Double Trouble 2: Twisted Sisters

Chapter Seventeen

I don't know what emotion was stronger, the all-consuming anger or the deep-seated fear that my sister was about to kill my sister. I just sat there, my mind racing a thousand miles a minute, when I felt strong arms around me, and Jason eased my head onto his chest. I didn't realize I had started crying as I felt the wetness on his bare chest. I started crying, and he just let me cry while slowly easing my phone out of my hand.

While he soothed me, Jason called the detectives on my case, my parents, and Marcus alerting them all to the situation. Then he got up and threw on his joggers and t-shirt, saying, "Give me one moment, baby. I'm about to go outside and talk to the officers. I nodded, laying down and taking deep breaths, trying to prevent myself from going into a panic attack that was barely held at bay by Jason's arms around me.

He returned quickly and said, "Your parents, Ashley and Marcus, are on the way. The officers outside were notified, and a couple of others are coming to question you and examine the message. I know it's not all you want to hear right now, but it will be ok. We are going to find her. I don't say anything, appreciating the support but knowing he doesn't have a guarantee.

Jalissa had been my best friend since 6th grade, and I loved her dearly. We had been through everything together the woes and drama of high school, the wildness and craziness of college, working towards careers, and planning our lives together. She was closer to me than anyone, and if I lost her, I don't know what id do. Clara knew me well; she knew I would be devastated if I lost Jalissa, even more than I was when she tried to take Jason and Michael from me.

Jason shakes me out of my stupor and tells me to throw some clothes on before everyone gets here. I threw my crop top and leggings back on and headed downstairs, pouring myself a glass of wine and throwing it back. Jason came behind me and hugged me resting his chin on my shoulder.

"I promise you, Christa, I will help you find her, whatever it takes." I still don't say anything, but I appreciate his strength. I turn in his arms and wrap my arms around his waist while I hold him tight, and we stand silently in the kitchen. A few minutes later, the doorbell rings, and the officers leading the case stand in the doorway with Ashely right behind them dressed in gray sweat pants, a cropped wife beater, and Nike flip flops, and you could tell she raced out of the house from bed.

They all headed into the living room, and the officer started with Ashely trying to get information on Jalissa's movements that day. I showed them the text message and the picture, and when Ashely caught a glimpse of it, she started pacing and cursing, threatening all types of violence to my sister.

About fifteen minutes later, my parents arrived, and everyone stood around waiting for more news while the officers tried to come up with locations she could be. My Mom apologized profusely to Ashley, but Ashley didn't blame them; she just wanted her home. The officers asked us about places Jalissa and Clara might be familiar with. We all passed the picture around dozens of times, trying to see if the background would give something away.

After having been there for about thirty minutes, Marcus arrived as well, and the brainstorming began again, but we were all tired and didn't get very far. We all spent the rest of the night with each other, mostly to make sure no one else went missing and for the officers to hang around just in case, she reached out to any of us.

At seven in the morning, the officers told us they would be leaving but would return and keep us informed. Everyone was told to keep their guard up, but officers would still be tailing them. Ashely decided to head back home, hoping that Jalissa would show up there. Jason and Michael had both called off and decided to run home quickly and change clothes before returning.