Brayleigh and Carl hastily got back into the car, while Carl glanced over his shoulder.
“I think we’re good to go.” He said closing the car door firmly and turned towards her.
“We’ve got something here, Brayleigh. We have her handwriting and more victims’ names. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t clear your name though. We need something more concrete. Something that can correlate with that handwriting.”
Brayleigh sat quiet and pondered over the pages in her hands, paying attention to the handwriting, which seemed very peculiar and unusual.
“I know what should be our next move, the orphanage and Mrs Hewey. I believe she would be able to tell us more about my sister and that fourteen-year-old girl found at the park.”
She said, looking back at Carl before continuing, “I think we’ll be able to find something to compare Brona’s handwriting to and maybe other clues about where she might be.”
“I think that is a good plan. Come on, let’s get going.” He said, starting the engine.
******
After about 20 mins they arrived at the House with the Red Chimney.
It looked haunted and dark, and made chills ran down Brayleigh’s spine.
She never expected to see this place again. It still looked exactly the same, with a few minor changes.
As they stopped the police vehicle in front of the orphanage, Brayleigh started to seriously doubt about their decision.
In fact, her chest started to feel a bit tight.
“This doesn’t feel right, Carl. Seeing this place again, it…it makes me nervous.”
Carl grabbed her hand and looked at her gently, “I know this must be hard for you, but we’ve got to do this. This could be one step closer to proving your innocence.”
“I know, I know. Just give me a minute.” She said taking a deep breath.
“Okay, let’s do this.” Both of them got out of the car and slowly made their way to the entrance.
Brayleigh and Carl looked at each other one more time before Carl pressed the doorbell.
For a moment there was only silence.
“Carl, I don’t even know if anyone will answer this time of night, maybe we should just…”
Suddenly footsteps could be heard and the heavy door opened, revealing a large woman in a night gown.
Her facial expression showed she was clearly not impressed to see them.
Carl cleared his throat while carefully revealing his police badge, “Sorry to bother you this time of night, Ma’am, but I’m afraid we have a few questions for you. May we come on?”
The woman yawned loudly before she answered with irritation, “Excuse me, officers, but this isn’t a convenient time as you can see. The children are sleeping, poor little angels need their sleep. Can we do this another time?”
Brayleigh rolled her eyes discreetly. Poor little angels, what bullshit. This woman is pure evil.
“I understand that Mrs…”
“Ruth Hewey, and it’s miss.” She stated angrily.
“My apologies… Miss Hewey, but unfortunately this is urgent. I assume you have heard about the recent activities of Willowcreek’s female serial killer? We believe she was one of your orphans who stayed here years ago.” Carl explained, putting his badge away.
Mrs Hewey went silent for a minute and considered what he said by frowning.
“I had a lot of children stay here, detective. I don’t believe it is possible that the Killer Queen was one of my orphans.” She said folding her arms in defence.
“Well, then you’ll have no problem allowing us to do some investigation, now would you Miss? Obviously, you have nothing to hide.” Carl said matter-of-factly, testing her.
Mrs Hewey didn’t seem happy at all, but realised she had no choice but to give in.
“Of course not, detective. Please come in.” She said sweetly.
As they walked over the threshold, Mrs Hewey eyed Brayleigh suspiciously, “You seem familiar, but I can’t seem to place you.”
“Not impossible, but I doubt it ma’am. Detective Smith is new to the force. Moved here last week.” Carl intervened quickly, distracting her.
Luckily, the wig and glasses Brayleigh wore were very realistic, otherwise her red curly hair would have for sure given her away to Mrs Hewey. She always hated her red hair.
Forgetting the matter, Mrs Hewey indicated for them to follow her down the entrance hall.
******
While Carl and Mrs Hewey were busy talking, Brayleigh decided to look through the house herself.
Everything was still exactly like it was years ago.
As she walked further, she went up the stairs suddenly feeling like that little girl again who had to constantly look over her shoulder and bear this nasty woman’s screams.
Brayleigh reached the top and came to a halt.
There it was, her old bedroom she had shared with Brona and two other girls, with the door slightly ajar.
For a moment, terror ran through her whole body as memories flooded her mind of all the beatings and bullying she had to endure for so many years.
Come on now, get it together. Maybe you can find something here.
She pushed open the door and looked inside carefully. It was completely empty.
Brayleigh sighed with relief and walked in, her eyes running over the whole bedroom.
She knew chances were slim to find anything, but it was worth trying.
She made her way towards Brona’s old bed and investigated slowly.
Her hands trailed over the blankets and pillow, finding nothing out of the ordinary. She even looked under the bed feeling stupid already. What did she think they would find?
She stomped down her foot due to frustration and right there one of the wooden slabs jumped open.
“Well, this is unexpected…” Brayleigh whispered as she knelt down to look closer.
Underneath the wooden slab, there was a little brown leather book. She took it out carefully and gently opened it. On the first page the following was written:
This journal belongs to Brona Connor.
**********
YOU ARE READING
The Silver Lining - A Brayleigh Connor Story
Mistério / SuspenseA young and hopeful forensic therapist, Brayleigh Connor, is convicted for a gruesome murder that she claims she didn't commit, however, all evidence is against her. Is she playing a game of deception or is she telling the truth?
