The Deadly Dance

Chapter 6: Afternoon Of Day Eight

Yet, again, I find myself looking at a chilling crime scene—this one more grim than the others. The body was beyond recognition on-site; my stomach grew nauseous, and I felt like I was close to puking, but I held it back.

I need to solve this case before someone else winds up dead. I decided that I should go to the dance. Maybe the next day, I thought to myself, but first I need to.

Wait, what is that?

My attention went to the victim. As I placed gloves on my hands, a slip of paper was closed in the victim's hand. I pulled it out and opened it. In blood, the note read: "Beware, for the shadows hold secrets." My only thought went to Jack. He was like a shadow of the town; he was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. If he didn't want to be found, he wouldn't.

Maybe he was keeping something from me, something about the case... Something about Lucas. My heart skips a beat. Could he be helping the murderer? My mind is fuzzy. Something he said rings threw my head implying he knows much more than he let off. He corrected my question. Changing it to ask what I wanted to know instead of what he knew...

"DETECTIVE EMMA." Dr. Jones shouts, causing me to jump.

"You have a deadline to catch this killer, and all you have done is dilly-dally around! You were MIA for two days, and I don't believe that you were just sleeping. You have been so busy hanging around elsewhere when you should be at the manor gathering evidence on Lucas. Have you forgotten your mission? You are a complete disgrace to the FBI. If you don't catch this killer in two days, you will turn in your badge..." He lectured me; I could feel my blood boil.

I was beyond angry; how could he treat me like this? "With all due respect, Jones... I'm going to solve this case whether you take my badge or not, so you can take your opinion somewhere else and leave me alone with my case, or there will be issues." I threatened through gritted teeth. I stormed out of my office, frustration burning in my chest.

The argument left me feeling like I was teetering on the edge of my patience. I pushed through the police station's heavy doors, desperate for a breath of fresh air to clear my mind. As I hurried down the steps, lost in my thoughts, I accidentally collided with something.

"Whoa there, Emma," the familiar voice said, steadying me. I looked up and found myself staring into the familiar eyes of my brother, Jacob. Despite the tension on my shoulders, I managed a weak smile. "Hey, Jacob. What are you doing here?"

"I was in the area for a photo shoot," Jacob explained, his concern evident in his eyes. "Are you okay, Emma? You look upset."

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in my brother. "It's just work stuff, you know how it is," I replied, my voice laced with frustration."Well, how about we grab dinner and talk about it?" Jacob suggests, offering me his arm. I nod gratefully.

At the cafe, Jacob and I settled in a corner booth. "I'm engaged, Emma," he says, completely out of nowhere, his eyes glowing with happiness. "Her name's Sarah and she's amazing. I want you to come to the wedding."

I blinked, and his news distracted me from my troubles. "Engaged? Wow, Jacob, that's incredible news! I'm happy for you," I say, managing a genuine smile.

"Yeah, I can't believe it myself," Jacob admits, his smile widening. "But I know she's the one. I want you to be there, Emma. You mean a lot to me, and I want you to be a part of this special day."

I felt a warmth in my chest at my brother's words. Despite the challenges I am facing at work, the love and support of my family reminded me of what truly matters. "Of course, Jacob. I'll be there," I said, my smile growing more genuine. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

As we continued our meal, I found myself gradually relaxing in my brother's presence. The tension of the earlier argument with Dr. Jones began to fade away, replaced by a sense of belonging and love. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew I could face them with my family by my side.