The Life of Jacob Track (Book Two of the 33X Series)

Chapter Five

           

CHAPTER FIVE

February 17, 2015

Zac Reynolds had never felt so dirty in his entire life.  It wasn't even because he hadn't showered in over 24 hours either.  He was sitting in a tiny interrogation room, being treated like every criminal he'd ever arrested.  They thought he was a criminal.  The friends he'd made on the police force doubted every word he said.  He had been questioned once already by Derek Smith. He had attended Derek's wedding last summer.  Derek sat across the rickety wooden table accusing Zac of kidnapping and murder.  The worst part was that Derek acted like Zac was a piece of trash.

            "I was at your wedding, Derek! You know me. I'm not a killer or an abductor.  We're friends!"  Zac pleaded.

            "We WERE friends, Zac.  You know where she is! Just tell me!" Derek said with disdain. 

            Nothing he had said to Derek had helped his situation. They wouldn't believe him.  After two hours of Derek's judgment, Zac was left alone.  It had been hours since he'd been visited by anyone. His bladder was too full, causing him physical pain.  He longed for someone, anyone, to let him out.  There was nothing to hide or to confess to.  No matter how many times he went over the chain of events looking for clues he might have missed, nothing new came to mind.

            Zacchya came to apologize for embarrassing him at the restaurant and refusing his proposal.  They fought which led to them breaking up. He knew that their love had moved too fast. She wasn't ready to move on from Jacob yet.  His death had affected her too profoundly.  Zac got carried away with emotions and pushed her away.  He tried to understand it from her side, but he was hurt and angry.  It had been their first real fight, and it was a big one; which, unfortunately, didn't look good for his case. He pleaded with her to stay for a little bit longer.

            "Just let me hold you for a bit. Watch a movie or something, and get a proper goodbye. Please, Zacchya, give me that at least," he begged her.  She said yes and kissed his cheek. She told him she still loved him, but she couldn't be in a relationship with him.  They put on a movie and talked about nothing.  They let the previous fight be a memory, allowing them to just enjoy each other's company. 

            And then the world went black.  He couldn't remember anything until he awoke face down on his living room floor.  He felt like he'd been beat up, and a bit queasy.  He looked for Zacchya but couldn't find her.  Her car was still parked outside his house, however.  He had a bad feeling, so called Captain Roark.  He was then brought to the station to "answer a few questions." That had been over ten hours ago. 

            He had done numerous interrogations as a cop.  Waiting was very helpful in letting the guilty stew in their own thoughts.  Most would confess after a few hours. But even the few hours would be broken up by a quick series of questions.  Zac had been alone for over four hours.  Clearly, they had forgotten him or had something to book him on.  Maybe they were just looking for evidence to pin something on him.  Or trying to find the right person to question him. Either way, it didn't matter.  Zac knew he was innocent.  He'd never hurt Zacchya for any reason. He loved her too much.  There couldn't be anything at the scene to arrest him.  He just wished they'd hurry up.  The waiting was beyond frustrating.  He had nothing to be guilty of, or confess.

            Actually, he did feel guilty for Zacchya going missing while in his care, but he didn't know how it had happened.  If he wouldn't have proposed to her, she would have had no reason to come break up with him.  He felt plenty guilty about that.  He loved her and had jumped the gun.  He wished he hadn't loved her so much, so fast.  It was all his fault.  Until she was found safe and sound, he wouldn't forgive himself.