The Convict

Bones

I wasn't stupid, I knew Lesly and Bernida were up to something, but two could play that game. I was going to let them do their snooping, let them think they got the draw on me, and when they find nothing, I was going rub it in their faces and make them feel stupid. The only way to get them off my back was to show them there was nothing to be suspicious about, that Dakota wasn't at my house, even if she was.

Once I knew BB would be picking me up for my appointment Dakota and I came up with a plan. Having the two of them plus contractors in and out of my house would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that I was innocent. Hopefully, the interaction would put the whole situation to rest, at least for a while.

It was a good plan, but could we actually pull it off?

Bones

POV: Bernida

Melony is up to something; I just don't know what yet. Was I shocked she actually let me go into the house alone? Yes. Did that make me think Dakota wasn't actually at the house? No. Melony is playing cat and mouse with me, waiting for me to take the bait. Even if I know it's a trap I must take the bait.

I need proof that Dakota is hiding in here.

I don't know what scares me more, not finding Dakota or finding her and having to face her and her crazy ass self alone. Lesly better hurry the hell up.

With a deep breath, I open the door and walk into the house.

It's completely still and silent.

Eerily so.

"Hello? Dakota?" I call.

No answer.

I should have brought a weapon to defend myself.

I quickly walk to the kitchen and grab a knife.

"Dakota I know you're in here!" I call.

Still no response.

I flinch when Cali meows and rubs against my leg.

"Jesus, you scared me," I bend down and pet her, scratching behind the ear. "I bet you know where Dakota is," I smile at her.

She stretches out in front of me before walking off.

"If cats could talk," I sigh.

I walk carefully around the house, checking the garage first. It's been cleaned out and the only thing in here is unused paint cans, extra construction wood, and the washer and dryer.

"Dakota?" I call.

No answer.

I go back into the house and listen for even the slightest of movements but hear none. Wherever she's hiding she knows not to come out. I look in every place I can think of, behind the sofa, under the bed, inside the cabinets. Nothing. Not a single trace of Dakota, but I know she's here. How do I know? The house is so clean I could eat on the floor.

Melony is a slob; she never cleans unless I ask her to. She is not this meticulous. Everything is in a proper place, towels folded into squares, plates and bowls stacked three high and color-coded. When Melony loads the dishwasher she'll just leave the dishes in there until she uses them all again, but when I look in the dishwasher it's empty and so clean it shines.

Dakota is here alright, I just have to find her.

I look in the closets, in the backyard, and even inside the AC vent, but she's not there. Where could she be?

'Anything? We are about to leave the restaurant, Mel is in the bathroom and then we are leaving.' Lesly texted me.

'Not a single trace of her, but I know she's here somewhere. The place is so clean it shines. We both know Mel doesn't clean for shit.' I respond.