Found Obsession

Chapter 42: Ex-wife. Riley's story

The day had turned sour for them.

They had pieced together what they could, but with the evidence box missing, they lacked the interrogations and critical details—only the forensic files remained.

While Riley requested a copy and more information on Emma, he decided to call it a day.

He caught up to Rose while she was leaving.

“Want me to take you home?” Riley offered.

Rose stared at the Ferrari and bit her lip. “Actually, if you could take me to my parent's house so I can drop off the car, then to my place, I’d really appreciate it.”

Riley nodded. Soon, Rose got into her car, and Riley followed in his car behind her.

Once they arrived, Rose leaned into his window. “Give me twenty minutes,” she said.

Riley gave her a nod.

Her mind was racing. She had endured so many horrors, but she was determined to keep it together—especially now, after finding out the killer had nearly reached her father.

That’s why she had come back today. She regretted how she had left that morning. Her parents were only trying to protect her, and she had walked away without a second thought.

Security let her in, and Rose entered the house. She searched around for her parents but didn’t see them.

Heading to her room, she grabbed a few things. She bit her lip, pulling out the paper with Erin Miller’s name and the note scribbled on it. Slipping the necklace around her neck, she sighed.

If I were hiding something, where would I hide it?

Rose checked her room thoroughly—under the bed, in the bathroom, but found nothing. Frustration crept in.

Suddenly, a voice startled her. “Rose?”

She jumped, turning to see her father.

“Dad! I thought you weren’t home—” she stammered. Her words faltered, guilt settling in. “I’m sorry, Dad, about how I left this morning.”

Her father scrutinized her face for a moment before pulling her into a hug. For a brief second, Rose hesitated, feeling a strange sense of unease after what had happened at the costume party. But she returned the hug anyway, clinging to the comfort of home.

“You’re my little girl, Rose. I just want what’s best for you,” her father murmured.

Little girl.

Rose swallowed as he held her gently by the waist and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Thanks, Daddy." Her thoughts flashed back to Will telling her how her father had been targeted by the killer.

Her father groaned softly, causing Rose to look up, bewildered. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern flooding her voice. Was it his heart? Why hadn't he told her?

"It's just a little pain in my back. You know, my age," he replied with a half-hearted chuckle.

Rose let out a relieved laugh. "Are you leaving?" her father asked.

She sighed and nodded. "I have to. I came to apologize... and leave the car."

"The car is yours," he reminded her.

Rose bit her lip. "It’s a little too extravagant," she whispered.

Her father chuckled softly. "Oh, Rose, I try to spoil you, and you think it’s too much."

Rose looked embarrassed, shifting her weight uncomfortably. "If you want another car, I’ll buy it for you!" he said.

"Yeah, maybe later," Rose replied with a faint smile. No, not happening.