Los Angeles Neighbors' Club » Places

         

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Jo lifted her head as Matthew Tate entered the living room, swearing under his breath. He nodded to Summer's mom as he passed the kitchen, smile slightly as he did so. The two exchanged a few softly-spoke words before Matty made his way to the living room. He dropped onto the floor, leaning back against the table "Thoughts on Detective Grumpy?" he asked, before continuing. "Think he has it out for us."

"I think he can go shove it," Summer muttered.

Jo scoffed in response to Tate. "He clearly doesn't care," she commented. "Just another group of teens to question in a pitiful attempt to gather information. If he's not capable of the amount of sympathy that comes with his job, then he shouldn't have become a detective." Barnega shot her a dirty look from where he was discussing things with Walker.

Time sped as the Owens twins finally arrived. Rosalie had narrowed her eyes at Barnega's sarcastic tone; good for her, Jo thought to herself.

After Detective Walker addressed the group of teens, Summer shot her a sharp retort. "So we just sit here waiting to see if whoever or whatever has Mason will give him back? There's nothing we can do?" the blonde's eyes were red and watery. Walker gave her a smile full of too much pity. "Please. Just give us time, Summer. We'll find your brother."

Misty Navarro, who had walked in just as Walker was finishing up her speech, gave the group a weak smile. "Sorry I'm late," the brunette said apologetically, interrupting the solemn silence. Misty's gaze turned to the detectives. "I'm Misty Navarro," she introduced herself. "If you have to leave now, I can call you later?" she asked, before adding, "though, I don't know much. The last time I saw Mason was a few days before he left. He was normal; happy, excited for his trip." Jo drummed her fingers on her leg as Misty summarized her knowledge of the situation.

On the couch, Remy shifted closer to Summer, gesturing towards the open armrest. Misty perched on the edge as she and Remy grasped hands. As soon as she sat down, the detectives were about to leave before Ms. Bennett scurried out of the kitchen, thrusting a business card in their direction. “If you can reach him anywhere, it would probably be this number,” she murmured softly. Jo's gaze immediately shot towards Jane. Ms. Bennett was referring to her father. Of course.

Barnega nodded stiffly and headed out the door without another word. Walker gazed at the group for a long moment before adding, "we’ll let you know the second we find anything out.” After the final sentence, she headed out the door after her partner.

A long moment passed before Jane muttered out, "I don’t think Barnega is a very nice man."

Jane's mother rolled her eyes as Jo scoffed quietly with disbelief. "No shit, Sherlock," Jo exclaimed. "Barney's more than 'not a very nice man', he's a total asshole." Jo looked at the group before adding an insincere, "sorry."

Jane's mother planted her hands on her hips. "Alright, I’m running out to pick up Hugo from the airport," she said. "If you want anything while I’m out, you know how to reach me." Ms. Bennett left after that. She was trying to be strong, but to put it bluntly, she was failing miserably. Her voice was faltering and the circles under her eyes were more prominent than blood red lips on porcelain white skin.

Jane clasped her hands tightly. “I’ll take drink orders," she said weakly. "Does anyone want anything?" Of course, Jane being Jane, she had to do something. Jane glanced at Jo, before saying, "I know you won’t want coffee, but how about some peppermint tea?"

Jo raised her eyebrow slightly, a tad surprised that Jane chose to speak to her out of everybody else. Sure, the Los Angeles Neighbors' Club were close, but Jane definitely had a stronger friendship with others - like Remy or Summer - rather than Jo. "I prefer black," she commented mildly, "but peppermint tea is fine as well." She paused before adding, "thanks." Normal people said thank you to that kind of stuff, Jo was sure of that.