Chapter 30
397 Words
Chapter 30
‘SIMON!’ SAID MELISSA brightly. ‘It’s nice to see you again. You look much healthier and brighter, like you’re getting yourself back together. And you got a new wardrobe.’
‘Hi Melissa,’ I replied. ‘Thanks for seeing me again. I wasn’t sure you’d want to, after the last time. Yes, I’m feeling much better, thanks. I’m getting myself back on track, and yes, I took a trip to The Gap Factory Outlet to improve my appearance. I hope you approve?’ I had made sure this time to wear a long-sleeved shirt to cover my horrible street tattoos.
Melissa shot me a radiant smile that lit up her face and she leaned in and gave me a friendly kiss hello on the cheek. It had been a few weeks since our first awkward meeting and she seemed in a much better place mentally and emotionally.
‘I definitely approve,’ she responded. ‘Urban chic is so much more attractive than strung-out junkie.’
Stung by the direct comment, I recoiled, and the smile dropped off my face.
‘Sorry!’ she said with a laugh. ‘Too soon?’
‘Hm... yes, still a bit too fragile for jokes, I’m afraid. I’m still raw and feeling unsure of myself around people and what they think of me,’ I replied.
‘It’s all good. I’m in a good mood today. My son is doing well and I’m slowly feeling better every day too. My therapy is really helping my recovery. Even though it was hard, I enjoyed meeting up with you a few weeks ago and sharing our stories. We’ve both been through a lot. It was good to see you.’
The smile returned to my face as I realised there was no malice in Melissa’s “junkie” comment. ‘I’m pleased to hear that, Melissa. I’m glad I reached out to you and we caught up. Even though it was tough, and I wasn’t in a fit state then, it really was great to see you again.’
‘So, what brings you back to Quantico, Simon? Have you made some progress on the case?’ asked Melissa.
‘Yes, I think I have. Sally’s murder was so deliberate, so planned and made such a statement, that I’m convinced there must be others. I’m sure I’ve found two other murders that share a similar theme, and I don’t think anyone has put it together yet.’
‘So, what’s your theory? What’s the common theme?’ she asked.
‘Addiction,’ I replied. ‘I found three victims who were all addicts.’
- Writer
