Monstrous

Chapter 7

My normally quiet work space became a madhouse within three seconds. For the first second, everything was quiet. No one moved, no one talked. In the second, there were gasps. By the third, everyone was talking loudly and my girlfriend lead away my employee in handcuffs.

I looked around quickly, my eyes meeting Briona's wide stare. We both sucked in a quick breath and ran after Valentia. "Valentia! What's going on?" She told the officers to take him away and turned back to me, grinning. "We have an eye witness who said that they saw him at a murder scene and we have DNA evidence."

"Are you are it's him? Couldn't you be wrong?"

Her wide smile dimmed. "DNA doesn't lie, Rayne. Why do you seem so concerned? You should be glad we're getting him off the streets."

"I am! This is just...crazy! And it's happening super fast. I mean, you just waltzed into my job and took one of my employees away in handcuffs! All in a span of two minutes!"

She smiled again, this time, it was a proud one. "Right? I'm proud of these guys we got the perp found considerably quick especially because it's so high end."

I felt a twinge in my chest but had no idea what it was.

Valentia walked over to give me a kiss on the lips before heading out to follow the officers and Isidore. Everyone one was still standing, shell shocked but chattering loudly when Briona and I walked over.

"Alright guys, I know that what just happened was very shocking and stressful but we need to go back to our work. I'm asking you guys to put aside what we've seen and get your work done."

They all look at me for a moment before nodding, grumbling, and heading to their desks, Briona along with them. I walked into my office and pace. My hands run through my hair and I sigh loudly.

My phone rang on my desk and I walked over to see Evan's name on the screen. "Hey, what's up?"

"Hey Ray, I just saw on the news that someone from your work got arrested for killing those people. That's wild. You okay?"

I cleared my throat. "Yeah, I'm all good. What's up with you?"

"It's all good here. I'm going to head home from work early today because Ava has a half day from school. Figured I'll pick her up and take her out. Do you want to meet us later tonight?"

"Sure! I'll be over after work."

"Alright, sounds good. I won't tell Ava, she'll be super surprised. Oh, can you bring some food with you? I don't feel like cooking tonight."

"Okay, sounds good. Love you."

"Love you too, sis."

We hung up and I looked out the window. It was raining, but not a crazy storm. It was a calm, light drizzle and I felt something inside me relax.

It was almost over. I was almost free. I breathed out a sigh of relief.

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I walked into Evan's house, placed a box of Chinese food on the dining room table, then walked into the livingroom and saw him sitting on the couch, cuddled up with Ava. She looked over at me and her face lit up, and my heart swelled. "Aunt Ray!" She ran over to hug me and I held on tight.

"Hi, baby girl! How are you today?"

"I'm really good! There was a half day at school today so I spent it with Daddy! He took me to get my nails painted and I got purple! They even put a little flower on my finger! Look!"

She pushed her tiny hand in front of my eyes. Her fingernails were a deep, sparkly violet. On top of her ring finger, a delicately painted white flower sat. "Wow! They're almost as pretty as you!"

She giggled and then snuggled into my arms. Evan walked over to give me a peck on the cheek. "Hey, kid. Did ya bring dinner?" I pretended to look upset. "Um..." Evan rolled his eyes at me.

"Damn Ray, always so forgetful."

Grinning, I turned to the table where I put our food and said "Ta da!" They both laughed and I felt so content, as if all the weight in the world had been placed onto my shoulders but was suddenly taken off and I could once again breathe.

We set up the food like a mini buffet and I filled up Ava's plate while Evan got her something to drink.I placed her in the living room so she could watch cartoons while she ate, then walked back into the dining room to get my own food.

Evan walked over to me and quietly asked "Are you really okay?"

"I really am. Thank god they got this killer off the streets, I feel so much better, ya know?" He nodded solemnly.

"Yeah, me too. We were all a little worried, you know? At least it's all over now. So..."

"What's up?" I ask, before taking a large bite out of my eggroll.

"Well, I've been thinking about maybe moving."

I blinked, completely surprised. "Really?"

"Yeah, I mean, this house holds a lot of memories, but some of them aren't that good. And, Ava and I could use a change of scenery. Everyone here is always looking at us like we're wounded animals. Sympathy is nice, but I hate pity."

"I understand. Where have you been looking at?"

"Just some small towns here and there. I found this one house, it's gorgeous. It's an old victorian with a bay window, wraparound porch, and a huge backyard. I think it would be a great place for Ava to grow up. Plus, it'll get us out of this place."

For a moment, I don't answer Evan, I just look at him. There is still pain in his eyes, pain that I think will never go away. My heart aches a bit as I realize that he needs to get out of here, to forget about everything and move on with his life.

"I think I like that idea. It'd be good for you and Ava to get the hell outta dodge. Move somewhere new, be around people who don't know anything about you and who won't have to feel like they need to walk on eggshells around you. I'm fine as long as I can visit whenever."

"Of course you can! Thanks, Rayne. I really needed you to be fine with this."

"I love you, and I just want you two to be happy."

We hug for a long time and when we stop, I link my arm through his. "C'mon, let's go see a picture of that house!"