The Vintner's Daughter

Chapter 5: Emma

It was getting too late for my father to be out this late. The rain hit the windows like nails, startling me with its repetitive noise. The water on the windows rolled down onto the ground as the roar of thunder spoke its last words.
       Should I go out there?
      I was never very fond of storms, but I had to check to see if my only family I had left was still alive. I rushed to the coat hanger, placed my coat onto my shoulders, and ran out into the freezing rain.
      "Father!", I screamed, "Father, where are you?" My heart began to pound like a sledgehammer against my chest. Each step I took lead me further and further away from my home. I didn't care where I was at this point. As long as I find my father, I will be okay.
       "Father! Please tell me where you are!" My lungs were burning from my screams and the fast pace of my feet. The rain kept beating down harder and harder, eventually blocking my view of the road. I turned a corner to find a dilapidated alley way full of mangled cats and garbage lying around. I hesitantly stepped further into the small area, but a strong, deadly smell stopped me in my tracks.
       "Oh my god! What is that smell?", I asked myself, as I stepped further into the area. I stopped once again to find a silhouette on the ground, helpless and lifeless. I quickly ran over to the body to see if I knew the person. A cloth covering his face prevented me from seeing him, so I did the unthinkable and removed it.
       A scream that came from my mouth could be heard from a mile away as I looked into the cold, dead eyes of my beloved father. His eyes showed no emotion as I attempted to bring him back by shaking him, which lead to no avail. The rain mixed with my tears as I tried to revive him, but his last breath was given too long ago. My brown hair began to stick to my face as I buried my face into his chest, screaming and crying from the loss and sorrow.
      Footsteps could be heard behind me and I was soon embraced by an unknown man. I slowly turned to see the face of Kendrick, which I quickly returned the embrace. His shirt began to get soaked from the rain and my tears, as he slowly picked me up. More people rushed to the alley and saw my deceased father, who was killed my a slit to the throat. I didn't know what became of me as I saw the police take my father away, later to have a funeral for him later in the week.
       "Miss Robin. If you would please explain to me what you saw in the last 30 minutes, it would be a great help for the investigation.", a policeman kindly said.
        "My father and I were celebrating an amazing event, when we realized we had nothing in the pantry. I offered to go get them myself, but he insisted that he would instead. I waited for about an hour and I came looking for him, and that is when I found the body."
         "Do you know who could have done this type of crime? Like a relative of some sort perhaps?" Kendrick asked as the policeman walked away.
          "That I know of, no. I couldn't possibly think of anyone hurting my father out of all people. He's a kind man, so what did he do wrong?"
           "I wish I could answer that, but I honestly don't know."
            As the sky slowly stopped crying, Kendrick offered to take me back to my house, which I accepted. My heart was still racing and the image of my fathers face will never leave my mind.
            "Kendrick?"
            He stopped and turned around.
             "Yes?
             "I just want to say thank you for walking me back to my home and comforting me after... that."
              "It was no problem at all, Emily. If you need anything, just send a letter in advance," he lightly took my hand and placed a sweet kiss on my knuckles, and began to leave.
                As I walked up to my room, I couldn't help but look through my fathers office, knowing I had to continue the business.
                 At least I have Kendrick, I thought, I hope he can help me with a majority of everything.
                 My last thought was the sweet kiss he placed on my hand as my mind slowly drifted to sleep.