lacuna

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Eli's pov

Something felt off when I came back home after taking Fal out. I'd dropped her off at her house and stopped by the police on the way, handing over Cain's money.

Fucking bastard.

Now, the sand crunched under my feet as I walked towards the house. Dad should be home by now, considering it was almost past nine. But there was no sign of him. I gulped down the unease that filled me. I went around the back, kicking away empty soda cans and stepped up the porch, opening the slightly ajar door.

Bedroom, empty.

Couch, empty.

House, empty.

I knew for a fact he wasn't out. After how drunk he was yesterday, according to his usual routine, he was supposed to be home, working on some engine part for his motorcycle or something. But he wasn't. I dialled his number, not that he would answer but it was worth a try.

A wave of fear erupted inside me. My mind flashed back to the day the CPS had visited our house when I was only twelve years old after my school teacher had noticed the bruises on my back after P.E. But I'd told my dad, so he'd cleaned up the house, hiding every alcohol bottle and cigarette pack, and throwing on decent clothes. They didn't take him that day. They had no evidence. And I was relieved. Happy. Despite how he beat me with his belt the moment they pulled away from our house with their car. But now, as I stared at the empty house, I couldn't help wondering if they finally took him. Finally took him away from me. The only person I was left as a family. Then I sprinted out the door, got on my bike and rode onto the road, my heart pounding in my chest. No.

Nononononononononononononononono.

Fuck no.

Please, no.

I was at the police station in less than a minute, bursting through the door. Officer Philips was at the front desk, speaking to the lady there but when he saw me, he paused his conversation and was immediately blocking my path. I tried pushing past him, trying to get to the desk but he placed a tight hand on my shoulder.

"Kid, I need you-"

"What the fuck did you do with my father?" I snarled in his face, hating how his expression told me all I needed to know.

"I need you to calm down, Horace," he said, ignoring me, his voice stern, "Calm down". I tried shoving him but he didn't budge. I didn't know what the fuck I looked like but the way a few police officers were turning their attention towards me told me I looked roughed up.

"Where is he?" I repeated, despite not wanting to hear his answer.

The officer sighed, dropping his hand, "We got a report of possible child abuse regarding him and the CPS conducted a search of the house".

"You had no fucking right-"

"Yes, Horace, we did. The CPS found multiple evidence of abuse and violent harassment in the house. They were obligated to arrest him, considering you're almost an adult" he said. My eyes burned but I didn't let them blur.

My jaw clenched, "He loved me. That was just how he showed it, okay? Just please...". My voice broke.

"Just please let him go. He's all I have"

Pity etched the officer's face, "I'm sorry, kid. I can't do that. It's for your own good". I ran a hand through my hair, the lump in my throat hurting.

"Then at least let me fucking see him," I said, giving him a glare. He nodded and gestured to an officer, muttering something to him and I followed the officer through a set of double doors. Yells and laughter of prisoners echoed throughout the place, along with a lot of commotion. My heart kept pounding in my ears, and I felt vomit gathering in my throat but I swallowed, forcing myself to follow the police officer. He finally stopped at a heavy metal door. There was a single glass on it, allowing a peek inside, the glass covered with a net.