The Vanishing Cheerleaders

The Last Meeting

Emily sat on the edge of her bed, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn’t shake. She knew what she wanted to do, but convincing Jake would be the hard part. She took a deep breath and walked into the living room, where Jake was reviewing case files.

“Jake,” she started, her voice hesitant but firm. “I need to see him.”

Jake looked up, narrowing his eyes in disbelief. “Seriously, Emily? After everything he’s done, you want to see him again?”

“I just need to talk to him one more time,” Emily insisted, her voice wavering slightly. “Please, Jake.”

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. He could see the determination in her eyes and knew he couldn’t talk her out of it. “Fine,” he relented, though his tone was stern. “But only once, and I’ll be right outside. If anything feels off, you’re out of there. Got it?”

Emily nodded, relieved that he had agreed. “Got it.”

***

The door to the interrogation room opened, and Emily stepped inside. Cole was sitting there, handcuffed to the table, but his expression was calm, almost expectant. When he saw her, a smirk played on his lips.

“Hey, Emma,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Or should I say… Emily?”

Emily winced at the sound of her real name, but she held her ground. She approached the table and sat down across from him, her emotions a whirlwind inside her.

“I wanted to see you,” she said, her voice soft but steady.

Cole’s expression was unreadable as he studied her. “And why’s that? You want to ask more questions? Or maybe you’re here to rub it in that you played me?”

“No,” Emily replied, shaking her head. “It’s not like that.” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “I know what you’ve done… and I hate you for it. You murdered my sister, and you’ve hurt so many others.”

Cole’s eyes darkened at the mention of his crimes, but he remained silent, letting her continue.

“But,” Emily said, her voice trembling, “a part of me… a small part… likes you. And I hate that too. But I can’t deny it. You were kind to me when I was feeling unwell, and you’re the father of my child.”

Cole’s expression softened, a flicker of something resembling emotion crossing his face. “Emily, I—”

“Before I leave,” Emily interrupted, leaning slightly closer, “can I… um… kiss you? I know you’re a murderer, and I know what you’ve done to my sister. But I also know that you’re the father of my child, and I can’t ignore that.”

Cole looked taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise. He hesitated, clearly conflicted. Finally, he nodded, his voice low and almost regretful. “If that’s what you want.”

Emily stood up and walked around the table. She bent down slightly and pressed a soft, lingering kiss on his lips. It was brief, but in that moment, she felt a confusing mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and a strange sense of closure.

When she pulled back, she looked into his eyes one last time. “Goodbye, Cole,” she whispered, her voice filled with finality.

“Goodbye, Emily,” Cole replied, his tone devoid of the malice that had once been so prominent. He watched as she turned and walked toward the door, his gaze lingering on her retreating form.

As Emily stepped out of the room, Jake was there waiting for her. He searched her face, looking for any signs of distress, but she only nodded to him, signaling that she was okay.

“Let’s go,” Jake said gently, placing a protective hand on her back as they walked away from the station. He didn’t ask what had happened in the room—he didn’t need to. He just knew that, whatever it was, it was finally over.