated their commitment to his plan despite it undermining Bausy's, three hours straight of solo searching made them unfocused. Elias couldn't blame them though. He sighed; his leg was beginning to ache from all the constant hopping.

  Just as he was about to turn the corner down the proceeding isle, he came to a stop. Starring at the package of beef jerky, Elias finally picked it up, instantly thinking about his dad. Mike loved beef jerky. It was all he ever ate when he had the chance. Elias remembered when he was younger, his dad's car would smell like it everyday. It was always the same kind too. Eli let a slight smile form on his face at the memory. Mike would never share with him, but Elias still felt an attachment to the snack; a feeling of nostalgia.

"Whoa whoa--guys, guys, guys." Rocco said, pulling Eli out of his thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"What?"

"Hm?"

"I think...yeah that's definitely him. Get your asses over here to Clandon Road. It's Jade."

Eli quickly threw the bag in the cart.

"On my way. Don't let him out of your sight."

~*~

Four hours later...

"Do you have anymore?" Rocco asked, looking over at Sunshine from behind the bushes.

"Good thing I bought these, huh Elias?" Sunshine smiled as he gave Rocco another chocolate chip.

Crunch.

  Elias bit into his cookie, not paying any attention to rainbow boy as he stared at the building. A captivating establishment, made of pale grey bricks and black wood giving it a very aged look which Elias presumed was intentional. Despite it's traditional appearance, there was a very modern sign, flashing red and purple lights that spilled onto the street; the color resting on the faces of the boys as they watched from a distance. The constant humming of the sign snuffed out their voices, causing Eli's focus to set completely on the building through the array of square shaped windows. It was a very sophisticated place; one of clear charm and class.

  He could see Jade clearly; sitting in the stool he hadn't moved from for hours, chugging down another foamy golden beer. He was turned away from the ledge of the bar, watching the other patrons mingle with one another; his heavy eyes glued on the table with two women. Oddly enough though, Eli wasn't alarmed by it. He had recognized one of them fairly quickly. It was the same woman from the cafe--he couldn't forget her deeply tanned skin and thick coily hair. Truthfully, if he didn't have to focus on Jade, he would have been watching her too.

"I can't stay any longer." Everyone looked over towards the boy standing frantically wiping the dirt from his clothes. "Mom's been very strict lately. If I don't get home soon she'll kill me."

"Same here." Porter looked down at his phone. "I stay any longer my dad'll call the police."

"This is where it usually ends." Rocco said dull. "I'm sure you guys have to get home to someone too, right?"

"No one's waiting for me." Sunshine smiled, biting into another cookie. "I could be out for a week if I wanted."

Elias gave him a concerned look along with everyone else at his smile. As sad as it was to admit, Eli wasn't surprised.

"I don't have to be anywhere." Elias added. "We'll stay. Don't worry about it guys."

"Good." Porter stood with Rocco. "We might finally find out where Jade lives afterall."

  They watched as both of them stealthily crept their way out from behind the bushes. Just as they made their way through, Elias called out, "Hey Rocco."

Rocco stopped in his tracks, looking back at him. "Yeah?"

"Good job tonight." Elias gave him a nod. It took a second to register before Rocco's mouth slightly turned upward as he struggled to hide his smile.

"If you want a ride, bring your ass." Porter called from around the corner, his voice growing fainter as he walked away. "Just don't sit in the back--wet laundry..."

Averting his gaze, Rocco conformed to a returning nod before continuing on his way with Porter.

Sunshine and Elias shared a glance before returning their gaze back to the pub.

"And then there were two." Sunshine said; his voice muffled behind the blockage of cookies.

"Yeah."

"It's okay though." Sunshine shrugged. "I like it better this way. Sharing is fun, but having more cookies is better." Elias watched as Sunshine pulled out his phone.

"What are you doing?" He asked, grabbing another cookie from the box.

"Well, I mean I'm not doing much else." He shrugged. "I was thinking about giving everyone a different ringtone for my phone. Pass the time a little."

Elias snorted at that. "Better make them good."

  A few minutes passed from then with Sunshine playing really wacky ringtones with the occasional good one here and there, until finally, out of boredom, Eli nudged his arm.

"What's mine?" He asked.

"Call me." Sunshine smiled, making Eli sigh dramatically as he pulled out his phone and called. The faint chime from his phone grew louder as rainbow boy turned up his volume. Elias quirked his lips--it was one of the wacky ones.

"Ew." He laughed as Sunshine began dancing to the tune.

"I love it."

Elias quickly ended the call, making the sound stop instantly.

"Remind me to show you some real music."

Ding ding ding!

  The sound of the pub door caught both of their attention as they watched the two women from the bar step down the stairs laughing.

"He wouldn't stop looking at you, Alene!" The girl with short black hair said giddily.

"Pfft. Do you know what he called me?" Alene rolled her eyes. "A whore--"

"After you splashed coffee on his shirt!" She pulled her arm.

"It was orange juice."

The girl gave her a look, making Alene shrug. "You weren't there. He was an asshole."

  Elias brought his attention back to Jade. His head cocked back as he downed the last bit of what was left in his mug before turning around and pushing away the four other empty glasses. Two of his fingers gestured to the bartender to come over, mouthing something. The man behind the bar shook his head, continuing cleaning out glasses. Elias could tell Jade wasn't happy with it as he slammed his hand down on the ledge, turning away.

"Ugh. Whatever. He's totally into you. You'd be crazy not to get with him."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes! Everyone else in this shithole town is ugly, married, or has a beer belly."

"Looks like that asshole is on his way to one." Alene crossed her arms, and Elias couldn't help but admire her collarbones. "Plus, all he wanted was sex."

"Alene." The girl tilted her head. "If you think you're going to find prince charming at this hick town, you're wasting your time. Loosen up. Have some fun damnit!"

Alene was shocked at the sudden slap to her backside, laughing as she shoved the girl away.

"You're ridiculous."

Ding ding ding!

  Elias hadn't noticed Jade had left from his spot until he saw him stagger through the pub door. Both of the girls paused from their conversation, looking up at him. Once he noticed them, he didn't hesitate to make his way down the stairs, almost tripping twice.

"Oh my god, here he comes. So hot."

"Ugh, not. He's drunk."

"What are you two vulnerable ladies doing out here all alone?" Elias furrowed his brows as Jade slurred, approaching them, making Alene step back.

"Talking." Alene held her chin up at him.

"You wouldn't be talking about me now would you...?"

"Don't flatter yourself."

"Don't be like that." He hung his head, tilting it into her line of view. Her eyes slowly made their way up towards his, before looking away with a heavy breath. "You look beautiful."

"You reek of booze."

"Thank you..." He said almost laughingly. When he noticed Alene still unamused his smile left instantly. "What happened to the fun girl...the sexy one..." His hand traveled along side her cheek before she quickly slapped it away.

"Come one, now. What did I do?"

"You're a dog." She narrowed her eyes at him. "And whore is not my name."

"I didn't mean it. It was just one of my bad days."

"You must have alot of bad days." She gave him a look, stepping back suddenly as Jade moved closer.

"I'm not a perfect man." His hand rose hovering over her skin to keep her in place; his voice returning husky. "...and as close as you are to it, you're not perfect either."

Elias grew irritated as he could clearly see Alene was getting uncomfortable.

"What is it?" Jade asked. "Don't believe in second chances?"

Alene glanced over to her friend who had encouraging eyes.

Whoop! Whoop!

Jade sluggishly looked over towards the cop car pulling up the street as it slowed to a stop beside them.

"What are you ladies doing out on the street at this time of night?"

Elias perked up at the familiar voice.

"You know it's dangerous, especially with everything that's going on. I'd hate if one of y'all were hurt."

"Sorry, sheriff." Alene moved away from Jade, making him turn around exposing his venomous expression. "We were just heading home."

"Hope you're not walking." Decan said as more of a question.

"We live right down the street. It's not far." The short haired girl said.

"Let me drop you off."

"That's sweet of you sheriff, but you don't have to."

"It'd sure make me feel better if you'd let me." He replied, making Alene smile.

"Alright-"

"How about I help you out there sheriff. I'll take Alene." Jade slurred, gesturing to the black car parked down the road. "It'd help me feel better too."

Alene glanced back at Jade, scoffing before quickly strutting over to Decan's car.

"You spoil me when you walk away you know." Jade gave a cocky grin. "Shame though. I don't even get a good bye kiss."

Alene stopped, turning around "Did you ever get that stain out?" She asked.

He smiled, curiously. "Not yet. Why?"

"Good." She rose both brows.

Jade laughed, shaking his head as she hopped in along with her friend. "You're gonna have to come harder than that if you want to hurt my feelings dollface! You'll be back!" Jade yelled, stepping away before pausing at the sound of Decan's voice.

"I hope you don't plan to do any driving tonight, Mr. Philips. It doesn't take a wise man to see that you're drunk son."

Jade's face fell blank as he stared at the officer; his voice coming out with extreme annoyance. "Of course not."

"Good. I expect to see that car in that same spot come morning. You have a good night now."

Jade gave a spiteful grimace as he watched the cop car disappear down the road.

"Prick."

  Elias and Sunshine watched carefully as Jade glanced over at his car, then back down the road several times before he cursed under his breath, finally staggering down the side walk.

"I don't like this guy." Sunshine whispered scrunching his nose. "He's rude."

Elias grumbled. "Me neither."

They watched carefully as he grew smaller and smaller in their line of sight.

"You think he's going home?" Sunshine asked.

"Only one way to find out." Elias said, moving from behind the bushes as he began limping down the sidewalk. His leg wasn't fully healed--he still felt the spike of discomfort everytime his foot hit the concrete, but he couldn't be bothered with the pain. He could see his figure ahead, slamming into cars parked along the side of the road when he lost his footing. This happened several times.

"What a mess." Elias narrowed his eyes.

  He walked passed several residential areas, and each time Elias and Sunshine hoped it would be his neighborhood, but they were let down each time. For twenty minutes he staggered and for twenty minutes they followed. Soon trees replaced the rows of houses and the road turned to a large dirt path. There were no street lights anymore, just the faint shine of light from the moon outlining the man's frame as he continued on. Elias had never gone this far before. 

"Where are we?" Elias asked, making Sunshine look up at him.

"Well, technically this is a way to leave town. I think just beyond that hill is a new road." Sunshine pointed, making Elias wonder.

"Does this guy even live here?"

"It can't be that much further, right?" Sunshine squinted his eyes at the man as his body began to blend in with the darkness ahead. A strange feeling settled beneath the boys' skin. Maybe it was because they were following a murder suspect, or that they were surround by nothing but trees, or maybe that it was completely silent apart from the constant shuffle of leaves beneath their feet. They should have felt safer with Jade in their sights, though for some reason, being exposed and clueless to the environment around them invoked fear. Elias continually swallowed it, staying focused on the man a little ways in front, while Sunshine grew anxious instead.

  Elias began to notice Sunshine's breathing becoming increasingly labored the longer they walked. He glanced down at him, his arms holding himself as he darted his head in all directions. Bringing his attention back to Jade, he nudged Sunshine making him jump.

"We're so lucky."

"Lucky?"

"I just keep thinking." Elias shrugged. "What are the chances you know? Not only did we find this bastard, but we're finally gonna see where he lives. All in one night? If that isn't luck..."

Sunshine smiled, welcoming the feeling of temporary relief of a conversation. "Lucky duo. I don't know what I'd be doing right now if I didn't meet you Elias."

"Probably off somewhere getting fat off of chocolate chip cookies." Elias chuckled.

"Yeah." Sunshine looked away. "Maybe."

  Elias noticed his voice leave off on a slight somber note. He glanced at the short boy before looking at Jade again. Just as he was about to comment, his lips closed tight as they both stopped dead in their tracks. Jade had made a direct turn into the trees, suddenly disappearing from their sight. It had happened so fast, they almost didn't catch it. They stared blankly at the spot he once stood, now empty.

Sunshine stepped back.

Once Elias had returned from his abrupt shock, he began walking ahead. Sunshine quickly tugged on his arm.

"What are you doing?" He asked, fear clear in the shakiness of his voice. "We can't follow him in there Elias."

"We have to." Eli replied. "We need to know where he's going."

"We don't know where we are." He said almost panicked. "We don't-"

"We may never get this chance again, alright." Elias watched as Sunshine's eyes frantically looked between his. "I can't pass this up. It's fine if you'd rather stay here, but I can't."

"This can't be the only chance." Sunshine swallowed. "It can't be. We should just go back, Elias please."

"I can't risk it." Elias pulled away. "Just stay here alright?"

"What if something bad happens to you?" Sunshine asked, making Elias turn back, taking a breath.

"It won't." He gave a reassuring smile that only made rainbow boy more worried. "Stay here."

Sunshine squeezed the beanie on top of his head, looking around as Elias jogged up to the section of forest Jade had entered.

Eli tried to catch a glimpse of him, but there was nothing but pitch black darkness. He wasted no time in stepping inside, shocked at the boy joining him.

"I thought you were staying?"

"Well, you're going. If I can't stop you, I have to go with you to make sure nothing happens."

"I'll be fine."

Sunshine sighed. "I can't take that risk. You're all I