The Silver Lining - A Brayleigh Connor Story

Chapter 12- The Plan

Annie Harrison was the youngest victim possibly killed by Brona Connor. The situation was horrifying and simply gruesome.

According to the autopsy report, the young teen was brutally murdered, with broken ribs and bones. She was also, it seemed, sexually violated in the worst degree and decapitated, the head never found.

Carl closed the laptop after reading the last sentence.

“What are we dealing with here? The victim was just a child! This is insanity.” He said with complete unbelief.

Brayleigh sat speechless as she looked down at her chained feet.

“Yeah, I know.” Is all she could mutter.

Carl turned and stared at her for a moment.

“Okay, it’s time we stop this monster. We must track her down. We’ve got two places to visit and ask for further information, the local club and the orphanage. I think it’s our best bet to start with.” He finally said.

Brayleigh considered his words for a second.

“That’s a very probable idea, but aren’t you forgetting something?” She said indicating towards the cuffs on her hands and feet.

“Don’t worry, I already thought about that. Leave it to me.” He said with determination evident in his voice.

Before she could reply, Brayleigh couldn’t help but notice the detective’s focused green eyes.

She couldn’t help but feel she can really trust him. Something about him made her feel safe.

I think we can actually do this.

“Come on, let me take you back to your cell. We don’t have much time left before the sun rises and the whole prison wakes up. We don’t want to get caught.” Carl said interrupting her thoughts.

********

The next day was brutal for Brayleigh.

The day ahead felt like forever before she would be able to get back to proving her innocence with Carl.

She barely slept after Detective Murphy’s reassurance that he knew what their next step would be regarding the case.

She couldn’t help but wonder what he had in mind.

The worst of it all was when Brayleigh managed to get to sleep, she was abruptly awakened by the alarm of Block C that sounded, indicating it was 6:00 am.

She rubbed her tired eyes and tried to focus. It was going to be a long day.

*************

At midnight, Carl finally arrived at her cell, unlocking the door. He still refused to take off the handcuffs.

Brayleigh sighed with frustration as she looked at the tall man before her, “Really? Still not trusting me? By now, you should know I won’t try anything.”

Carl didn’t answer her at first and simply grabbed hold of her upper arm, guiding her along the row of cells.

“It’s just a matter of practicality, Brayleigh. If we are caught roaming around and you are not cuffed it would be very suspicious.”

Brayleigh frowned and said, “Um, seeing us in the first place would already be very suspicious. You are just enjoying yourself, irritating me.”

“Maybe,” he said almost smiling.

She rolled her eyes and continued, “Whatever, what is the next step? I’ve been wondering all day what we are going to do.”

“Ahh so I kept your mind occupied, good. We are going to take a little visit to our female friend’s killing locations, starting with the local club. I believe this will give us more information.” Carl explained heading toward the station where all the cop vehicles were located.

“Okay, but what about security?” Brayleigh asked worriedly. 

“Took care of that already, hacking into the system. I have many talents, Brayleigh.” Carl said grinning arrogantly.

“It appears so,” she said clearly impressed.

They reached the vehicles and quickly got into one.

The night felt darker than usual, colder and sinister.

It felt strange to be riding in a cop car and be condemned as the criminal. She didn’t trust what they planned for the night at all.

Things could go very wrong, very quickly.

“Are you sure about this, Carl?” Brayleigh asked nervously, fidgeting with the cuffs’ chain.

“We don’t have much of a choice, now do we? In order to get you your freedom we must track down your sister.” Carl responded while focusing on the road ahead.

“What if we don’t find anything?” Brayleigh’s eyes spoke for itself. She was terrified.

“We have no guarantee that this will work! If this fails, I will stay in prison for the rest of my life.” Her heart started to race as she finished the statement.

Carl stopped the car before the local club and looked at her while placing his firm hand onto her arm.

“I know you’re scared, but we have to try. I believe, with your help, we will find the right evidence needed. Come on, put this on. We don’t want to attract attention to you.”

Carl finally unlocked the cuffs and gave her a cop’s uniform to put on.

“Here, put this on in the back seat. Don’t worry, I will give you your privacy. You can trust me.” He said, seeing the hesitation in her eyes, while opening the door to climb out.

Brayleigh sighed with relief and did as she was told.

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