Where She Lies

Chapter 1: Dead, You Say?

"Dead," I scowled as I stood in my doorway with my arms crossed against my chest, "What do you mean she's dead?"

"I'm so sorry Miss McClain," The police officer held his hat in his hands, "But Anna is no longer with us. We...found her. Would you please come with me?"

Anger boiled up inside of me, dancing like impatient flames. I was slowly losing my patience with this, but what choice did I have?

"Yes," I sighed.

I pulled the door to my house shut behind me as we emerged into the cool spring night. The wind blew in the warm nighttime air, making my hair blow around me and puddles on the road ripple. Sleek black lamposts towered over me and their lights glinted in the shadowy darkness. I continued to walk with my arms crossed against my chest, one foot in front of the other. I was wearing my PJ's — a light pink tanktop and checkered black and light pink sweat pants. I had managed to shove my feet into a pair of furry tan boots before leaving the house.

As he led me past the corner diner and closer to the woods I was going to be honest with myself. I'm a realist, a pessimist, but for some reason I just couldn't fathom the idea of my older sister being dead. We've always done everything together and we were always there for each other. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could tear us apart. Well, I suppose there was one thing — death. Sure, sure, she'd still be in my heart, but she wouldn't be there physically. I suppose that's why I've been evading the fact that secretly a part of me knew that she died. She's been missing for about four months now. There was still a slight hope in my mind until a few minutes ago.

Rain pellets started to steadily fall from the sky and they pounded down on my head. I looked up at the dark sky and muttered under my breath. Thank you world. I breathed out a sigh. The silver moon shined and looked down upon me as we entered the Netherfae Woods. For some reason the woods always seemed to be able to captivate me. They lured me in, I was drawn to them. Maybe it's because when I was younger I used to go run around the woods with Anna. It seemed ironic now that she died in these very woods — the same woods we played in.

About a mile into the woods was when we came across her body. She laid there lifeless. Her pale skin and dark brown hair that framed her face made her look like a porcelain doll. Her white dress was all torn and tattered as well as covered in dirt. She seemed so peaceful just lying there. The rain began to pour harder now, soaking her hair and her dress. Raindrops ran down her face and trickled down onto the ground in a slow, steady stream.

"The detective that had her case said her death was inevitable," the policeman speaks up once again. "She had been suffocated and dragged out into the woods. We aren't sure if she was subjected to any kinds of torture or not. I give you my condolenses once again, Miss McClain."

"What was the name of the detective who had her case? It would slightly give me some kind of peace to know the person who found my sister," I spoke loudly over the pouring rain.

"The detective's name was Wyatt Deupre, madam."

We stood there together in an eerie moment of silence. The only sounds that could be heard were that of the rain and the wind when it blew through the trees, rustling the leaves and swaying the branches. I shuffled my feet around in the brush before coming to a decision. I was going to see Wyatt Deupre.

***

The events that occured earlier tonight continue to buzz through my mind as I sit in a brown leather chair, waiting for Wyatt to be ready to see me. I hope my appearance doesn't startle him. Then again, it hadn't been my fault that I was awoken at eleven by the knocking on my door. I wonder how old Mr. Deupre is. Would it seem silly for a nineteen year old girl dressed in her PJ's to randomly appear asking about her sister's death? I should think not. The thought had occured to me that he may be one of those detectives to dodge questions and shove me hastily out of his office. On the other hand, he could be nice and answer my questions while not caring at all about my tired looking appearance or my nagging at this time of night. After all, detectives usually do work late...right? The door leading to Wyatt's office swiftly opens to reveal a guy surprisingly about my age but a little older.

"Um," I look up at him, "did you just see detective Wyatt Deupre?"

"Not since the last time I looked in the mirror, no," the stranger chuckles.

He runs a hand through his sandy colored hair and his hazel eyes twinkle at me. Is this...could he be...

"Wyatt?" I raise an eyebrow at the curious boy.

"Mmm hmm," his eyes scan me briefly and amusement flickers in them, "coming in?"

I notice that he now stepped aside and is waiting for me to join him in his office. My cheeks flush due to my own ignorance as I stand up and rush past him into his office. I find my way to a chair in front of his dark, polished wooden desk. He walks over to his messy desk in several quick strides. He sits down across from me and reaches for his coffee from Starbucks that's sitting in front of me.

"So," he says between sips, "what can I do for you?"

Why is it that they always ask that? I lean my elbows on the desk and look him directly in the eyes.

"I want to know more about my sister. The policeman who led me to her now lifeless body told me you were the detective who had the case," I state as clear as day.

"And what's your name?" He sets his coffee back down on the desk.

"Kimberly McClain."

He skims through the pile of papers that's residing on his desk before pulling on out of the cluttered mess.

"You're Anna McClain's younger sister?" He looks at me with a surprised expression clearly written all over his face.

"Yes."

He sighs deeply and leans back in his chair for a moment.

"I see," he breathes out, "what is it that you want to know?"

"Everything. I want to know everything."

"Then you shall. It was awhile ago when I took her case; a few months back actually..."