Cracks Within

Chapter 20

Thursday 3rd January 2041.

My phone rings as I lie there, alone. I half open my eyes and reach for my phone, knocking over the glass of water that I kept by my bed. I swear to myself and put the phone to my ear, answering it.

"Hello?" I say, groggily.

A formal, male voice answers me. "Is this Anna Delaney?"

Sitting up, I frown at the question. "Yes, who's speaking?"

"Hello Ms Delaney, my name is Steven Smith. I'm a detective."

"Oh, okay. What can I help you with, Detective?"

"You are listed as Sam Mason's emergency contact, is that right?"

I take a deep breath. "Yes. I thought he had changed it, but I guess not."

He sighs. "That usually happens. I apologise for calling you so early."

I look over at the clock. 4.48am.

I yawn. "It's fine, Detective."

"Thank you. Are you at your home address? 26 Clover Road? It's where Mr Mason has put you down as your residence."

"Yes, that's correct. You're lucky, I only returned a few days ago."

He mumbles to another office (I presume). "Good. Would you be able to come to the station tomorrow? It's important."

"Erm..." I say, my brain not working properly. "Yeah, of course. Which one?"

"Thank you, Ms Delaney. The one situated by the town centre, do you know it?"

I rack my brain. "Yes, I do. What time?"

"Ten-thirty?" he replies.

"Yeah, that's great. I will see you then."

"Wonderful. Once again, thank you. And goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I stare at my phone after hanging up. A million thoughts go through my head as I start to panic. What's happened to Sam, I think to myself. Why would I need to go to the station? Did he hurt someone? Is he hurt? Are my kids hurt?

I hear Marshall walking up the stairs and fake sleep. He grunts as he gets back into bed, cuddling me. I feel his breath on the back of my neck. Harvey sleeps on the end of the bed, slightly grunting. I eventually fall asleep.

My alarm goes off at 9am. I rush to get ready. Marshall enquires where I'm going but I can't tell him the truth. I tell him that I've got an appointment at the doctors for a routine check-up. He kisses me and goes back to sleep as I run out of the house, jumping into the car. I back up as quickly as I can. Millions of thoughts run through my mind again, just as they did last night. I try to stop tears forming and pray (even though I'm an atheist) that he's okay. Maybe he has a parking ticket. Speeding tickets. Someone stole his wallet.

I arrive at the police station. I feel nauseous. I walk in, scared. A young man stands behind the reception desk, looking just as scared as I felt. I walked up to him, his golden hair glistening in the sunlight that was emanating from the window.

"Hello. How can I help you?" he says, trying to do eight things at once. He didn't look up from his computer. Flustered, he ran a hand through his hair. "Shit!!" he exclaims.

I stared at him, my eyes narrowed in a confused expression. I open my mouth to talk and then swiftly close it. I peep over the desk to see what he was trying to do.