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thekiltongrammarwriter · 3 months ago

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Your shadow is in whitfoshire Pt 1

AGAD Pippa Fitz Amobi x fem reader

Summary: Cambridge University, England. Pippa Fitz Amobi, still haunted by the events of her past investigations, stumbles upon a new enigma. The campus buzzes with rumors about the girl with dark circles beneath her eyes and a smile that conceals secrets. Pippa senses the weight behind that forced smile, the pain hidden within. The whispers echo through the halls: "Y/N? Oh, everyone knows her. Her family was at the center of that infamous case three years ago. Her older sister Amelia vanished without a trace, think she was abducted, and Y/N was the last person to see her alive. Quite Tragic annit?. The whole family unraveled-her barrister father lost everything to gambling, everything. her mother became quiet, doesn’t speak much. Yet Y/N remains the sole beacon of normalcy”

Warnings: LONG, A bit wordier than my other ficts so beware, Pippa Fitz Amobi being a curious cat at your arrival. AGAD PIP, MENTIONS OF BOOK TWO AND THREE IN DETAIL, Heavy mystery incorporated, pessimistic Pippa. Dark eerie thoughts. First try at anything in the mystery/thriller realm so take this with a grain of salt. To be edited at a later date. Part 1 of 4. Some light groundwork to set the scene and give a nice taste.

words: 6.453k

It was hard not to notice you, with your hands pinned behind your back and your eyes trailing the chancellor as he spoke softly to you. The pupils in the common room had all halted, breathes leaving their lungs as soon as you came into view, it was odd and distracting enough that Pip had to lift her head from her computer. Her glacial eyes took note of how the chancellor spoke to you all with soft eyes and a calm demeanor, almost like he was afraid of saying the wrong words.

Lord Sainsbury was not a very feeling man, nor was he a robot, but this odd cross of playing jacket potato and treating you with kid gloves piqued Pip’s interest. The chattering of the other students made it hard for Pip to read you, that and the fact that you were feet away, face set in such a warm smile that Pip was sure it was a ruse. For one thing the way you held yourself was evidence enough that you were aware of the eyes peering at you from the common room. Aware of the comments and hushed opinions.

Your hair was up in a decent ponytail, slicked back with ease, a smart pants suit adorning your body, only the best for Cambridge. Pip couldn’t help but let her eyes take in the way you chuckled at Lord Sainsbury, nodding with a kind sharp smile, your mouth moving in a whisper. From the way lord Sainsbury chuckled widely, a deep belly laugh Pip knew you were quite humorous, getting Lord Sainsbury to laugh or even crack a simple smile was the pupil’s life work, and somehow you had managed to do the impossible in a matter of minutes.

There was just something about you Pip could not quite put her finger on, though your face was eerily familiar, the lines and sharp cheekbones prominent. Pip hadn’t a clue why you looked so familiar. Had she seen you somewhere? Passed you on the pavement? That is till her sharp ears caught the tail end of Stella Chapman’s gossiping from the far end of the table. Pippa could sense the weight of your forced smile. could feel it in her bones. Usually, Pip wasn’t one to care for idle gossip, not if there was no concrete reason for it. She was already branded as Cambridge’s own “private detective” since the second popular season of her podcast, and try as Pip may she couldn’t outrun little Kilton, or the looming shadow of Jason Bell. She had momentarily quit her podcast, looking for some other options to pursue, options that wouldn’t make her mother gray with worry.

That wouldn’t turn her into a separate person, as she allowed the past cases too. That wouldn’t make her mind think back to the blood on her hands and the feel of the metallic hammer in her palm. The feel of duct tape sticking to her cheek. The heat of the roar of the fire as the smoke entered her lungs.

But it was the way you stood, face innocent and kind, yet something dark and sinister in your clouded eyes that made something in Pip preen. That too familiar dopamine effect, the same rush of victory and stomach-churning high she would get when her inner curiosity got the better of her. The same feeling she had felt the day she had connected the dots of who had murdered Andie Bell. The same rush, the after effect leaving her high and wanting nothing more than to sink her teeth into another case and maybe the fact that you were so achingly attractive had something to do with the way her ears perked up too. But she would never admit it aloud.

“y/n? Everyone knows her. Her family was at the center of that whitfoshire case two years ago, my father worked as a lead barrister for it. Never thought she’d be coming round here. Her older sister Amelia vanished without a trace, the police and my father believe she was abducted and I suppose what’s worse is that y/n was the last person to see her alive. Quite tragic really. The whole family unraveled- her father, the barrister for Whitfoshire solicitors lost almost all the family's fortune to gambling and had to open their estate for viewings from what my mums said. Not to mention the family’s reputation was slandered by the media. A sad lot they make. Yet y/n remains the sole beacon of normalcy it seems. Wonder how she managed to pay tuition”. The way the last sentence fell off Stella Chapman's lips made Pip’s fingers curl around her keyboard. One lesson Pip had learned from her investigating, people can be cruel. Can say the most vile things without a care in the world, can do the most vile things without repercussions.

That’s what her time had taught her. Elliot ward, Max hastings, Howie bowers, Becca bell, Charlie green, Jason bell. They all seemed to loom in her mind, like ghosts she couldn’t quite get rid of. Taunting her.

“she’s probably a trust fund baby, did you see her clothes? It’s a wonder she can afford that, from what my mum says her dad has been shagging his secretary-“the lid of the silver laptop pip’s fingers had been clutching had slammed, the echo vibrating the whole table, causing the many cups of tea to ricochet. Stella Chapman’s eyes immediately widened at Pip’s outburst. Her lips twisted into an uncomfortable grimace, “Oh Pippa! I didn’t know you were sitting with us. I don’t wish to offend” she began, sugar-covered words trying to snake out of her pink-frosted lips.

Pip’s throat gulped; her eyes somehow darker than usual. “Perhaps instead of providing idle gossip and analyzing a person’s life we could have some respect and be more sensitive to the topic. Not everyone is as unscathed as they seem” Pippa managed to get out, her accent smooth as she packed up her things, eying the group who all seemed to shut their mouths like school children being reprimanded by their mother. All sunken eyes and red cheeks.

“of course!! We didn’t mean to seem-“ Pippa with a quiet ease slung her knapsack over her shoulder, her signature saccharine smile on her lips, “Of course not Stella, you would never spread such idle gossip on a new pupil”. It was said with such sweet spite that as Pip turned on her heels she could almost feel the anger pulsing of the girl. It was a welcome feeling.

Pippa had found she had less patience these days, often feeling like a bomb ticking ever so slightly, eager to explode in the most mundane situations, and Stella Chapman had picked the wrong day because if anyone knew the reality of missing persons it was Pippa Fitz Amobi.

They had no clue the amount of emotional trauma she carried around like a knapsack too big for her back, of all the secrets she would greatly take to the grave, of all the words she had been called throughout the years following her involvement in the cases. It was akin to a slap in the face, Stella Chapman's words. Even as she had walked the school’s corridors, stopping into the library to check in some of her maths textbooks still her mind refused to stop, analyzing your facial features, the slight curve of your jaw, your eyes that were shaped in such a familiar position..

Pip shrugged it off afterward, she had much more important matters to tend to, it was a Friday evening and the campus would be closing, Pip still needed to grab a few things before her drive back home, she had promised her mother she would be home for dinner, after having missed so many. Josh was getting taller at this point every time she would see him, just another indication of the life she was missing out on. But how could she ever be the same Pip? Not after everything she had been through. That jubilant, clever girl was lost, lost in the wind just like Andie had been. And she was afraid she would never get her back.

It was at this thought that she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder and the scent of ghastly chewing tobacco. Headmaster Sainsbury. Lifting her steel blue eyes from her current book she held in her pale fingers she watched as the man smiled, bowing his head in regards to her. Pip almost smiled, Mr Sainsbury looked so out of place standing in the dusty old archive of the library, clutching his indoor hat to his fingers. He wasn’t exactly a large man, portly in stature.

Pip immediately put down her book, straightening her posture, “Mr. Sainsbury, what a lovely surprise, what can I do for you, sir? I was just about to pack for home, my mum is making Yorkshire pudding and I wouldn’t want to be late. Am I missing any assignments? Is this about my marks on my recent exam?”

Mr Sainsbury’s lips lifted into a creased smile, his hands coming up to wave the notion away almost sensing the young girl’s anxious thoughts, “Oh It pleases me to have such a young bright pupil such as you Miss Amobi in our midst. Do not fear Darling you shall make your dinner and as for your assignments, you are simply soaring through. I simply came here to ask rather a big favour from you, you see there is a new pupil joining our fine establishment- the young girl I escorted to the office today” At the mention of you Pip’s eyes shot to the man, her eyes narrowed.

“You see, she needs a tour around the campus, nothing big just a proper guide around the school and I-“ It was obvious Mr. Sainsbury was beating about the bush, it was almost like he couldn't quite make the words fly out of his mouth. Like he was struggling even to get the long-winded syllables out.

Pip’s eyebrows lifted, intrigue dancing in her blue irises, “You what sir?”

Mr. Sainsbury sighed, looking ashamed and somber as he eyed the stacks of wooden books before whispering softly, “Given the matter that surrounds her family, this is a great opportunity for Miss Y/N, She has bravely decided to get on with her life despite the-“ his eyes lifted as to find the words, “Unfortunate events that have been associated with her family. I had a whole list of well-qualified top marked students to welcome her but I soon realized after her little introduction in the great hall that she needs a rather caring hand, and seeing as how I and many other educators at this university hold you in such high esteem miss Amobi I find it is only fitting for you to give her the welcome tour, as you have a familiar shall we say experience with this topic?”

Pip blinked, the sides of her mouth creasing into a confused smile, her mind telling her to kindly decline, eying her yellowed watch on her wrist, it would be half past three in a few minutes, she had planned rather hastily a quick nip into her dorm to grab a few essentials before she made the small hour trip back to Little Kilton. Her mum had probably already prepared the table and made the mince pies that had been her favorite since childhood. But the way Pip’s heart seemed to dance at the thought of you made her mind take over, and before she knew it she was agreeing.

Mr Sainsbury looked relieved at her words, a smile so big and round filling his lips. “Wonderful!! Thank you so much, Pippa, this really means a great deal to me and her family. Now if you hurry you’ll just about catch her. She’s just in the chapel”.

Before Pip could ask any questions, the man was gone. Pippa eyed her watch, her mind logical as she thought, it would be half past four by the time she finished the tour, it would be cutting it close but she would still make it back in time for dinner. So, lugging her knapsack again before making a beeline up the old steps she quickly made it to her dorm, gathering her keys and a few gifts she had gotten for Cara and Ravi into her bag before descending the steps. Her steps were rather uncoordinated as she flew through the school’s corridors, eyes taking in the wristwatch as she ran up the chapel steps, excusing herself as she flew past the small number of pupils that were left loitering around the campus, her grip on her knapsack tightening as she came into view of the great medieval hall, eyes searching the crowd for you. Her eyes zeroed in and her heart seemed to leap as she caught sight of you, sitting near the far edge of the long table, book in hand, the reflection of the stained-glass mirror making the colour of your eyes pop. Her chest was heaving wildly as she willed her feet to move, the feeling so foreign. Her eyes took In the way your feet crossed under the table, your outfit now a rather studious aesthetic that made her knees weak.

Sighing, she made it in front of you, and your eyes flitted up to meet her own, and Pip couldn’t breathe. “Hi…. I’m Pip” she settled on, sighing and offering her best smile, “Mr Sainsbury sent me to be your official Cambridge tour guide” she spoke, offering her hand. You put your book down, eyes flitting down her outfit, your lips quirking up, “Did you run here? You look quite out of breath” you assessed. Pip’s cheeks blushed but she nodded, “Very attuned to observation Miss-“you smiled, getting up from your spot, lifting your backpack on your shoulder, Pip listened as you told her your name, offering a small smile. Hand in hers as you shook it. Your fingers felt hot in her touch, and she quickly pulled back, stepping in front of you with her back turned to the hall, “Shall we begin your tour?”.

Pip began showing you around campus, regaling you with stories, the history of the school, and even showing you the original medieval structure of the school. She was keen to answer as many questions as she could, she took note of the way you were rather quiet, hands behind your back, eyes still that dark cloud, but just enough smile to look appealing, to fool just about anyone, but Pip wasn’t just anyone.

It was while Pip was walking you back to the dorms that you spoke, this time rather fast and anxious, “Please don’t find this presumptuous of me and if I am talking out of turn please forgive me but I’ve heard of the cases you solved, I just- I wanted you to know that as someone whose sister is-I wanted to thank you for what you did for Andie Bell and Jamie Reynolds, you gave my parents and me a lot of hope ”.

The words took her off guard, and she only eyed you. You were walking beside her, slowly, your skirt ruffling in the wind, cheeks a pale hue, but eyes remaining on the floor, the ghostly feeling of somberness overtaking the air. It was nice to be thanked, Pip was grateful for that, not many people had thanked her, not the Bells, the media, and certainly not the Police. They all saw her as meddlesome, as something to contain rather than set free.

But here you were, thanking her with your clouded eyes and broken stuttered words. It stirred Pip’s stomach, the sight of you in the pale winding down sun, looking as strong as you could, putting on a brave face, getting out in the world even if you wanted nothing more than to shut it out.

“I did what any decent person would do” Pippa stated, “In fact, I know many people who are inclined to disagree with you, and sometimes I think I am rather dense to have meddled in that-I-I allowed myself to get so consumed by the cases, I-I didn’t see the way I intruded into people's lives-“ Pip didn’t know why she felt so safe divulging her thoughts to you, perhaps she felt some sort of kindred spirit in you, you knew what it felt to be on the receiving end of her leering, knew what it felt like to lose someone and have no answers given. And perhaps it was a welcome feeling getting all these thoughts out. You stayed quiet for a second, your pale fingers tugging the ends of your jumper in a nervous act, Pippa watched your eyes turn downcast, your eyes glossy, but even as you spoke your voice never wavered.

“That’s because they had something to hide…I wish the police had been that lucky with my sister it’s been two years. Everybody says it gets better with time, but it really doesn't. It tends to mess with people's minds, shows you how fragile a human mind can be".

Pippa's head tilted as you continued walking, she knew what you meant. She had seen this to be true with Jamie Rennoylds case, had seen how Joanna and Connor had reacted, almost like they had lost a part of there soul. She remembers the dark undercurrents beneath Connor's usually pale eyes, the rattling of the desk as they both sat in class, and the dread that had swooped inside her stomach at the missing yellow knife. She remembers and remembers till she can see the image of Jason Bell clouding her mind, his sweaty perspiring skin as he held her to the ground. Her hands had begun to shake, and she quickly rubbed them against the fabric of her jeans, to prove to herself she was safe, to ground her rapid heartbeat, to prove to her brain that there was no blood splattered on the edges of her fingers.

Her eyes turned to you, her cobalt eyes tracing over your figure as you walked ahead of her, heading back to a quiet campus, the wind creating a cool undercurrent that whipped your hair, pulling at the edges of your slick ponytail and Pip wondered how you felt about the whole ordeal. About Amelia, the case, did you go to bed at night with an uncomfortable pit in your stomach? Did you replay happy memories over and over to yourself? rationalize with your brain? use logic to outway the way your world felt?

The way you had just worded it, your eyes a dark haze as you spoke the words like you were in some deep dark space, filled with haunting thoughts, possibilities of the unknown, of dark shadows that would follow you wherever you went. Like a ghost that you couldn't get rid of, like a silent companion. 'It tends to mess with people's minds, shows you how fragile a human mind can be"

Had it messed with yours? Were you as eccentric as she was? were you unsatisfied with the justice system? The whitfoshire police? just how fragile was your mind?

These thoughts plagued Pip as she brought you back to the pupil's dorm, her eyes tracing over you like she was assessing a case, like she was analyzing every movement, from the way your fingers stretched to accommodate the door handle, and it was then she noticed. Crescent moons on your inner palms, indented into your skin like a tattoo. It was hard to notice for others, but she was a keen observer after her cases. She was paranoid and often times looking over her shoulders. Eying teens as they trotted the campus with a cup of alcohol clutched in their hands. Because deep down she knew just what happened when you engaged in those activities. It meant heartache, hurting those you loved, bad choices, and in the worst-case scenario, death.

At the thought images of Andie Bell invaded her mind. It was funny how that worked. How Pip had never met the girl, but she knew her secrets, knew she slept with a pink bunny, and had a childhood pet named Roadie. Knew she had wanted nothing more than to save her baby sister from the same fate as the other victims of her father. Andie Bell, the girl who had in a way saved Pip. Pip often thought back to the girl with fondness. The girl who had died at the hands of her sister. A freak accident, the wrong place at the wrong time. Her eyes watched as you tugged open your dorm door with your key, your eyebrows struggling. Did Amelia look like you? The same strong nose and sharp cheekbones? the same pink frosted lips?

Did you feel the way that Becca Bell felt about her older sister? Did your older sister care about you? Was she kind? was she the sister like Andie who gave you love by hiding secrets?

"Did you love your sister?"

Pip hadn't meant to voice her own thoughts, but at that moment she felt that familiar pit in her gut, the one that usually made her stomach flip. She was no longer Pippa Fitz Amobi of little Kilton, she was that girl again sitting in front of Becca Bell asking about the calamity, the girl eying Nat de Silva as she refused to give answers. The girl weeping into Stanley Forbes eyes as she clung to him.

Her voice was brittle, keeping a soft edge to it.

The way your body froze on the lock, it was a calm type, which led Pip to believe you were more hurt than guilty. Your throat bobbed, and Pip watched the movement. Her eyes scanned over your soft neck. Your eyes were heavy, and you only whispered.

"I do.... it's not past tense" You held a sharp edge to your voice, eyeing Pippa's reflection in the mirror. "She's still out there I don't care what those prats say, my sister is still alive and well. because if she's not then-'' you halted, almost like a button was pushed and you came back to your senses. Your grip on the handle loosened, your eyes became less of a dark void, and you wiped quickly at a tear that had stuck to your eyelashes.

"No body was ever found. and the sniffer dog lost her trail up Abbots Road. The police say she could have gotten into a car, but I know my sister...she's clever, got her wits about her, like you-" your eyes flitted across Pip's.

You must have seen the way Pip's eyebrows creased at the words, "The minute I saw you sitting in the common room I thought to myself, Amelia would be like that. Too clever, too serious to care about the mindless chatters. Busy in her own world, she often was. but she made just enough time for me to feel special. so, when you ask if I love my sister the answer Miss Fitz Amobi is a resounding yes".

Pippa was good at reading people, she had a way of peering at a person's eyes, and she had done with any people and now as she eyed you, she felt it deep in her bones. You were 100% truthful.

"Thank you for the tour, Pippa, Mr. Sainsbury said you were observant, but I didn't quite believe him, till now. They say the eyes are the window to the soul and I could just about hear what you were thinking. Is she telling the truth? Believe me...I can read people too." the edges of your lips curved into a soft smile, like an understanding and then you opened the dorm door, and gone you went. Vanished into thin air.

Pippa watched your form leave, her breathing hard and cold as it flew out of her mouth, her thoughts loud and pulling her mind in all directions. It was only her phone vibrating in her pocket that brought her out of her trance, and she was answering it.

"Hello?"

"Pip it's half past five! where are you? Josh is beginning to wonder if you are coming at all! and Ravi just arrived!"

It was hard to snap out of her own head, which at the moment looked more and more like the murder board she had torn up as soon as Andie's case was finished. Invisible strings were being tied in her mind; questions written in crimson letters over your words. but Pip knew she could let herself fall for it, for the clues and the mystery. The truth, the justice. she couldn't let herself fall prey, she needed to lay low, focus on her studies, and get far away from cases. but was it truly falling prey if this case landed on her lap?

At the squeaky cadence of her mother's voice Pippa blinked, coming to her senses, she nodded and immediately flew in the direction of her father's old Volvo, "Sorry mum I got cornered by Mr. Sainsbury, There was a new pupil I had to meet, I'll be home as fast as I can...No I am not singing the seat belt song I am almost twenty mother!"

Even throughout the drive back to Little Kilton Pip could feel her nerves on edge. It always happened like clockwork, the way her body would react to the Little Kilton sign. It's emblem of a small country bridge used to be familiar, it was where she was born and raised, where Cara and Ravi resided, and her family, but all it brought up were ghosts. Andie Bell walking along the road and cutting along the churchyard to get to Elliot's house, not knowing her fate. Howie Bowers and his odd house on Weevil Road, the abandoned farmhouse where Andie's bones were found in the septic tank. and worse of all The Bell House. Because even though it had been months just at the sight of the house Pip could feel her heart, almost feel the sticky duct tape around the edges of her mouth, feel the sting and the metallic hammer underneath her nails.

To say she was running from the town would be an understatement. She knew as soon as she got out of her Volvo everyone would be there. Nat, Jamie, Connor, the Singhs. so, putting on her brave face she parked the car and was met with a large hug from Josh first, who had run to greet her, his boyish charms on full display, "Pippo hippo!!". The feeling of Josh in her arms instantly calmed her racing heart, just enough for her to feel normal. and soon she made her rounds saying hello to all her guests. Nat wanted to know all about university and Jamie as always hugged her tight, like he was thanking her every time for her help.

Ravi gave her an extra hug, "Been staying up late sarge? You look like the drive was long" he commented as they both sat, watching Josh eagerly flip through some Pictionary cards, having no clue what a word was and would flip to a next one, brows creasing.

They both knew what that meant, and Pip had no trouble stating her troubles, not to him. After all, he had been the one to come to her rescue after the Jason Bell incident, helping her tie up the much-needed evidence and in turn, she had given him back Sal, it was mutual trust A shared trauma.

"I can't sleep at night. most days I get an hour or two, I tried sleeping pills, but I have the worst night terrors. I keep seeing his eyes, that pale lifeless blue" Pip spoke, eyes on the laughing crowd in front of her, voice low. Ravi nodded, his eyes concerned, "I meant other than the obvious, how did you feel driving into town? It has been what two months since you've been back? I couldn't help but notice how long you stayed in the car".

Pip had to chuckle, of course, Ravi would notice, after all for a brief moment in time he had fancied her, she playfully slapped his shoulders, "Now whose stalking".

Ravi chuckled, he reached for his trifle, "Have you heard of the whitfoshire case?". The words were said with curiosity, which made Ravi's face crinkle, his brown eyes assessing Pip.

"The case from three years ago? The one with the girl who vanished. I've not heard much about it, why?".

Pip could sense his uneasiness, but she only continued, "Just asking. and it was two years ago, and that girls name is Amelia"

"you're not thinking of taking it on, are you? what happened to that Jane Doe case you were trifling about with?"

pip allowed her eyes to drift back on Nat, watching her cuddle up with Jamie, "It's not enough...I need more."

she knew how the words made her sound. obsessed, possibly insane, but what if that was her now? what if she was no longer the tidy and well-liked Pippa Fitz Amobi?

"More?" Ravi laughed, but it was a shocked laugh like he just couldn't quite believe her words. Like he was worried, he should have been. "More? Pip are you even focusing on your studies? what about your podcast? you need some counseling; I've done some and it's given me a much better out-"

"I don't need a shrink telling me I've gone off my nutter Ravi!" the words were gritted, and Pip got up, moving to the kitchen for some air, some space. she knew Ravi was only trying to help, he had the best intentions, but still, it was a sore point. Her grip on the kettle was tight and she was only brought to life again when Cara Ward entered the kitchen, brown eyes alight, she had just arrived as was evidenced by the snood nestled in her fingers. Pip without thought rushed to her, holding tightly and burying her face into her collarbone. needing that grounding touch only Cara had.

"You look like a ghost! Have you eaten Chica?"

Pip only brought her closer, "I need to talk" and so they did.

sat in Pip's room which looked the same as she had left it but somehow felt altogether different, Cara holding the tin of Jamie Dodgers and tea, oak eyes worried as Pip spoke. "You know that Jane Doe case I've been working on for my podcast?"

Cara nodded, eyebrows knitted, trying to decipher her words. "Yeah, last I heard you were asking DI Hawkins for the public records".

Pip bit her lip, putting her tea down, "Have you ever heard of the Whitfoshire case?".

Cara's eyebrows rose, "You mean the Amelia case? Yeah, I read up on it last year when Jamie went missing, fascinating. Why?".

Pip watched as Cara dipped her Jammie dodger into the milky tea, "Well her sister is in my year at Cambridge, and Mr. Sainsbury had me give her a welcome tour. That's why I was a bit late".

Cara halted, a twinkle in her heavy brown eyes, she knew Pip like the back of her thumb, "You fancy her already, don't you? Let me guess your detective side went all nuts and now you want to take on the case to show her what a clever girl you are".

Pippa wanted to argue, but it was no use.

"It's the exact opposite actually, I am trying to convince myself I don't need this case. It would only do me harm...plus what good would I be to y/n? I'd only bring her more heartbreak".

Cara was silent momentarily, her brows furrowed in thought. "Or you would be helping lay her thoughts to rest. That must be hard living her life. I cannot imagine how I would feel if Naomi went missing."

Those words seemed to drill themselves through Pip's head the next few days, invaded her senses till all she thought of was you. How had you felt? How did you feel? Could she really help you? Did you even want her help?

These thoughts plagued her, till finally she arose from her bed, hair a soiled mess and body refusing to lay still, heart a roaring fire. It was obvious the tell-tale signs, she would never get to sleep. Not when she felt like this. Hyperactive, every bone in her body a buzz. The sleeping pills void of work, and she had quit taking the other pills from Luke Eaton. Her brain felt like it was frying in the heat of her own skin, and for a second, she thinks its leaking out of her ears, the heat boiling up in her blood.

Pippa was a mess as she sat on her bed, chest rising and falling, pale complexion glistening with sweat, her heart a rapid beat as she eyed her computer sitting on her wooden desk. Her mind was at war with herself, half of her wanting nothing more than to sink her teeth into the case, to help you, but the other was wary. What would this case do to her? Would it aid her? would it calm her racing mind and her insanity that only seemed to make a home in her veins?

Her leg began to shake, small trembles as she slowly edged her way to the computer, her Shakey hands trembling as she opened the lid, her tongue moving to lick her lips as she moved to the search bar.

Her heart was a hammering mess, feral beats, her silver eyes dark. There was no going back from this, but underneath all the confusion and utter fear in the pit of her stomach she also couldn't ignore the way her body preened. The way her fingers eagerly searched up your name.

In an instant millions of articles met her grey hues, familiar names, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The sun, The spectator--the list is various and long. Some of the titles are eager and fast gripping, 'The Whitfoshire conspiracy: unraveling the secrets behind the disappearance'

'The silent years: Amelia's family breaks their silence'

Pip skims through them all, but it's the BBC's article she halts on, her eyes seem to halt over the website, her blue hues taking in the picture atop the article, the words, 'Hope Fades: Amelia's haunting Legacy'

It's not the words that tug at pip's heart, nor the familiar backdrop of BBC. but the picture they have chosen. It's a lovely family portrait, done in front of a grand stone estate, the estate Stella chapman had mentioned just a few days ago.

Pip gulps, she's worked on two cases previously, she's well aware of the feelings accompanying them, but this feeling, this tightness in her chest is new. Almost like she's scared, almost like she doesn't quite know what she's getting into.

All she knows is that the way Amelia is hugging you to her chest while you squirm away, cheeks flushed and eyes smiling, beaming, makes it even harder for her to swallow because she had been right. You did look like your older sister. In every way, the same familiar slope of the eyes, the pale cheeks, the strong English cheekbones. But it's the way you look so genuinely happy, matching bracelets on your wrists, she knows this case will affect her the most than any other, why? Because maybe, just maybe Pip was starting to care about you more than she should.

She let her eyes fall to the rest of your family. Beside you was your mother, her smile looked painted, forced, much like Mrs. Bell. Pip knew the type, you looked like her too, same eye shape but it was your father's smile you inherited, a daddy's girl to be sure.

Pip's first impression of your father was rather muddled by Stella Chapmans words, he was a solicitor at Whitfoshire Solicitors, and apparently unfaithful to your mother. Wither there was any truth in that time would tell. Your father stood tall, looming over you, his shoulders broad, his eyes calm, yet Pippa couldn't quite understand why his smile was so.... charming?

A chuckle fell of her lips, she had yet to see your full smile, the one you only get to see if you know that person Intrinsically, but she had seen enough by the curve of your pink lips to know you had also inherited your father's charm along with his smile.

Something in Pip's heart made her eyes flit back to you, taking in your smile, the real you in your older sisters' arms. the real person you hid from others, from the media, from everyone. She could do it, finish the case, not just for her, for the sake of just needing a case, but for you. To help you, your family.

Or was it somehow the opposite? Was her mind throwing you in as a reason? Using you as some kind of shield to give herself permission? To prove to herself that Pippa Fitz Amobi still had that inner drive. To prove that she still was a good person.

The thought was alarming, and Pip quickly shut down her computer, the room no longer lit by the familiar backdrop. Her mind was a whirlwind, her emotions muddled, was she really going to do this again?

In an instant her fingers were on her mobile, dialing the only number she knew by heart. Every second the dial tone rang was a moment of eternity, but soon the familiar voice of Cara ward greeted her ears. It was a calming voice, one that often reminded her of days in the countryside as children.

“What on god's green earth are you doing at half past midnight? I am absolutely knackered- “

Pip didn’t waste time, she needed to know what Cara thought.

“I did it…I looked up the case…and I really want it Cara…” pip’s fingers curled against the mobile, “god Cara, I want it so badly…but I’m not certain it’s for the right reasons”.

Cara’s sigh was transmitted over the phone, but a small smile could be heard in her voice. “What are those reasons?”.

Pip chuckled sardonically, ruffling her bed head, chestnut curls unkempt as she ran a hand through them.

“I-I want to help her…. of course, I do…I think I’m growing rather fond of her Cara….and I’ve only just met her…it sounds daft, and I know. But…I want to know her…really know her…and maybe…it’s been a while since I’ve done a case…since I was truly committed. I know for certain that this is a chance to prove to myself…something I’ve been searching for”.

The line was quiet, and then Cara spoke. “Looks to me like you’ve got a case to solve. Be careful with her pip…and most importantly be careful with yourself.”

And then the line went dead.

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