The Suspect

chapter 17

Staring at the letter, I don't realize there are fresh wet stains on it too. A part of me feels happy and satisfied that he finally talked about what he has been hiding under all that for weeks, or maybe years. Although, the other part feels guilt. Guilty that I may have pressured him into this when he was perhaps not ready to talk about it.

Wiping my cheeks, I get up and walk out in search of Tatum.

"Hey, I got your lett—"

I come to halt when I look around me. Most of the furniture is trashed, shards of glass are scattered around the floor. The cabin reeks of alcohol, and now the whole part of me feels nothing but guilt. I call out for him, but I get no response.

Fuck.

Exhaling deeply, I place the letter on one of the small tables towards the side and start cleaning up the remnants of what I'm guessing was an angered breakdown. Before I start, however, I try calling him. When he doesn't even pick up on the tenth call, I give up and resume cleaning.

Around two hours later, the cabin is finally how it was, except for the now missing destroyed furniture.

I also text Kiara, knowing she probably freaked out that I didn't let her know where I was. I'm to blame for her constant worry. I was so drained and caught up in fighting with Tatum that texting her totally slipped my mind.

Me: I'm sorry I didn't text you. I think I may have passed out while I was talking to him.

Kiara almost replies instantly.

Kie: WTF?!!! I knew it. I knew he must have done something to you. It's been so long, Will. Where are you?

I open the Maps app, and my eyes widen at what my current location says.

Big Bear, CA.

Oh fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

It all comes to me in a rush, and I panic in a moment. I'm also very surprised. Surprised that he drove about three goddamn hours from LA to Big Bear. Surprised that he didn't even check with me—not that he really could but you get the point—and worried that there's no way I can go home soon enough.

Me: Uh well...don't freak out, but...I'm in Big Bear?

Kie: WHAT THE FUCK? I'm going to kill him. Willow, I swear to god the next time I see him I am going to finish him. He drove you all the way to Big Bear. Who in their right mind would do that? Why not a fucking hospital??????!

I don't even try to defend myself or him since I can't believe I was really that stupid. Or maybe question why he didn't even take me to a hospital. I mean, yes I hate hospitals, but there's no way he would know that...would he?

While I'm trying to find a logically good way to respond to her, I see Tyler's note on the couch and jump as I remember something.

Me: Okay, I'm sorry I'll come home and explain everything to you later but we may have a lead in the case.

Kie: Your best friend card will be revoked if you don't so you'd better.

Kie: Williamson case? The brother?

Me: Yes of course that case.

As I'm typing out everything I gathered, her name pops up on my screen and I press to answer.

"Okay, I assumed it would be easier to talk. So spill, what do you have so far?" she speaks out in a rush and I hurriedly gather everything I've found these past few hours.