The Convict

So The Truth Comes Out

I always knew the truth about Dakota being alive would come out eventually. I am not an idiot. You can only test DNA so many times before you realize, hey, we got the wrong girl. Still, with each passing day, I grew hopeful that maybe law enforcement would let this one slip through the cracks.

Maybe Dakota was right. Maybe in a few years, she would look so different she wouldn't have to hide anymore. Maybe we could pull this off.

Maybe the tooth fairy and Santa clause are real too.

So The Truth Comes Out

I ended up getting home very late, even for me. I just wanted to avoid facing BB. I know Lesly told her everything. Still, when I walked through the door, she was up, and awake, waiting for me. I sighed and joined her by the kitchen island.

"Talk to me," she says.

"I don't want to talk," I look down at the countertop.

"Mel, what is going on? Lesly told me everything."

"Can we just not right now Bernida? Please. I just don't want to talk about this."

She sighs in frustration.

"I'm tired, let's get to bed." I walk to the room.

"A detective stopped by today, but you weren't here. He said he'd come back in the morning." She says.

I freeze in my steps.

"It's probably about Dakota's death," she says. "You never did arrange a funeral."

Cali rubs up against my leg, happy to see me.

"Mel?" BB says.

"Okay, I'll wait up for him in the morning." I continue my walk to the room.

"I'll wait with you. I'm off tomorrow." She says.

"K." I don't look at her.

She comes up behind me and pulls me into her arms.

"Whatever it is you are going through I wish you would let me in. I want to go through it with you." She kisses my neck.

I pull out of her arms and grab clothes to change before locking myself in the bathroom.

I hear her sigh again.

We go to bed in silence.

In the morning I wake extra early, too anxious to sleep. I quickly get dressed and wait in the living room, staring at the door, waiting for the detective. BB wakes shortly after, still half asleep as she turns on the coffee machine.

"Morning, want some?" she offers.

"Emm," I grunt as I stare at the door.

"Staring isn't going to make him magically appear," she teases.

I shake my leg impatiently.

She shrugs and resumes making her morning coffee. Soon the smell is filling up our home. It does soothe me a little bit. Maybe the detective will tell me they are closing the investigation. Maybe he is going to hand me Dakota's fake remains. Maybe it's good news.

Finally, a knock at the door.

I shoot up and go to get it.

He and two other officers are standing there and instantly I know, they know. If it was good news, he would come by himself. Bad news requires more paperwork and manpower. I feel my heart drop into my stomach and step aside, letting them in.

"What's this about?" I cross my arms.

"Morning, sorry to wake you up so early," he says.

"Trust me, she didn't sleep." BB pours herself a cup of coffee.