Murder's Shadow

Chapter 1

    "You may want to sit down." Monsieur Chevalier warns. "I'm not sure how this will end for you... I'm aware that you know Mrs. Rousseau, correct?"

   "Julienne? Of course. We met the first day of the orientation."

   "And you spent quite a bit of time with her, yes?" He questioned.

   "Yes, we did spend nearly every day together. Is everything alright?" I question back, worried for the next words out of his mouth.

   "I'm afraid not, Miss Belizaire. Mrs. Rousseau was found murdered earlier this morning. I'm nearly certain that they'll want to call you in for questioning and such. Don't fret though, I can get ahold of the local department for you. No need to travel the distance again. I can't imagine you wanting to travel from Maine all the way back to California. I'll leave you be now and will keep in touch with you. Good day, Miss Belizaire."

   I placed the phone on the cushion next to me and sighed in disbelief. How could someone do such a sick thing, especially to Julienne. She was one of the nicest people I have ever met and I could not believe that this just happened. I wasn't sure what to think. I planned on spending the day relaxing, but I'm not sure I can just lay around and be lazy with everything going on. I laid my head back against the couch and closed my eyes. Why do people kill? I thought to myself, before drifting to sleep.

   **I opened my eyes and looked around. Everything was in black and white. The TV and stereo was on, and the lights were dimmed. The TV was on the news, and the radio was blaring "breaking news". I looked around and couldn't make out anything in the room. The radio had stopped, but was replaced by the TV.

   "...while investigating, the police are not quite sure what the motive was behind the killing of 35 year old, Julienne Rousseau. Some suspect jealously, while others think there was a more underlying issue. She was last seen at the World Interior Design Centre in California. There are no suspects yet, and it unknown who last saw her. She was found in her hotel room early this morning, with signs of strangulation and knife wounds, for those who missed the beginning. That's all the information we currently have. Please stay tuned for further information as it is brought in."

   The TV suddenly shut off and the room went pitch black. I heard whispers before blacking out, but I couldn't make anything out.**

   I wake up sweating. What just happened? I looked around and observed my surroundings. Everything was in color, the radio looked untouched, and the TV was still off. Maybe I should stop drinking so much coffee, I think to myself. I decided to get up and make something to eat. I walked into the kitchen and realized nothing was in my fridge. I groaned and realized I should probably go shopping. I picked up my phone and decided I'd call one of my best friends. After two rings, Hayden picked up.

   "Are you back now? Oh my gosh! How was it??" I heard as soon as she picked up. Giggling slightly, I replied.

   "Yeah. It was great! Are you busy? I need a shopping buddy and someone to talk to."

   "Of course not... I'll be right over deary!" She said before she hung up. Am I even allowed to speak about the unspeakable?