The Mystery Writer

Attacked

It was the very early the next morning, and although the wind howled restlessly outside it wasn't enough to stir Darcy from her slumber. So, why had she woken with a start. She lay motionless in bed until another loud bang stirred her into motion. She had no where to hide, so she hid beside her front door. When the door opened, she'd be perfectly concealed behind it and the door did bust open with one last bang against her door. She was careful to cover her own mouth to conceal her breathing and prevent her from screaming and alert whoever had busted in to her presence. Her heartbeat pounded loudly in her ears.

Waiting for the unknown person to enter, she managed to catch small glimpses of a heavy coat and large build. It was too dark to make anything else out. The man didn't hesitate in entering her home as he began to rifle through her belongings and upend the very little she owned. When the person dipped back towards her bed, she slowly crept from her hiding spot. She was careful to pull Leo's keys that were on the hook by her door before creeping into the cold night. She willed herself to go as slowly as possible, not wanting to alert anyone prematurely to her escape. Only when she was safely in Leo's car with the doors locked did she tremble and let out a frightened whimper. A moment later she revved the engine and sped out of the parking lot.

She sped onto a highway, looking behind her constantly. She didn't know where she was going and she was more preoccupied with what was behind her anyway. Then, she noticed a car slowly gaining speed on her. It was the only other car on the highway that early in the morning and it scared her. She couldn't call for help as she had left all her devices back at her place in her haste to get away.

Darcy excelled, her foot pushing down on the gas but it wasn't enough. Whoever was behind her was coming fast. She waited till the last minute to get off the next exit and wound herself deep within a residential area. Only when she was quite sure she had lost the person following her did she shut off the car along with its lights and slump against the wheel. It was the first time she was able to take a deep breath, a feeble attempt to collect herself.

It was several hours before she felt it safe enough to turn on the car again. She welcomed the sudden warmth as her pajamas had left her still freezing though she had covered herself with a blanket that Leo had kept on the back seat. Once the car was warm enough and she felt feeling return to her fingers, she turned on the radio.

'Welcome everyone to local 93.9. If you are

just joining us for the morning's commute

you have missed the early morning commotion.

Breaking news occurred in the early hours of this

morning. A police officer had been found murdered in

his home several hours ago. Also, Channel 4 news' own

Matthias Scott had been found brutally attacked as well.

He is currently in the hospital in critical condition. He isn't

expected to make it through the day.'

Darcy shivered, her eyes closing at the thought of her own boss being attacked by the serial killer. More worrisome thoughts popped into her head as chills rose along her bare skin.

'Police Chief Grant has informed the media

that the famous Leo James has been taken

into custody. It has also been noted that his

vehicle was not found outside of his luxury

home, but the celebrity was detained at his

house.'

Darcy glanced down, noting every detail of Leo's car. She didn't have time to waste, knowing she could help Leo defend himself against any accusations thrown at him. She started the car back up and raced back to Leo's home. When she finally arrived, Leo was long gone with any police officers that might have come around to detain him. She ran inside immediately heading to pull up the recorded footage from the live feed from the previous night. As she watched, she noted that nothing seemed to be out of place to her. After Jay and Micky departed, Leo could fuzzily be seen entering his bedroom a little after midnight and he only exited his room a few hours later after there was a loud knock on his front door. Darcy placed a copy of the recorded footage on a USB and headed back towards the door when Max literally ran into her.

They stared at each other for a few moments as Darcy watched Max try to catch his breath. “Darcy, where have you been?”

“There is no time Max. I have to get to the police department.” Max prevented her from leaving, grabbing her gently but firmly enough to hold her in place.

“Darcy, you must have heard. Listen to me, now.”

“Max, I heard it on the radio. I raced here to get proof that he is innocent.”

Max hesitated as their eyes met again. Darcy could see the doubt in his eyes, but she shook her head. She would not be strayed from her thoughts as she attempted to break Max's hold on her.

“Max please! I need to show them the video footage. I know Leo is innocent.”

“Darcy!” Max's voice was suddenly firm and authoritative. Darcy had never heard him sound so stern in her life. “I know you want to believe that he is innocent because he made you see what you wanted to see. He has to live a lie around you. Don't you get it?”

Darcy shook her head in response. She would not be swayed that easily. “Leo opened the front door. There wasn't enough time to kill two people within the time that he stepped into his room and opened the front door. There is evidence that he is innocent!”

“Leo James could have very well have popped out a-” Max hesitated, glancing at the live feed. Darcy got his point, however. She shook her head.

“Leo James allowed me to use his car. Do you expect him to walk to both murder scenes?” Darcy challenged back and the unexpected answer allowed Max to drop his arms from her. He had obviously never considered the possibility. Darcy flew by him as she headed toward the front door. However, before she could take a step outside she was stopped once again. “Max, please!”

“You can't go out dressed like this!” Darcy glanced down, staring at her bare feet and her plain pajamas. She hesitated, not wanting to waste another moment of time but felt conflicted. Max was right. She shouldn't be seen like this. “Grab some clothes then get in the van. I'll wait for you.”

Darcy sprung into motion. She flew back into her room, grabbing a decent work suit and a pair of kicks before racing outside to the van. In a moment, Max was flying down the interstate towards the police department.

“Darcy, I know you are absolutely convinced but-”

“Leo James is not a murderer.” Darcy declared, staring resolutely out the window. Silence spread between them as it seemed that Max relented his argument.

“Why didn't you answer your phone?”

She felt her blood turn to ice and a deep chill settled into the pit of her stomach. She closed her eyes in an attempt to gain her composure. “Someone broke into my apartment. I ran out before I could be seen and didn't have time to grab my phone.”

“SOMEONE DID WHAT?!?”

Max shouted loudly and momentarily lost control of the van as it swerved violently. Luckily there were few others out on the road and he was able to gain control once again.

“Calm down. We are going to the police department, I'll talk to Chief Grant to see if he can help. I'm sure he will, so please don't tell anyone. That includes Leo.” Darcy took a slow steady breath, staring once again at the road in front of them.

“Darcy, I know you want to believe that Leo is a nice guy. Hell, I want to believe it too! I'm just asking that you don't bring your guard all the way down for him.” Max sighed, seeming to feel like the request was in vain.

“He won't hurt me.” Darcy wasn't sure if she was speaking as if it was a fact or if she was willing her words to be correct. Either way, Max finally seemed to drop the subject completely. At least for the time being. As soon as they arrived at the police department, Darcy hopped out of the van and ran inside without waiting for Max. Detectives and officers were crawling around the area. A few of Leo's fans who had heard the news also seemed to lurk close by.

“How can I assist you?” A bored looking secretary asked, barely looking up from some paperwork on her desk.

“I need to see Police Chief Grant immediately. It's about Leo James.”

The secretary, a brunette with a muscular build, glanced up with sudden interest. “Follow me.”

Max caught up with Darcy just as the secretary took her through double doors. They came to an empty room where the woman asked them to wait before disappearing behind a door. For a moment, Darcy caught a glimpse of Leo James. An instant later, the police chief was exiting the room.

“Darcy!” The chief greeted her as if they were friends. She had no time to spare on politeness, however.

“Hello, sir. Would you please take a look at this. I insist that there is no proof that Leo left his home last night. There is no evidence that he is a murderer!”

Darcy held out the USB and Chief Grant took it without delay. He did catch her eye for a moment, glancing over her with obvious interest.

“Leo's car wasn't in the parking lot when we picked him up this morning. However, he didn't hesitate to answer the door and he gave us permission to search the premises. Nothing unusual was found and he didn't argue about coming with us. All of it was very strange, especially since we hadn't expected him to answer the door in the first place.” Chief Grant suddenly went on and on about the morning's sudden events.

“About the car, sir. Leo let me borrow his car. Mine needed to go to the shop.” Understanding filled the chief's eyes and he motioned towards one of his officers to take the USB. “Sir, is it ok to see him? Please?”

“You can call me Grant, Darcy. You may see him. Just know that you will be in an interrogation room. Everything you say can be reviewed.” Darcy nodded and entered the room without a moment's hesitation. Leo immediately stood, staring at her from behind a large desk. She stared back at him.

“Darcy.”

The sound of her name on his tongue sent a shiver down her spine. “I brought a recording to the police. I explained that you had loaned me your car. You'll be cleared to leave soon. I'm sure of it!” She couldn't manage to lift her eyes to his though she could feel his strong gaze on her. There was a part of her that wanted to move closer to him while something kept her frozen in her spot.

“Do you believe I am innocent?”

Darcy nodded quickly and struggled with taking a single step closer. She didn't wish him to believe that she was keeping her distance because she thought he was a murderer. A single step towards him could mean a lot more than intended.

“Of course I do! I have maintained you aren't a murderer and I truly believe that you couldn't hurt anyone.”

Leo shot her a glance of what looked like regret before his shoulders sagged with relief. When they found each others eyes, he looked at her with gratitude. After he stepped around the table, Darcy noticed for the first time that he was wearing handcuffs. She shuddered at the sight, wondering what the experience of being detained by police could do to someone with a reputation to uphold.

“Chief doesn't believe it is me either. It is just a precaution since it was one of theirs this time. Other than the camera footage, I didn't have any other alibi since I was alone last night. It is strange, isn't it? The first time I am alone in a month and there is a double homicide. Really doesn't look good for me, does it?” Leo's eyes wondered to the camera in the corner of the room. Darcy could only nod and wonder what it was like. What was it like to be Leo James? To finally have a house to yourself; well she knew all about that. However, for a celebrity who never seemed to get any peace, it seemed as if peace left only disaster in its place. “How was your day off, Darcy?”

'Lonely,' Darcy nearly blurted before clamping her jaw down. She silently scolded herself before her thoughts slowly strayed towards the person who broke into her house. She shivered at the thought of it.

“Darcy? Are you ok? Aren't you cold?” Leo closed the space between them, his worried eyes began to delve into hers. “Did something else happen?”

“Hm?” She was stunned at first by how worried he seemed to be about her. She wanted to laugh. Why would he worry about her when he was currently in handcuffs. “I'm fine. Just a chill. I guess I forgot to bring a coat.”

Leo glanced down at her with a frown just before their attention was turned to door. Chief Grant entered the room with a very thin file in his hands. He suddenly looked much older and more distraught than he had been a few minutes earlier.

“Matthias passed away a few minutes ago. I was hoping to get a word in with him.” Darcy felt frozen once more as the news washed over her. Her boss had been attacked and killed the same night an officer was. It was strange, how these homicides seemed to come in twos. What was so significant with the number two?

“Darcy?” Chief Grant gently touched her shoulder, bringing her out of her thoughts. “Did you hear what I said?”

She shook her head quickly before bowing her head a little. She hated to admit that she was caught stuck in her own thoughts.

“I'm releasing Leo, simply because we don't have any proof. Or should I say that we have more evidence that he isn't a murderer rather than he is one. However, if I'm being completely honest, it seems as if someone is trying to frame Leo. I suggest you have as much visual proof of what you do and where you go. Make it so that you always have an airtight alibi.” Grant waited for their nods of understanding before lifting his arm towards the door. It was his way of telling them that they were free to leave.

“Chief Grant, can I talk to you alone?” Darcy stared resolutely at the police chief. She knew Leo was staring at her but she refused to acknowledge him.

“Sure, Leo I think you will find an entourage outside waiting for you.” Chief Grant waited till Leo had exited the room before turning to Darcy who was now steadily shaking. “What did you want to talk about? Is it something about Leo?”

“No, not at all. Someone broke into my apartment last night. I ran out before they could get to me, but I left my phone and laptop there. Could-”

“Say nothing else, Darcy. I'll send a team over to inspect your apartment and if you don't mind, I'll personally drop off your things. I'd like to investigate myself. Now that you are living with Leo James, it seems you may have gotten yourself mixed up with this serial killer now as well. Take extra precaution now, Darcy. I will discreetly send in a team to watch over Leo's house.”

“Thank you sir.”

 “Don't mention this to anyone. And Darcy? Stay safe.”