In The Dark

Chapter 8

I'm dancing around the mop when the doorbell rings. Setting the mop aside and turning of the music I open the door to the Detective holding some papers. I move aside and motion for him to come in.

"Hello Detective come in." I sit on the couch and he pulls up a chair from the kitchen.

"My lead wasn't very definitive so I don't want you to get upset when I ask this," he pauses as if to make sure I've got a grip on myself. "We have evidence of Joseph Barnes walking into Mr. Daughtry's offices."

"What are you trying to say? That Mason had something to do with all of this? That's not possible, it's just not I- I would know," I say growing more upset towards the end.

"No it could be a misunderstanding or for other purposes entirely," he says placating me. Surprisingly it works and I calm down thinking of any reason why it couldn't be Mason. "You do know what Mason does right?"

"Yes sir but he employs others so maybe Joseph talked to one of them. They never acted like they recognized each other."

"You're right I'm gonna have to talk to Mason and his employees do you know when he will be back."

"No," I say bitterly thinking about his text, "but you can stay until he gets back if you want."

"Thank you, but I think I should get back to work," he says standing up.

"Oh wait what about the restraining order?"

"Yes right, well I can take a look around the property to make sure you don't have to worry about anything tonight if you want while you fill that out and when I'm done I'll grab it on my way out." I think about how much safer I'll feel knowing he looked around and nod. What if my kidnapper found me again? I almost wish he would just so Detective Sparks could find him right now and I wouldn't have to be scared anymore.

I read the paperwork when he walks out and frown when I notice that it's only for 6 months. Maybe by then he'll be in jail, if he really did have something to do with what happened. Deciding 6 months of peace is worth filing for I start filling it out. Not being very adept with paperwork, it take me a while to get through. Detective Sparks walks back in just as I'm finishing.

"Thank you Detective," I say walking to the door. I hand him the papers and he smiles.

"Everything is clear outside, call me if you need me."

"I will, thank you." I close the door behind him and groan into the silence.

I choose to take a nap hoping to pass the time and wake up when Mason gets home.

When I wake up it's darker. I must have slept late, Mason probably didn't want to wake me. I go to the door and freak out when it won't open. I start shaking and twisting the knob and screaming.

"This isn't funny Mason! Open the door!" When nothing happens I back away whimpering. Tears blur my eyes but I find the window. Gripping the bottom I use all my strength to pull it up but it won't budge. I wipe the tears away so I could see better hoping it's just locked. When I can see I notice it's cemented, I look out the window when I notice a shadow move and gasp when I see Joseph. Fear grips me as I scramble backwards. I bump into something warm. Turning around I let out a breath of relief at Mason. I start to hug him but when he doesn't hug me back I step away. Looking up at him I scream at the sinister smile on his face.

"Scarlett," he says.

"Scarlett," Joseph says.

"SCARLETT!"

I scream kicking and punching until I'm held down sobbing.

"Scarlett love it was just a dream, breathe baby breathe." Mason says. I immediately back away thinking of the dream but when I've calmed down a bit I jump up and hug him sobbing.