Unravel // Van McCann

4. She Feels Safe Here

Wednesday - 12:33 PM

Ada Clemons lives alone in a quaint house at the end of the street. She doesn't leave the house often; she prefers to stay home where it's safe. But every once in a while, she ventures outside with the company of her daughter Georgia, who is rarely home because she's attending university in the state of California.

I was early but didn't mind. I parked the car further down the street with my windows rolled down. Today was slightly cooler than yesterday but it was still warm. At least there was a breeze so the air wasn't suffocating. I studied the questions once again even though I practically memorized them and put them down, opting to study the neighborhood as well.

I could see her neighbor out in the garden watering the flowers in full bloom. His garden was immaculate; you can tell his garden is his pride and joy. Although he's an older gentleman, most likely retired, you can tell he's very active. You can see the muscles in his arm and his skin has been kissed by the sun. He's outside a lot which means there's a chance he's seen this woman. I made a mental note to talk to him after the interview but for now, I must wait.

After having sat here for half an hour, I have come to learn that this is a quiet and safe neighborhood. Nothing seems to happen here so it surprises me there is someone taking advantage of a vulnerable woman. It was almost 1 PM so I turned the keys up a notch to turn the power on. I rolled the windows up but left it open just a crack and took the keys out. I had untucked my shirt since I thought it was too formal for a visit from a friend.

I made my way to their front door and rang the doorbell and waited. I could hear footsteps on the other side of the door. The curtains were pushed aside and I saw a young woman looking at me and I heard the lock being undone.

"Hello," she greeted me. Her blonde hair framed her small face and she had a distinct taste in fashion. One look was enough to make me wonder if she studied something art-related in uni.

"Hi, I'm Van from..." I trailed off before I caught myself. I was the one telling her to treat me like a friend and here I was almost introducing myself like I would to any client. I could see her smiling slightly at me having caught myself.

"Come in," she said, opening the door wider. I stepped in and took a look around. "You can sit over there," she said, pointing to the couch. "I'll tell my mom that you're here."

She hurriedly disappeared down the hall. I took a seat and couldn't help looking around. It surprised me how normal her house looked, though I should stop thinking that the blind are different when they're really not. The house was decorated simply but there were small touches added that made it feel like home. Splashes of color was added but it was obvious functionality came before aesthetics. I could hear them coming back so I stopped looking around.

Georgia had her arm looped under her mother's as she guided her mum towards the sitting area. There was no fear in her mum's body language; you could tell she trusted her daughter and knew her house like the back of her hand like the internet said. Her mum has graying hair tied back into a bun, and her green eyes are beautiful but gives the appearance of being in another world.

"Mom, this is Van. He's from Reed Investigative Services and he's here to help us," Georgia explained.

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Clemons," I replied. Her head turned sharply towards me and I paused, losing my train of thought. Her movements were like that of a bird.