The Target

Date Night...

Two months have passed since Lewis's death. It has been quiet. Too quiet. No murders, no devastating news. And no more leads.

The police are following up on the change in the finger. Adam has been spending more time in the office. He got in trouble with Logan for taking the unexpected holiday when he went to New Jersey with me.

Adam canceled the dinner date. Again. "Thanks again, Harry, for coming. I really didn't want the reservation to this Chinese place to go to waste." I said. "Hey, if you are paying, then I am more than happy to oblige." I chuckled at Harry. He seemed to have adjusted well with Lewis gone. "So, how's your job at Sheraton?" Harry asked. I looked up from the menu but before I could say anything, the waiter came along for the order. Harry ordered some Kung Pao Chicken while I went for Schezwan Chilli Chicken. "So?" Harry asked, looking at me. "Yeah, it's going okay, I guess." I don't sound so sure. I mean yeah, I have a great job but with all that's happening, it's hard to concentrate on anything. Harry looked at me confused. "So... you want to quit?"

I don't wanna bring it up. "No. I mean with everything that's going on, it's hard to concentrate on work," I said with a slight shrug. He just pursed his lips and nodded. The food arrived soon. Harry was eating quite slowly. "Are you okay? You usually devour everything at once. But, right now..." I said, pointing out to his plate. "Uh yeah. It's just...I have to empty Lewis's apartment. But I don't know if I can." He said. I comforted him and offered him my help. Once we finished, Harry took his car and drove back home, while I hung around at the bar.

I reached home near midnight. I was drunk but sober enough to reach home, safely. When I got home, a small gift was waiting for me at the doorstep. I smiled. Adam! I thought. There was no note, but Adam has done this before. He bought me tickets to a 'Little Mix' concert, once, because he missed date night. I kept the gift on the dining table, sat on the couch, breathing in a lot of air, and trying to relax. Just then my phone buzzed.

Hey honey. Sorry for missing out tonight. I know you were looking forward to it. I am sorry. Logan sucks.- Adam

It's ok! I get it. By the way, got your little gift. Thank you. Haven't opened it yet. But, I am sure it's something good.- Amy

Uh... What gift?- Adam

Oh, come on! Go ahead play the dumb card. But I know it's from you.- Amy

Amy, I didn't send anything. I am still in the office.- Adam

Wait! You really didn't send it?- Amy

No!- Adam

I put down my phone. Who sent it, if not Adam? I walked to the table. I reached for the box with my trembling hands. Here goes nothing...

"ADAM! Adam! It's... it's a... a fi- finger. It's Grace's- Grace's finger," I stammered. My shuddering breath was speeding up by the minute. Adam was going on about something at the other end but I was too fixated to listen to him. My eyes were stuck on the sight before me. A finger. Covered in dirt and dried blood. A ring on it. Grace's ring on it. The rough nails. Hard to say which one it was.

I dialed the detective and within few minutes the place was swarming with police officials. The detective saw my terrified state and decided to question me later. Adam rushed to my apartment as fast as he can. When he saw me, he was overwhelmed with sadness and started comforting me.

The next day, I was taken in for some questioning. "So, you came back from the restaurant and found the box on your doorstep?" I nodded answering the question the detective asked me. "And you thought it was from Adam because he has done it before, but Adam didn't send it. Right?" "Yes." She hummed in response. She went over to a junior officer and talked to him about something. The officer nodded and went out. "Thank you, Ms. Grant. I think you are done," The detective said pointing to the door. I was a bit shocked at first. That's it?! I thought. But soon the junior officer came back with Adam right behind him.

Adam gave me a short smile before he sat down to be interrogated. The door shut behind me as I exited the room and headed for the waiting room.

A finger! I just got an actual, human finger! I thought to myself.