Wearing Her Shoes

Let's talk

Liam's POV

I stepped out of my car and looked around bewildered at the number of cars. Three police cars and an ambulance were blocking Pasolli-Ginger Street. I hurried in front of the gates to get a better view of what was going on. A male nurse was placing a grey cloth over a dead body. I recognized the man as James, an old colleague of mine.

"Hey James," I greeted.

"Liam! Hi, man! Why are you here?" he replied.

"A friend of mine lives here. What happened? Who died?" I said.

"A gang was attacking the house and shot the poor guy," James answered. "He's called Jamal, I guess."

I sighed in relief. "Oh, how about everyone else? Is Ms. Williams alright?"

"No one else is hurt. The policemen are arresting any gang men still in there. I guess she's inside," he said.

"Okay, thanks," I replied patting his shoulder. The gates were opened, so I proceeded to the doors that were broken. Whoa! I was met by a policeman the moment I entered the house.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"I'm coming to see Ms. Williams," I replied.

He gave me an uneasy look before leading me to the officer who allowed me to where the Williams were. Two blondes who looked familiar sat on one of the couches in the living room. The guy placed his arm over the girl as she sobbed. Another guy with hair slightly lighter than mine approached the officer who was standing beside me. He gave me a weird look before returning his gaze to the officer. Why is everyone giving me these looks? I ignored him and scanned the rest of the room for Sara. She was sitting on the couch beside the blondes with her palms covering her face. Blood was scattered over her pajama. My heart raced as I noticed a girl sitting on her knees trying to comfort her. I approached them and stood silently watching Sara's shoulders shake as she sobbed her heart out.

"Sar," I coughed. "Ms. Williams?" Both girls looked towards me. Sara's bloody eyes were filled with tears. I spotted weakness in her gaze, and I felt like grabbing her to my chest and wrapping my arms around her till her shudders subsided and her tears stopped.  Unfortunately, such an action would increase everyone's suspicion of me. After all, they don't know who am I, and I'd rather keep my identity hidden for now.

I crouched beside the other girl and faced Sara. "What happened?"

"Who are you?" the girl asked.

"I'm an old friend of hers," I replied.

"Liam, please take me outta here," Sara whispered. "I need some fresh air."

I nodded and took her palm that was extended to me. "Natallie, I'll take a walk outside for a bit," she informed the girl.

Natallie nodded. "Okay, no problem."

            I took her delicate palm in mine and walked her to the villa's garden. A light breeze caressed our faces as we walked on the grass. The moon's reflection was dancing on the surface of the pool, and the garden was poorly lit. We sat on the lounges in front of the pool.  Sara lied down as I watched her eyelids set slowly on her eyes. "Liam, we're best friends, right?" she said after a moment of silence.

"Of course!"

"And you're the family I never had, right?" she added.

"Yes," I replied getting suspicious.

She sighed. "I'm very confused and tired, and I don't know what to do anymore. I'm scared, and I need to talk to someone."

"Talk, and I'll listen as I always do," I said.