Chapter Text
Alfred F. Jones
An American boy that grew up under a British gentleman, he is loud and child-like. This comes off as obnoxious and bothersome to most and they assume him to be an idiot. However, he is just as smart as everyone else. He views the world through the eyes of a child and is not afraid to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
After I read the first passage, I noticed a bit of smaller text at the bottom. It looked like it had been written and as if by a child. I had to squint to see it.
If you ever need me, Just call for a Hero!
This last bit of text confused me and I couldn't help but share it with Nicole, who just shrugged it off as the shop keeper making a memo and forgetting about it. I accepted that, too tired to worry about it any longer before unlocking the car and driving home. I dropped Nicole off at her house before making the short drive to mine. On my way up to the door I noticed a small face in the window and smiled. Rover, my two month old Golden Retriever puppy was standing on the window sill, yipping and dancing in place. As I opened the door he bolted out and jumped on me, trying to lick my face. I picked him up and gave him a hug before setting him down and reaching through the door. I set the bag full of stuff on the floor and grabbed Rover's leash. He went into a frenzy when he saw it and I laughed.
"You know what, Rover? It's been a while since we've went on a night walk and I feel a little more awake now. So let's make the most of it." I clipped him to the leash and about walked away before I felt a pull. I looked back to the door and sighed as I opened it. I dug around in the bag and pulled out the satin lined box with the little figurine. I stared at it for a moment before Rover's whine pulled me back to reality.
"Alfred, huh? I guess you can come too." I felt silly, talking to a doll, and slipped it into my jacket pocket, picking the leash back up and starting down the road toward the park, the figurine warm in my pocket.
Leash in hand, I walked into the quiet park. No one was around as it was dark out and I took a breath of the crisp autumn air and smiled. I had missed these late night walks with Rover. I only vaguely remember why I had stopped. We walked a few laps around the park before a raccoon darted out from the tree line, startling me and my puppy. I let out a breath that quickly caught in my throat as Rover pulled his leash from my hand and took off into the woods that surrounded the far side of the park, chasing the little raccoon. I took off after him, quickly falling behind. As I entered the woods I could feel eyes on me as I called out of for my dog.
After what felt like hours I heard the high pitched bark of my puppy and bolted in that direction. Just when I could see his golden fur, I felt my foot catch on a tree root and I fell with an undignified sound. It caught his attention though, and he abandoned the tree he was barking up to join my side. I noticed the raccoon in a different tree than Rovers'.
"Dammit Rover, don't do that to me. You could've gotten lost or even worse!" I grabbed his leash and stood, but nearly fell again as a pain shot up my leg. I looked down as Rover whined and noticed a red spot on my jeans. I had managed to cut myself in my panic to find my dog. I sighed and leaned on a tree for support as i looked around to find the path. It took me a moment to realize that I hadn't run down a path to get here. I shivered as the cool air began to cut through my thin jacket.
"Hey Rover, remember what I said about getting lost? Yeah. That just happened." He yipped and I shook my head. I began limping my way forward, hoping to find the correct way back to the park and wondering why the city left these woods here to begin with. After walking about thirty feet I noticed it was becoming harder and harder to see. I gave a loud sigh and jumped as I heard a chuckle nearby. I looked and saw a boy through the trees holding a lantern.
"Well, you seem a bit lost. Need any help there?" His voice was smooth and he looked about my age as he got closer. He also didn't seem surprised to see me. I guess people get lost here often. I gave him a once over, trying to judge his intent. He seemed sincere enough, I guess.
"Yeah actually. Could you point me in the direction of the park?" I saw him chuckle.
"Ah, you must be the girl I noticed earlier. I see you got your dog. Come on, the park is this way." He motion behind him and beckoned for me to follow. I made my way over as best I could and he walked with me. I noticed he stayed close despite my slow progress, but made no move to help me.
"So what's a pretty girl like you doing out here this late at night? Didn't you hear about the recent abductions around the park?" I nodded and suddenly remembered the reason I had stopped taking night walks.
"Yeah, kids that stayed to late where getting snatched up by someone. But didn't the police catch the perp?" My attention was on the ground to keep from falling again, so I didn't see his face. I just felt a small prick in my arm and looked over to see a needle and him smirking. I fell and the last thing I remembered was his voice before I blacked out.
"Yes, but his partner got away."