Things Are Different

Chapter 5: What Is Going On

While Tom went to watch and rewatch the video of the shooting, I looked at FP for help. "Look, I saw him and it definitely could have been your dad, Polly. I think he was looking for your mom." FP hadn't told me that, but I had been crying most of the time so I couldn't really blame him. "He was looking around but she was already under our table." I didn't even notice that he said 'our,' but after a second, I hoped Polly wouldn't either. "How would he even know that mom was here?" I gulped "we were together at Sierras office right before. He followed me out of the building, he could have followed in his car." All I could think was that he would have seen FP and me together if he did follow me, and that could be why Pop was shot.

Polly sat looking at me trying to figure out my facial expressions while we waited for Tom to return to us. After a few minutes, he did and showed us all, including Polly, the video. "That could be anyone mom. He's wearing jeans and sneakers." At this point, I understood she wasn't going to believe me so I sighed. "Look, Polly, it was him. I know what your father looks like." I gulped. "You aren't going to listen to me, so just, be careful. Please tell me when you're going to be with him so I can make sure you're safe." Polly looked at me for a second "I don't believe you mom, but this was a lot, so I'll tell you when I'm with him." She paused for a moment. "I love you, mom." She hugged me "are you going to be okay if I go meet dad for dinner?" I gulped and looked at FP and then back at Polly "text me when you leave. I love you so much, Polly." With that, she walked away.

Once she was gone I wrapped my arms around FP, not wanting to feel alone. "She'll be okay, Ali," he said reassuringly before planting a kiss on the top of my head. I truly hoped he was right.

"Alice if you truly believe this is Hal, and I believe you do, we will need you to make a formal statement," Tom said, pulling me back into reality. I gave him a slight nod as he looked away and tapped a young deputy on the shoulder to help take my statement.

The four of us all sat in a corner booth, FP and I on one side, and Tom with his deputy who I learned was named Lewis Campbell on the other side, setting up their equipment to record my, and I assume FP's statements. Once the recorder was on the men across from me looked up and Tom started the questioning, with Deputy Campbell wearing the headphones to make sure everything is recorded and easily understood.

I once again had to explain that Hal and I are in the midst of a divorce and I had seen him at Sierra McCoy's office, wearing those pants and shoes I saw on the Black Hood from behind the booth, less than an hour ago. I also had to give pictures of Hal to be compared to the video. The final question for me was what threw me. "Do you believe either of your children would be willing to give a DNA sample to test against DNA found at the scene? If it matches we will be able to get a warrant to search his apartment." I really didn't know. "I can probably convince Betty too," I said, faking my confidence in that statement as I squeezed FP's hand under the table.

Tom nodded and then turned off the machine. "Let's take a bit of a break before we take FP's statement." Although a break sounded nice, I really just wanted to get it over with so I could go home. "Can we just keep going?" I asked, forcing out my usual tone, instead of the shaken and defeated tone that wanted to force its way out. Tom looked at Deputy Campbell who shrugged and then at FP who gave him a nod. "I'm good to keep going." Tom nodded in reply and turned back on the machine to start recording FP's statement.

FP explained that he had been getting up from our table when he saw the Black Hood walk in and told me to get down. He said he thought he recognized the masked intruder but got down to get in a safe position rather than studying everything about the man. I could tell he was getting frustrated with the repeated questions and I placed a hand on his knee, squeezing it to make him know I was alright.

FP and I's statements, which mainly consisted of repeated statements were completed after almost 2 and a half hours. God that sheriff is incompetent. I hoped he would be able to prove it was Hal. "Do you want me to stay with you tonight, Ali?" FP asked as he walked me to my car. I sighed. "I want you to, but Betty is home and I don't want her to get suspicious. I'll text you all night though." He nodded and kissed me right before I got in my car. "Be careful." I smiled slightly and got in my car.

I checked my phone to see that there was still no message from Polly telling me she had left Hals apartment and was headed back home. I took in a deep breath and texted Polly asking if she was alright. As soon as I saw it hadn't been delivered I texted Betty telling her to lock the doors and not let anyone, including her father inside.

If I was thinking clearly I would have told FP where I was going, but I didn't care. I just needed to be sure my oldest was safe.

I drove to Hals's apartment and jumped out of my car before even turning it off. I went to his window and inside I saw Polly, sitting on his couch looking terrified, and Hal, pacing back and forth with a gun in his hand. My heart dropped as I went inside the apartment building trying to figure out how to get him by surprise.

Authors Note: Sorry it has been a while since I posted, I was out of town and then had my birthday! Hope you enjoyed this part!