Secrets In The Shadows

Chapter 15: Necessary Precautions

I don't even realize I've let out a scream when my brother and Dad come barreling down the stairs like someone broke in. The letter is still in my hands, I drop it like I've been burned. ''Huntress? What happened?'' my brother asks and when I don't answer he walks over to me and lightly grabs my shoulders.

Wordlessly, I point a shaking hand to the paper, he picks it up off the floor and quickly scan it. His teeth clench,as does the paper in his hand. He looks at me,and then turns to  look at Dad. I can see the anger in his eyes. I know its covering up the fear. He gives our dad a single command:''Call the police. Now'' 

Not even twenty minutes later, my uncle comes in with Detective Grey. My dad shows them the flowers and the poem. My uncle starts asking us questions.

Did you hear anything last night?

No.

Did you notice anything strange last night?

I felt like someone was watching me at Tyler's funeral

Soon the questions are only asked to me

In the past few weeks, have you noticed anyone being extra nice to you?

I refrain from snorting aloud.

No

Did you see anyone at the funeral acting strange?

No

Do you remember what Ms. Mayfield and Mr. Wilson were doing during the service?

"Why are you asking about Quesa and Mr.Wilson? What do they have to do with this?" I ask them.

My uncle and Detective Gray glance at each other. My dad steps closer to me. " Aiden, what happened?" my dad asks.

My uncle let's out a breath. "Mr. Wilson's neighbor reported last night hearing gunshots come from the Wilson's residence. My team and I arrived about 20 minutes later to find Wilson and Quesa dead....it seemed they were having....relations". My uncle looks uncomfortable.

I read between the lines. " So they were having an affair?" I ask bluntly. ''Huntress!'' my dad reprimands me and then turns to the detectives, a worried and shocked expression on his face. ''Were they Aiden?'' he asks.

My Uncle's lips fold in on themselves before he speaks, ''I am not at liberty to say. Now onto more important matters, until this killer is caught there will be a police car stationed outside your house every night''. My dad nods, ''And Huntress, you're not allowed to go anywhere by yourself until then do I make myself clear?'' he asks. I nod. 

My Uncle and Detective Grey leave, probably to go see the crime scene.  I head upstairs to my room before Hunter or my Dad can follow. I shut and lean against the door, my eyes closed. I open them when I feel a pounding at the base of my temple. Usually, I would choose an outlet for my powers that isn't too damaging. 

But, since when have things been usual lately?

Instead, I lock my door and walk to the other side of my room. I stand at my bedroom wall facing Tress, she shakes her head and charades a shoving away motion, telling me to move away from her, from the shadows. 

From what I'm about to do. 

I shake my head and ignore her. ''I'm sorry'' I tell her. 

Right before I place my hand on the wall and go through her. 

I feel the hotness of her anger and worry and shock but also of her love. I can feel her shadow hands twisting to grab a hold of me, any hold. But I dodge them. Soon I don't feel her anymore. Something wispy glides across my cheek. I refuse to open eyes. I can fell strands of torn shadows, but I don't know what from. 

As my hands glide over various shadows, I catch pieces of emotion buried among them. Sadness at a loved one's death, Regret over not studying for a chemistry test. Worry about a child's safety. Anger about nothing being done. Glee that my plan is going so well and soon we'll be together. 

What?

At that last emotion, I snatch my hand back like I burned it. 

Did I just feel the killer's emotions?

I search for the thread again but something pulls me away from it. No! I scream mentally. Take me back!  I try to retract away from the pull but its too strong. Soon I'm out of the shadowy place or the shadow realm, I know because I feel like I just left apart of myself behind. I shake my head, pulling myself together. That's not what I came here for. 

I take a breath.

Then another. 

Before opening my eyes to see the crime scene.