The Silver Lining - A Brayleigh Connor Story

Chapter 4- The Past

“Hans! Where are the condoms I bought yesterday?!” A beautiful woman screamed while putting on red lipstick hastily.

“What?” A man’s voice sounded, twice as loud.

“The condoms! The shiny blue packet. I need them now! I’ve got a busy night ahead.” She responded; anger evident in her voice.

Little did she know, in the bedroom with her listening, was one of her twin daughters sitting quietly in the corner playing.

“What are condoms, Mommy?” The little girl asked, looking at her mother smiling innocently.

“Not now, Brayleigh! Hans…come here and help me!” She yelled once more, struggling to lace up her black high heels.

No response.

“For fuck’s sake!” The woman sprang to her feet, almost falling but regained her balance. She was, after all, trained to wear such high heels. She did it every day.

The woman hurried out of the bedroom and could be heard in the distance.

“Hans, leave the child! You're drunk again. Help me look.” She screamed once more, banging her fist against something.

Brayleigh looked down, silently playing further with her teddy bear.

This was the same every day. Mommy would shout and leave the house to go to work and meet up with her male friends.

Daddy would just be at home and drinking out of a shiny glass bottle with golden liquid in it. He would call it his happy juice and make him act all funny.

“Stop nagging, Louise! I haven’t had a decent fuck in weeks! Give me a break.” Hans shouted back, angrily walking out of the other bedroom with a shiny blue packet in his hands.

“Here! You should honestly stop letting your crap lie all over the place!” He said, throwing the pack of condoms towards his wife.

Louise responded with silence while rummaging through her purse.
Brayleigh slowly stood up and walked over towards the bedroom door.

She could see into the other room where her father had just emerged. On the bed, a shadow of a slightly bigger girl was lying.

This was not something new to observe. Every time after Daddy drank some of his golden liquid he would always be in this room for a very long time and leave with her sister lying motionless.

Brayleigh could never figure out why he did this. But Bronnie would always be asleep afterwards. She assumed all parents did this. Perhaps they were just playing.

“Daddy…” Brayleigh started, trying to get her father’s attention. He never seemed to see her or hear her. She couldn’t understand why.

The moment Louise pulled one last time on her skirt, a loud knock came from the front door.

“I am going to be late! Who could it be this hour?” She said, her voice filled with frustration while making her way towards the door.

Opening the door, she was suddenly overwhelmed with the presence of a man and woman both in uniform.

“Ma’am please step aside. You and your husband are under arrest for reported and suspected child and drug abuse. You have the right to remain silent. Please come with us.”

**********

Brayleigh just sat momentarily saying nothing with Detective Carl sitting across from her.

I can’t believe this, is this really happening? She thought breathing heavily.

“What do you mean, you think you know what is happening, Miss Connor?” Carl asked, looking at her doubtingly.

I should have seen this coming. She’s always been trouble, from the very beginning.

“Miss Connor? What you’re about to say may lead to more problems for you.” Carl warned, still in a leaned forward position.

“Detective, I think my sister is the one you’re looking for. We’re twins.” Brayleigh breathed out, feeling nauseous all over again.

Carl said nothing at first.
He contemplated her response cautiously.

Could this be the truth? It does explain a few things. But what if this is total bullshit? Carl thought.

“That is a very severe accusation to make, Miss Connor. Besides, how do you intend to prove this? You are already in deep trouble. Everyone’s convinced you are the alleged serial killer of Willowcreek. I don’t think I believe you.” Carl explained looking at her gravely.

Why would she do this to me? However, it doesn’t surprise me, she’s always been the stranger twin. Though, this was too far, even for Brona. Well, at least I thought so.

“I know it’s a risky move to make, but you must believe me. For some reason it seems like she wanted to frame me! Or there must be some misunderstanding.” Brayleigh begged, hoping he would believe her.

“Your DNA was found on all the victims! Don’t you think it’s all a little too coincidental and convenient for you to make up such stories?” Carl said exasperated. 

“I can help you! Just give me a chance, detective. Please!” She tried again desperately.

Carl let out a frustrated breath and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to think.

After a few minutes, he looked her closely in the eye.

“Okay listen, I have absolutely no reason to believe you, but for some reason, my gut is telling me you are being sincere. I have done this type of work for years so I think I can trust it. But explain something to me first, why were you in such a bad state when we found you at the crime scene? Recent blood tests also indicated a high percentage of alcohol in your system. That doesn’t look too good if you ask me.” Carl explained, leaning backwards this time.

Brayleigh looked down at the cuffs in embarrassment.

“Okay, I get that it looks incredibly suspicious, but I can explain.” She said sighing softly.

Carl gave her a nod to indicate his permission for her to continue.

“I was newly engaged for about three months this year with a man who I thought was the love of my life. Then without warning, he dumped me two weeks before the wedding. I was so devasted I couldn’t think straight! I’m not a heavy drinker I swear! I just…” She explained, her heart racing.

She stopped for a bit to swallow heavily before continuing.

“I just didn’t know what else to do. I guess you can say I was trying to drown in my own sorrows.”

Carl closed the file and stood up.

“Alright, that’s enough for now, Miss Connor. Allow me to think about what has just been said. One last question though, what is your sister’s name?”

“Brona. Brona Connor.”

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