We All Know How This Goes

When All Turns Upside Down

Quick disclaimer: I know nothing about Police proceedings, If I make a mistake please tell me.

Fiona's POV

"AHHHHH!"

My body shakes as I see my friend, and neighbor, laying on the ground. My eyes glaze over and my heart is pounding. My chest is heaving, my body unable to move.

Artemis runs in, and looks at the horror before me. They raise a hand to their mouth and breathe out. Eyes blown wide, they turn to me.

My lips and tongue work together to try and form words, but do not succeed.

"Fiona, what happened?"

My mind is going too fast to think, I just shake my head.

Artemis puts an arm on my shoulder and guides me away. Maxine leaves my vision, and we step into the main shop. The room sways beneath my feet. Artemis is the only thing keeping me on my feet. Artemis takes me outside, and faces me, hands on my shoulders.

"Take a deep breath. In through your nose out through your mouth, you're okay. I know you must be in a lot of shock right now, but we have to stay calm. I'm going to call the cops, they will help us find out who did this. Okay?"

I nod. I suck in breath through my nose and out my mouth. My heart is still beating fast, but the ground is stable, and my eyes have dried.

Artemis rubs their hands up and down my arms, the sun glints on their rings, rings that are wrapped around mahogany fingers, fingers that are long, with nails colored black.

Tiny observations like this help distract my mind, and I momentarily forget about Maxine.

Artemis takes out their phone. There are three beeps, and then a ringing.

"Hello, 911. What is your emergency?"

"Hello, I would like to report what I think is a murder," Artemis reports.

"Okay, we will send somebody over, do you have an address?"

"Yes, 3632 Broadway, at the record shop. It's the owner." Artemis gave the police the information they needed and hung up.

I'll be honest I don't like the cops much, but they are probably most suitable for this job. Let's hope we get a good one.

We actually get several. A few people in those white suits with the plastic face covering, and a detective. I am still a bit shaky, and I wasn't prepared for this many people. I turn to Artemis, I don't even know them. I step away from Artemis,

"I think I need a break, I'm going into the shop to cool down."

"Excuse me, Miss? You can't leave the scene until we have your statements," A police officer approaches us.

"We would like to take you two down to the station, ask you some questions. Would that be okay?"

"Sure," Artemis answers.

"Um... I-sure, yeah, okay." I nod my head.

"Can she have a quick break first though, Fiona said she was feeling a bit overwhelmed." Artemis askes. I stare up at her, why would she say that. She doesn't know me.

The officer looks up from a clipboard being held by a woman next to him.

"Yes, not into any of the stores though, we can't have you out of sight. Either of you. You ladies are both suspects in this case until proven otherwise"

Artemis looks down at their hands, suddenly fidgeting. Why? I look around for a spot in the street that doesn't have a bunch of cops.

I find a spot against the antique shop across the street, and go sit down.