I saw what you did

Chapter thirteen

The gym smelled of citrus with a hint of sweat, Tyler was scrubbing down the equipment as I was warming up on the treadmill. He was telling me about the latest meal prep kick he has been on, I am listening but I can't stop replaying Art's kiss from the day before in my head. I'm so torn, how can I keep lying to a man I truly like? I haven't felt feelings for someone in so long. I have been numb to the other sex since Mark began beating me. I don't know if I can trust a man whole heartedly again.. how could I expect Art to trust me? I have been lying to him since the day I met him. How much longer can I go on like this? Tyler is standing in front of me waving his hands "Hello earth to Karissa, are you okay? I've been saying your name for 5 minutes, time to move on." I stop the treadmill jumping off. "Sorry just a little distracted." "Anything I can help with?" He asks sweetly. I give him a pat of his muscly shoulder "Thank you but no. I got fired from my job so I'm a little puzzled on what to do next." Tyler stands with his mouth agape "What do you mean fired?" We begin weight lifting and I go over my story about Carl, Tyler listens intently soaking up every word. "Wow girl you just can't catch a break can you? Have you heard anything about your husband?" I sigh pretending to sound sad "No not yet, it's been a few months now. They found his license a few weeks back but nothing panned out from it." Tyler shakes his head in disbelief. "I'm so sorry you are going through all this Karissa. I am here for you, you know you're my favorite Milf." He says with a wink and I roll my eyes. "Way to ruin a sweet moment you goof" I say through a smile. He gives me another wink and we move onto the next exercise. "Water break!" He says after a few reps. Drinking my water I check my phone there is a message from Art *Need to talk ASAP* I feel the unease bubble in my stomach. "Sorry Tyler I gotta cut this short, there is an emergency with Jack I gotta run." "Okay no problem message me if you need anything" he gives me a squeeze and I nearly sprint to my car almost tripping down the steps on my way there. I dial Art when I get to the car and he answers in a few rings. "Hey we need to talk come to the station." He says shortly and hangs up. I race there breaking every traffic law on my way. Art is waiting outside for me. "I have to take you in and interview you but I want to tell you that Carl Jones was reported missing this morning." I can feel my skin grow pale. "I don't understand." Aghast noticeable in my voice "I know you didn't do anything but I have to do my job and interview you since your incident with Carl." I shake my head slowly and follow him into the station.

Officer Williams is seated waiting with notebook in front of him as we enter the room he gives me a quick nod as I take my seat. "Hello Karissa nice to see you" Williams vocalizes "Do you know a Carl Jones?" I cough "Yes I do." "He was reported missing this morning. When interviewing his place of employment it was made known to the force that you and him had an altercation just yesterday, is this true?" "Yes" I utter. "Do you have any information on his disappearance?" I feel my back and neck tense causing a pain to shoot through my head. "No, I didn't know anything about his disappearance until you just told me." Williams clears his throat "We now have 2 missing people and you are a common denominator, do you have anything to say for that?" I glance up at Art he is watching me intently and gives a small head bob. "I don't know anything about either case that I haven't already told you." Williams jots down my words into his note book. "Mrs. Jenson we will be in touch and I suggest you find a lawyer to have on speed dial." With that he is up and out of the room leaving Art and I alone. Art points to the camera in the corner meaning he can't talk freely "We will be in touch." He says quickly and exits.

I receive a text message from Marsha just as I reach my driveway *Did you hear Carl is MISSING isn't that crazy? What do you think happened? Call me later so we can talk about it.* I roll my eyes, I don't want to talk or think about Carl anymore. I'm exhausted and just want to lie down for a bit before Jack gets home. He asked me this morning if he could join basketball, I think it will be a good distraction for him. We are going to pick out some shoes when he gets home giving me sometime to catch up on some sleep. Grabbing the mail on my way through the door I set my keys on the counter and on top of the mail pile I spot the dreaded familiar envelope instantly making me feel sick. I pull the card stock out printed in black is "I'm still here, did you miss me?"