CHAPTER 10

Three months had elapsed since Crystal and Daniel made their hasty departure from Nyack, leaving in their wake a tangled web of secrets, unanswered questions, and haunting memories. The initial chaos had slowly subsided, but the emotional scars still lingered, a constant reminder of the traumatic events they had endured. The junkyard homicide case, once a burning priority, had stagnated, the fierce inferno that had ravaged the site reducing all potential evidence to smoldering ashes and unrecognizable fragments.

Similarly, the investigation into the construction site incident had also reached an impasse, the CCTV footage yielding a meager glimpse of a masked figure, their features obscured by the shadows. The grainy image, frustratingly incomplete, seemed to taunt the authorities, its very ambiguity fueling their growing desperation. As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, the sense of urgency began to dissipate, leaving behind only a lingering sense of unease, a feeling that justice might forever remain elusive.

Mendes' deliberate omission of Crystal and Daniel's employment from the official records had effectively erased their trail, leaving investigators grasping at thin air. As a result, the authorities remained blissfully unaware of their entanglement in the mysterious events, their names never once crossing the radar of suspicion.

For Crystal and Daniel, however, there was no such reprieve. The weight of their guilt hung over them like a perpetual shroud, its crushing burden threatening to consume them whole. The distance between themselves and Nyack had afforded them a fragile sense of security, but it couldn't expunge the haunting memories of that fateful night, which continued to sear themselves into their minds like a branding iron.

The shadows of their past lingered, refusing to be extinguished by the passage of time or the physical distance they had put between themselves and the scene of their crimes. And so, they existed in a state of suspended animation, trapped in a never-ending cycle of remorse and self-recrimination, as they struggled to come to terms with the irreparable damage they had wrought.

Three months had dragged on, with no job prospects in sight. Despite having enough savings to last a year, Crystal's innate work ethic gnawed at him. A self-proclaimed workaholic, he believed that as long as he had the strength, he should be working.

Crystal strode into the living room of their rented two-bedroom apartment, nestled in a towering Manhattan high-rise that seemed to touch the clouds. The open window framed a kaleidoscope of sounds: the incessant honking of car horns, the cacophony of chatter from pedestrians on the sidewalk below, and the occasional wail of sirens piercing the air, a constant reminder of the city's frenzied energy. The sounds blended together in a symphony of chaos, a familiar melody that underscored the city's relentless pace. As Crystal entered the room, the warm glow of the setting sun spilled in, casting a golden light on the sleek, modern furniture and illuminating the dust motes that danced in the air.

The living room was a masterclass in opulence, its walls adorned with intricate, hand-painted floral patterns that danced across the surface like delicate brushstrokes on a canvas. Plush, premium sofas in a rich, velvety fabric beckoned invitingly, their soft cushions and subtle sheen exuding an aura of refined sophistication. Dominating the room, a gargantuan smart TV hung majestically on the wall, its sleek, silver frame glinting like polished steel in the soft light.

Above, a stunning, crystal-encrusted chandelier suspended from the ceiling cast a kaleidoscope of shadows on the polished, creamy-white marble floors, its facets glinting like a thousand tiny diamonds as it refracted the light. The overall effect was one of breathtaking grandeur, as if the very essence of luxury had been distilled into this singular space.

Beyond the living room, the apartment unfolded like a sumptuous, five-star resort, boasting two expansive master bedrooms that served as serene, private retreats. Each room was a tranquil oasis, its soft, muted hues and plush, carpeted floors designed to soothe the senses and calm the mind.

And then, there was the pièce de résistance – the water bed, a luxurious haven that promised unparalleled relaxation. This was no ordinary bed, but a sumptuous, floating paradise, its undulating surface beckoning like a siren's call to those seeking the ultimate in comfort and indulgence.

Every detail, from the high-end finishes to the thoughtful, designer touches, screamed luxury – this was, undoubtedly, a high-end condominium, a true masterpiece of design and sophistication.

Crystal walked into the living room, where Daniel had ensconced himself on the plush, sprawling sofa, looking like the epitome of relaxation. The TV blared loudly in the background, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room as it broadcast its latest offering. Daniel, seemingly oblivious to the commotion around him, indulged in a bucket of steaming hot chicken wings, the savory aroma wafting up to tease Crystal's senses. The remote control lay casually balanced in Daniel's other hand, a testament to his utter contentment in the midst of this indulgent snack fest.

"You're living the dream," Crystal said, shaking his head in amusement. Daniel's TV-binging and eating habits had become a familiar sight.

"What else is there to do?" Daniel retorted, his tone laced with sarcasm as he crunched into a chicken wing.

"Work," Crystal replied firmly. "We can't just keep eating and expecting our money to magically multiply." Crystal's words were laced with concern, a reminder that their savings wouldn't last forever.

"Try to relax, my friend," Daniel said, his mouth still full of chicken.

Crystal's expression turned incredulous. "Relax?" he repeated, as if the concept was foreign to him.

Daniel nodded, still chewing. "Yes, relax. I told you, I'm on it." He had mentioned various job opportunities to Crystal, but none had panned out with a salary that met Crystal's expectations.

"That's what you said last time," Crystal countered, his voice laced with concern. "And now it's been three months." He sat down on the center table, directly in front of Daniel, blocking his view of the TV.

Daniel let out a disgruntled sigh. "Hey, move!"

Crystal's gaze locked onto Daniel's, his eyes intense. "Focus," he said, his voice firm. 

"Show me, what are our options?" Crystal asked, his eyes boring into Daniel's, searching for a reassuring answer. But instead, he saw Daniel's gaze darting away, evading his scrutiny.

"Don't tell me..." Crystal's voice trailed off, his tone incredulous.

"I don't have anything now, but—" Daniel began, but his words were cut short by the sudden sound of Crystal's fist slamming onto the center table.

"Jeez!" Daniel exclaimed, startled.

"You never do anything right," Crystal said, his disappointment and frustration boiling over, directed at Daniel's perceived incompetence. 

"It's not my fault, I haven't heard from my contact yet," Daniel protested, attempting to salvage his dignity. However, his words fell on deaf ears, as Crystal had already stormed out of the house.

Daniel remained oblivious to Crystal's departure until the living room door closed with a soft thud. 

"His temper," Daniel muttered to himself, shaking his head.

He turned his attention back to the TV, the sounds of the program filling the silence that had settled between them.

Crystal stood at the entrance of his apartment building, gazing out at the bustling road ahead. The past three months had been a transformative period in his life, marked by intense self-reflection. He had told his therapist, Mary, that he had found peace within himself, but the truth was more complex.

Those three months had been the darkest, most trying times of his life. He had struggled to rebuild his shattered mental state, to rediscover the motivation to keep moving forward. And then, like a beacon in the darkness, he had found it – redemption. The desire to make amends, to right the wrongs of his past, had become his driving force.

Crystal's eyes drifted downward, his mind consumed by the weight of his past actions. Despite his efforts to make amends, the guilt still lingered. For the past three months, he had been secretly sending money to Derry's family every weekend, a small attempt to alleviate their suffering. Yet, the gesture felt woefully inadequate, a mere drop in the ocean of his regret.

Crystal's gaze drifted back to the street, where a tumultuous scene had unfolded. A man, his face contorted in a mixture of defiance and desperation, was standing toe-to-toe with a stern-faced police officer. The air was electric with tension as the two engaged in a heated exchange, their voices rising above the cacophony of car horns and chatter.

Crystal's eyes narrowed, his mind reflecting on the harsh realities he'd learned. No matter the place, the struggles and injustices were often the same, sometimes even worse. The bright lights and bustling energy of Manhattan couldn't mask the darkness that lurked beneath its surface.

As he watched, four officers closed in on the defiant man, their movements a testament to their training and experience. The man, however, refused to back down, his bravery and foolishness on full display. Crystal's eyes remained fixed on the scene, his thoughts wandering to his own experiences, and the redemption he sought.

The struggle was a poignant reminder that, no matter how hard one tried to escape, the past always had a way of catching up. Crystal's own demons had driven him to seek solace in the city's bright lights, but he knew that true peace could only be found by confronting the darkness head-on.

Just as Crystal was about to turn and retreat back into the warmth of his apartment, a loud, piercing honk shattered the evening air. He spun around, his eyes scanning the crowded street until they landed on a sleek, black Maybach. The luxury vehicle's headlights flickered twice, a deliberate signal that left no doubt it was meant for him.

Crystal's feet rooted to the spot, hesitation etched on his face. He had caught glimpses of the Maybach in the apartment's parking lot, its presence as mysterious as its owner. According to Daniel, the car belonged to a renowned high-fashion model who lived in the apartment opposite theirs. But Crystal had always taken Daniel's information with a grain of salt, knowing his friend's reputation for exaggeration and misinformation.

Now, as he stood face-to-face with the luxurious vehicle, Crystal wondered if there was truth to Daniel's claim. His curiosity piqued, he took a cautious step forward, his eyes locked on the Maybach's tinted windows, searching for a glimpse of the enigmatic owner. 

The Maybach slid to a gentle stop beside Crystal, its sleek, black exterior gleaming under the fading light of day. The passenger-side window glided down with a soft, mechanical whisper, revealing the stunning visage of its occupant.

Crystal stood unwavering, his gaze locked onto the high-fashion model as she radiated an aura of elegance and poise. Her skin, a flawless canvas of porcelain, seemed to luminesce with an otherworldly glow, as if infused with an inner light. Her piercing green eyes, like two glittering emeralds, sparkled with a captivating blend of curiosity and amusement, drawing him in with their hypnotic allure.

A subtle, enigmatic smile played on her lips, casting a soft, seductive glow over her entire face. The delicate curve of her mouth, the gentle flush of her cheeks, and the elegant lines of her neck all conspired to create a vision of breathtaking beauty. Yet, Crystal remained unyielding, his emotional armor forged in the fire of past experiences. The scars of his history had tempered him, rendering him impervious to the model's captivating charms. His gaze, though attentive, remained detached, his heart shielded from the allure of her beauty.

Her raven-black tresses tumbled down her shoulders like a velvety cascade of darkness, framing her delicate, heart-shaped face with sleek, sophisticated elegance. The silky strands seemed to ripple and flow like a liquid shadow, accentuating the porcelain perfection of her complexion. Her face, a masterwork of delicate features and subtle curves, was a testament to her status as a goddess of the fashion world – a realm where beauty and elegance reigned supreme.

Crystal's gaze lingered on her, his eyes locking onto her face with an air of nonchalant curiosity, as if studying a work of art. His stare was calm and composed, betraying no hint of the turmoil that churned beneath his stoic exterior.

Crystal's eyes remained fixed on the woman, his expression a mask of detached interest, even as his mind whirled with a mix of emotions.

"What do you know, he was telling the truth," he muttered to himself, a mixture of surprise, embarrassment, and awe coloring his tone. Daniel's rumor, it seemed, had been true all along.

"Do you want a drink?" she asked, her voice a sultry, husky purr that seemed to vibrate through the air, exuding a confidence that was both captivating and unnerving. As she spoke, she locked gazes with Crystal, her piercing green eyes - fringed with luscious, velvety lashes that seemed to flutter like butterfly wings - boring into his very soul with an unnerving intensity.

Her gaze was a palpable force, a gentle yet unyielding pressure that seemed to strip away Crystal's defenses, laying bare his innermost thoughts and emotions. It was a gaze that would have intimidated even the most seasoned, battle-hardened of men, leaving them feeling vulnerable and exposed. But Crystal was different. 

He stared at her for few more seconds then he broke eye contact, his gaze drifting to the driver's side of the Maybach, where a chauffeur in a crisp, black uniform sat silently, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

Crystal's attention snapped back to the model, his eyes roaming over her heart-shaped face, taking in the cute but stern smile that played on her lips. 

"Where are we going?" Crystal replied, his voice dripping with a detached indifference, its chilly tone a deliberate mask that concealed the turmoil brewing beneath. His gaze locked back onto hers, his eyes narrowing slightly as he searched for answers, his expression a masterful blend of curiosity and detachment.

Despite his reserved demeanor, a flicker of amusement danced in the depths of his eyes, a hint of fascination that he couldn't quite extinguish. The woman standing before him was an enigma, a captivating puzzle that he was determined to solve. Her presence was a welcome distraction, a fleeting respite from the dark memories that haunted him. And Crystal craved that distraction, needed the amusement she offered.