Chapter2
1097 Words
Emily’s Pov
I slammed my door really hard as I tried to steady my breath. This was getting out of hand.
I drove back home with fear dripping down my body and I hoped he got home safe. I was really trying not to actually freak out, but the images from the forest kept flashing down my eyes.
“Hey…..calm down, what I saw was just the forest light playing tricks on my mind,” I said to myself as I paced back and forth in my living room.
I slammed down on my sofa, and the images flashed through my mind. Just then, a loud noise echoed in my kitchen, making me jump up from the chair as I hugged myself.
“Who’s that!” I called out, but there was no response. This was wild. I was too scared to leave the house or even move to my room.
I picked up the coffee mug from my table and slowly walked to the kitchen. The kitchen was dark with no trace of any person being there.
“Hello?” I called out as I flicked the light on. I walked in slowly as I tried to put on a brave front, but inside me, I was dying.
I saw what made the noise, and it was a plate that had been pushed to the floor. It wasn't broken because it was a stainless steel plate.
I looked at the plate and looked around, “what is going on tonight?”
I picked up the plate and dropped it with the rest, “Emily, you are getting worked up. I just need water and some good night's sleep, and I am good to go.”
I opened my fridge and pulled out a can of water. I gulped it fast as the water rushed down my throat to quench the taste I had felt.
“I need to get it together.”
………………………
A few weeks later
The office was rumbling all over again. I walked in and people were moving about, shouts echoing through the hall.
“Emily!” Someone called me, and I turned to see my editor, “My office, now.”
She didn’t even give me the time to say good morning. I shrugged and hurried to my desk as I dropped my bag and rushed to her office.
I knocked on the door and pushed it slowly as I walked in.
Mrs Josephine was typing hard on her laptop when I walked in, not giving me the light of day.
“Ma, you called?” I reminded her, having stood there for a minute.
She looked up at me. “Sit,” she said, and I took a seat that faced her.
“As you can see, the office is busy and moving, and the reason is that two incidents happened last night.” Mrs Josephine said, and I paused, hoping not to hear what she had to say.
“The body of Miss Sarah Micheal was found dead at the lake of Greendale.” She broke the news.
“What!”
“That's not all…..another person has been reported missing.” she continued, and my mouth fell down in surprise.
“What is happening?” I asked myself, but I guess Mrs Josephine heard me.
“You tell me, Miss Carter. For over a month now, different people have gone missing, and none have been found— not even the body. The police were trying their best, but this is a federal case, and getting federal backing takes time. I remember calling you into this office to get me the evidence and story to close this case, and now, someone is actually dead, and another is missing!”
Mrs Josephine scolded me. I tried to control myself and not cry.
In the town, the Greendale town works hand in hand with the police, and it is like an extension of the force. I helped solve many cases, but this one—this was spiraling out of control.
“Miss Carter!” she called me, snapping me out of my trance, “I asked you a damn question!”
I bowed my head, “I am sorry ma.”
She shook her head. Just then I heard the sound of the printer beside her. She took the content, looked at it and signed it before handing it to me.
I took the paper and I looked at it with confusion. The heading was something that scared me.
LETTER OF TRANSFER!
“Ma’am….what is going on?”
“The police department has successfully got federal backing and two FBI agents have been sent here to investigate. Those two agents have formed a task force with five members. Two town police officers, the two agents, and You.” Mrs Josephine broke the news and I shot my head back at her with surprise.
“Me?”
She exhaled, “Yes…. Emily. You have been on this for a month and you can help them. This is the letter of temporary transfer to the police department, till the case is closed. Just give it to the Head of the Criminal Department, and he will tell you what to do.”
I was speechless, scared also, and still the guilt of not being able to c***k this case overwhelmed me.
“I don't think I can do this, ma,” I said in a low tone.
She leaned into her chair, “I did not make it optional. Either transfer or get fired.”
I felt a surge of anxiety as I took the letter from Mrs. Josephine. Transfer to the police department? Work with the FBI? This was not what I had signed up for.
"But, ma'am, I'm a journalist, not a detective," I protested.
Mrs. Josephine's expression was unyielding. "You're the only one who has been working on this case from the beginning. You have valuable insights and information that could help c***k this case. The police department needs you, Emily."
I sighed, feeling a sense of resignation wash over me. I knew I had no choice. If I didn't take the transfer, I would lose my job.
"Okay, ma'am," I said finally, tucking the letter into my pocket. "I'll do it."
Mrs. Josephine nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I knew I could count on you, Evelyn. You have one hour to report to the police department. Good luck."
I stood up, feeling a sense of trepidation as I left Mrs. Josephine's office. What have I just gotten myself into?
- Writer
