The Journals of Henry Dawson

Chapter 11

*Henry*

The pain in my chest was absolutely unbearable.  I don't know what's happening. One second I was with Greta about to proclaim my love for her and now I'm in a dark room practically hyperventilating from the intense pain in my chest. I don't understand, I havent felt pain since I died. Is this what crossing over feels like?

A bright light suddenly blinded my vision and all I could see were blurred figures. I tried to speak out to someone but I couldnt. I could feel my eyes growing heavy pulling me back into the dark. I tried to fight it but it was useless. My eyes shut and then I was back in my house only Greta was no where around. 

I decided to wait for her on the couch while I contemplated what the hell just happened to me? What were those lights, and those figures? Were they like me?

What was that pain in my chest and why does this keep happening to me?

*Greta*

As I drove to the police station to tell them about the hammer all I could think about was Henry. Had I scared him away when I revealed that I loved him? I thought he felt the same way for some reason which I guess is silly. I'm a stranger to him.

Although I couldn't help but feel this connection that were meant to be apart of eachothers lives. I know that he isn't alive but he's still here and he's still Henry. I would give him a chance if it was what he wanted because I know that I do.

I pulled up to the station trying to think of what to say to them that makes me sound the least guilty. I suppose I could say that I witnessed him hiding it? No. I can't lie like that about something so serious. Ill just tell them the truth. Maybe.

I walked inside to the front desk and let the woman know why I was there and she ushered me to a room in the back.

I recognised the Officer. He was the one I spoke to before who didnt want to help me unless I had proof of a crime. Well here's your proof now jerk, I thought bitterly.

"What brings you in today ma'am?" he asked as he reached for a donut, offering me one with sticky fingers.
Ew. I shook my head and took a seat.

"I know where to find evidence that Connor Andrews killed Henry Dawson." I decided to get right to the point.

"Well now. What kind of evidence ?" as he spoke crumbs fell all over his lap.

"Connor has a hammer hidden under his floorboards in his home. I believe that is what he used to kill Henry." I said firmly trying to keep my eyes from watering.

"Now ma'am, we have no reason to believe that this Henry Dawson fellow is even dead. There is no--"

"He's dead. I found a bloody page under Connors floor boards and it was from Henry's journal." my voice started to quiver but I stood my ground against him.
"Are you going to go and check it out and do your job or are you going to let an innocent man who was murdered not get the justice he deserves?"

Shock spread across the officers face and I could tell no one had spoken to him like that before but I can't hold back anymore. I love Henry and I don't care if Connor is dead now, people need to know what he did.

He cleared his throat and picked up the phone on the his desk.

"Hey Collins, its James. Yeah I need you and a couple of guys to head over and check out Connor Andrews house. Yeah." he paused. "Specifically under the floor boards. Were looking for a hammer. Alright." he hung up and walked over to me.

"I sent some officers to search for your imaginary hammer." he smirked.
"Now if they actually find this hammer, you're gonna need to explain why you were in his house and how you knew it was there. Got that?" he narrowed his eyes at me.

"Yes. I got that." I spun around on my heels away from him to wait in the lobby for the news.

About an hour passed and I was almost done with the most boring crossword puzzle ever when 3 police officers walked in carrying a plastic bag. Inside was the hammer.

I rushed up to the front desk but I seen Officer James gesturing for me to head back into his office. Okay. To lie or not to lie. I took a breath and headed back into his office.

He set the bag down on the table and folding his arms as he leaned against his desk.
"Well you were right. There is a hammer. Now we won't know who's dried blood is on there until the lab results come back but now I need to know the truth. How did you know it was there ?"

I can't tell him I broke in. I can't. I don't want to lie but I won't go to jail because of Connor. Here goes nothing.

" Connor sold me the house I'm living in so in the beginning we were close." I cringed internally. "I was over for dinner one night and I excused myself to the restroom but wound up in Connors room. I noticed one of the floor boards was raised and my curiosity got the best of me so I checked underneath and I seen the bloody page and the hammer."
" I lifted out the page and realized it was blood and stuffed it in my pocket quickly to take the police but when I left his house I tripped and dropped it somewhere." I tried to keep my breathing steady as I waited for him to answer me.

His eyes were searching mine and I hoped what he was truth and not the lies I was spilling out. I never was a good liar at all and that's why I usually never do it.

I guess he was satisfied with my answer because he walked over to me and held out his hand. "Id like to apologize for coming off as rude. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will call you when we hear back from the lab." I shook his hand and headed out to my car.

I can't believe I actually did that.
Oh well, what's done is done.
I refuse to let Connor get me and Eric behind bars.

Eric.

I hope he gets a lesser sentence now after everyone realizes that he was telling the truth about Connor. I feel so bad for staying out of this but he insisted that I do because it's what Henry would want. I don't think Henry would want his friend taking the fall for something like this alone but I did as he asked.

As I made the drive home my mind drifted back to Henry as it started to rain. A perfect drizzle again. I wonder if he is back now. I really hope I didn't scare him away.

I pulled into the drive way and walked slowly to the door relishing the feel of the cool droplets on my face. I was greeted by a warm home and I frowned. Was Henry still away?

Then a cool breeze enveloped me and I knew he was here.

"Well hello." I giggled, slightly relieved. " I thought I scared you away."

I felt a light tug towards the corner of the room by the desk and I glanced at the words on the page and smiled.

"I love you, Greta Hall."