Happily Never After (sequel to Stolen Love)

Chapter 3

When Alex got home I didn't know what to do. I had to tell him. His daughter was dead, he was going to notice that.

"Hey. Did you go pick up Abby?" Alex asked as he walked into the kitchen. I was sitting at the table. He sat down next to me and saw that I was crying. "What's wrong?"

"It's Abby," I said through tears

"What? What about her?"

"She...she's...she's dead." I could feel the tears grow heavier as they poured down my face.

"What? No. No that can't be true. She can't be dead." I could see the tears in his eyes.

"I found her body. She's dead."

"Did you call it in?"

"No. I wanted to tell you first."

"What? Why wouldn't you call it in?" He yelled at me.

"Because there is more. More that I can't tell the police. I'm not supposed to tell you either but I need somebody to talk to about all of this."

"I'm listening."

"A couple nights ago I got a text on my phone. It was a blocked number. They told me to get them the file of Cara Turner or they were going to kill this little boy. I didn't get the file, next day Abby was missing and the little boy was dead."

"Today."

"Yeah. They were going to kill Abby if I didn't give them the file. So I did. And Abby was dead anyways."

"We have to tell the police. You know that. Right?"

"I do, I just, I don't want anybody else to get hurt. He specifically told me not to tell anybody."

"We will figure it out. But we have to call in her death."

"Can you do it? I don't think I can."

"Yeah. I'll do it."

While Alex called the police, I went upstairs. I needed to get some sleep. I haven't slept in two days. I climbed into bed and was asleep before Alex came upstairs.

The next morning was not easy. As soon as I arrived at the station I was bombarded with questions about Abby and people coming up to me, giving me their condolences. Saying sorry for my loss. It was nice but truthfully, I just wanted to be left alone. Alex wanted the same, I could tell.

Honestly, I don't know how I'll get through this. I loved Abby more than anything. All I want is to get her back. Right then the grief I felt disappeared and was replaced with anger. I had to find the man who killed my daughter. I had to give justice to my daughter.

I walked into the chief's office only to find my husband sitting there. He turned to look at me and I saw a little bit of sadness of his face.

"Please, sit down Mrs. Myers." The chief told me. I sat down next to Alex before asking,

"What is this about?"

"Chief Larson is not allowing us access to Abby's case," Alex told me.

"That includes any information we gather on the case. Because you two are her parents, it would be a conflict of interest." Larson told us.

"But we are her parents. Legally, you have to tell us information you retrieve from this case." I interrupted. I needed to know who killed my daughter. They were taking that away from me. "And don't you think that maybe we could solve this case better than anybody else. We knew her better than anybody. We know who she would've trusted and we know where she would've been and when."

Larson interrupted me. "And you will be required to hand over any information you may possibly have that could help with the discovery of your daughter's killer." He paused. "I know you want to work this case but, you both have a serial killer to find. This is the end of this discussion. Now, go catch a serial killer.

As Alex and I were going through our case files my phone started ringing.

"Emily Meyers," I said as I answered the phone.

"Mrs. Meyers, we have information for you."

"May I ask who is speaking?"

"Jack Dawson. From the county prison."

"Oh, yes. What is the information you have for me?"

"Ryan Jones. He was let out of prison a month ago. We tried to call you to let you know but, your schedule is so busy..."

"Thank you for letting me know. Do you know where he is living? Or do you have a phone number for him that I could call? I would like to talk to my brother."

"Let me check. Just give me a moment." I waited for a few seconds before he started talking again. "I have an address. Would you like me to text it to your phone?"

"Yes please," I replied. I hung up the phone and went to Alex's desk.

"Ryan was let out of prison a month ago," I said before he was even looking at me.

"Your brother? Are you going to go see him?"

"I have to. He's my brother. He may have killed a girl but, he is still my older brother. I have to at-least talk to him. It's been 12 years." Ryan was arrested 13 years ago. I went and saw him once a week for about a year; then I stopped going. It's been 12 years since I have seen my brother.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Ryan asked me.

"I think I should probably go alone. He doesn't know you so it might be weird for him."

"That's right. He doesn't know me. Does he even know you have a daughter?" Alex paused before realizing what he said. "Had." A sad look washed over both of our faces.

"No. He doesn't. I have an address, I'll go tonight. We will have a lot to catch up on, mostly on my end, so I will probably be home late." How much could a guy who has been in prison for 13 years have to talk about? Me on the other hand, my life is completely different from what Ryan is going to remember.

I finished up work and then packed up my things. Alex was going to drive me home so I could get the second car. That way he could still leave the house if he needed to.

"I love you." He told me as I was getting ready to leave.

"I love you too. More than anything." I replied before giving him a kiss.

"Be careful. I don't want you to get hurt. I can't lose somebody else I care about."

"I'll be fine. And if I run into any trouble or I need you for anything, I'll call."

"And I will answer. I don't care if it is 3:00 in the morning. You call, I will answer."

I gave Alex another kiss before getting in the car and pulling out of the driveway. I was going to see my brother.