Shadow

Chapter 17

Warning: This chapter contains direct references to death and self-harm. If you do not cope well with these topics, DO NOT read this chapter. I repeat, DO NOT read this chapter. The story will still make sense in the next chapter and I will include a brief summary at the beginning for those that wish to skip this chapter. Now on with the story :)

...

My heart pounded against my chest as I sprinted across the road and into the house. There was an old lady outside, she was shaking and crying, repeating something over and over again. Her son was beside her, holding her. When I got inside, I saw the officers heading towards a room. As I rushed past them they said something to me, probably to stay out, but I couldn't hear them over the sound of my heartbeat echoing through my skull.

I came to a halt in front of the closed door. The only sound I could hear was the pounding of my heart and the heavy footsteps of the officers behind me.

"Miss," The female police officer said to me, pulling me back, "You're going to have to leave the property, you don't have a reason to be here, we can't allow you to mess with a crime scene."

"Crime scene?" I said, probably too loud, as the police officer raised both of her eyebrows.

"I guess you can see for yourself," She sighed.

I moved towards the door, eyeing the police officer, who looked away. I turned towards the door.

I was praying that they hadn't found something that would trace back to Riley. He hadn't done the right thing when he was alive, but he had the right reason behind it. I would defend him regardless.

I closed my eyes and pushed the door open.

In front of me was a sight that I wished no one would ever have to see, something that could scar you for eternity.

In front of me was hanging the body of Ms James.

My hand flew to my mouth as I pushed back a scream.

My eyes raked over the scene. A rope. Attached tied at her neck, suffocating her, killing her. A chair. Probably used to propel herself to such a height. A fan. Surprisingly sturdy enough for someone to hang from.

Her lips had turned a pale blue. Her skin a pasty white. She was wearing a cream lace nightdress. She was still. She was limp. Her feet were bare and turned inwards. Her long hair was trapped under the noose. Her head was to the side, like a piece of biblical art. She looked disappointed and sad. Surrendered.

I choked back the bile that was rising in my throat.

Why?

Why did she do this?

I walked into the room. I could feel the police officers watching me, but they knew it was best not to say anything. My fingertips touched the chair that she would have pulled herself up with. My arm softly brushed against her limp toes, but I didn't flinch.

I could almost imagine her as she decided to take her own life. The way she would've held the rope in her hands, contemplating her decision one last time before stepping onto the chair to tie the rope to the fan. The way she would have tied a noose in the rope, big enough to put her head through and small enough to not let her out once she was in. The way she would've tightened the rope around her head. The way she would've taken one, deep breath before kicking the chair from underneath her. The way her body would've locked and jerked when she fell. The way her final breath would choke out of her.

I pushed the thought out of my mind and looked back up at Ms James' corpse.

And there it was.

Calling to be noticed.