Found Obsession

Chapter 108: Results, Guesses, and More bodies

Rose woke up to the sunlight streaming brightly through the balcony. She squeezed her eyes shut and whispered to herself, "It didn't happen."

But as she lifted the blanket slightly, she found herself naked beneath it. It happened. The soreness in her body was undeniable. Hugging the sheets to her chest, she scanned the room, her heart sinking as she deduced he had left long ago.

"Thank you," she whispered softly. She wasn't sure she could face him, yet when her gaze fell on her hand, she froze. A ring rested on her finger—an antique, passed-down piece, its age, value and significance unmistakable. She pulled it off to examine it, the chills climbing her spine.

Rose knew she was feeding Elijah's obsession, and the realization sent goosebumps rising along her arms. What have I done? she thought, tightening her grip on the sheets.

She opened the drawer to place the ring securely inside, her movements mechanical. As she did, she noticed a note and a Rose resting nearby. Her heart raced as she eyed it.

I can sleep with him, but it only terrifies me more, she thought bitterly. She hadn't once felt disgusted by him, and that fact made her heart sink further and relief in others.

Jonathan, she thought. She felt a lump in her throat.

Then she remembered the sound of paper. Rose's eyes darted toward the spot where the marriage papers had been left. Her breath hitched as she saw them ripped and scattered on the floor.

Clutching the sheets tightly around her, Rose stood and hesitated before picking up the torn pieces. Carefully, she gathered them and tucked them away in a safe spot, unsure why she even bothered.

Her mother's words echoed in her mind, dark and foreboding. Rose's unease grew stronger.

Then as she thought about her father's disappearance and the eerie silence surrounding it, she had a very bad feeling.

Maybe I should have let the marriage go on with Jonathan, she thought, conflicted. A part of her felt relieved, but another part was haunted by Elijah not to mention if the media or any others found out they wouldn't have that political power they needed. She felt divided, as though she were standing on the edge of a precipice.

Determined to steady herself, Rose got dressed. She needed to feel less vulnerable. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the note and the red rose he had left behind.

She needed a drink—and time to think.

Rose managed to grab a bottle of whiskey and made her way to her secret room. Once there, she turned on the light and sat down at her desk, placing the bottle beside her computer.

Her eyes roamed the room, taking in the familiar chaos of her investigations. Memories resurfaced: the moment she had broken the news to Mark, Sasha, and Jonathan. Her stomach tightened. Mark was gone now.

Rose stared blankly at the wall, her thoughts swirling as she poured herself a drink. What now? 

Rose sat in her chair, staring into nothing for a while. The weight of everything felt like an anchor, pulling her deeper into her own thoughts.

Eventually, she turned her attention to the note Elijah had left behind. With a shaky breath, she opened it and took a sip of whiskey as her eyes began to scan the words.

Detective, my deepest apologies.

No gentleman should leave like a thief, as I did. I can assure you, I would have enjoyed watching the sunrise next to you. However, as you might or not already know, Mark Delaney provided four more lists, and I have work to do.