Detective Ghost: Haunted By Honor (WEEKLY UPDATES)

Chapter 12: What Happened To Milo?

Hedgar Hills, Alabama:

Blake sat on her couch, wrapped in a thick blanket, her hands curled around a cup of lukewarm coffee. She was exhausted, yet her mind wouldn't let her rest. The last remnants of the nightmare were fading, replaced by the strange relief of being home. Her ribs still ached, a dull reminder of what she'd been through, but the throbbing had become a strange reassurance that she'd made it out.

Gunner lay at her feet, his head resting on her ankle, as if he knew she needed grounding. He'd been at her side from the moment she came home, refusing to leave, sensing the change in her energy. Every time she felt the darkness start to creep in, a soft nudge of his nose brought her back to the moment.

There was a knock at the door, and she heard Kathy's voice reassuring her, "It's just the state police, Blake. I'll be right here." Blake took a deep breath, steeling herself as Kathy opened the door to let them in. Daren and Jackson were beside her, both men nodding at Blake, giving her a look of silent strength. She clutched the edge of her blanket tighter, drawing from their presence.

Two state police officers stepped into the room, their postures tense, but their faces sympathetic. The taller of the two, Detective Alvarez, cleared his throat as he looked at her. "Blake, we understand this might be difficult for you. If at any point you need to stop, just say the word."

Blake nodded, glancing at Jackson, whose steady gaze encouraged her. "Thank you," she managed, her voice steadier than she'd expected. She took a breath, determined to keep her focus. They needed to know everything if they were going to put an end to Paul's reign.

Alvarez flipped open his notebook, pen at the ready. "Can you start by telling us what happened last night?"

Blake nodded, shifting slightly as Gunner's warm weight against her feet calmed her. "I went outside because I saw something weird, and next thing you know I'm being ambushed by my own guys. Paul had 3 other people with him, Gunner managed to help me out I got one of the guys but there were just too many of them."

The other officer, Detective Lang, leaned forward slightly. "And he took you—held you against your will?"

"Yes," Blake replied, keeping her gaze focused on a point just past them, away from their direct stares. "He ambushed me. I tried to fight back, but he overpowered me. I was... I was trapped." Her voice broke on the last word, the memory of helplessness tightening her throat. But Gunner's gentle snuffle against her foot reminded her she wasn't there anymore. She was home. She was safe. And he had her.

"It wasn't until Gunner found me that I had any chance to escape," she continued, reaching down to scratch behind her dog's ears. He looked up at her, his warm eyes grounding her once again.

Lang exchanged a glance with Alvarez. "Your dog found you?"

"Yeah," she nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. 

"Were you drinking last night?" 

"I'm sorry what does her drinking have to do with her being kidnapped?" Kathy asked. "This is a decorated officer who has been doing nothing but protecting this little town something you men failed to do. Why does that matter?"