What Lurks in the Dark

Chapter 10

"Nathan, please calm down. I know you want to solve this case as much as I do but if our superiors find out your reaction they're going to take you off of it. You know they don't typically let us work on cases that involve family. I can't lose my partner Nathan," I said calmly. Nathan was pacing back and forth around our office. He was in a sheer panic but if I found out one shocking thing after another I would be in a frenzy too. First, he finds out his brother faked his death then he finds out the assailant we've been after was his brother. "I wish I knew what to say, I wish I had the right words."

"I need to work on this case. I just.. need a moment. I gotta go," he said abruptly and grabbed his jacket. He left the office and I chased him out into the lobby.

"Babes, wait," I called out to him but he just left. I wanted to chase after him and it took everything in me not to. But he deserved a moment to himself. I didn't want to keep him from working through his feelings. Hollie printed out the DNA report and I tucked it into the case file. I shoved it, along with my laptop, into my work bag and went to my car.

I sat in the driver's seat with my hands on the steering wheel. I couldn't figure out what to do. I knew there wasn't much I could do for him but it didn't sit right with me just leaving him alone. I shot him a quick text. I'll be at home. Come when you're ready. I didn't want to seem pushy but I definitely wanted him to know that I was there for him. I would support him no matter what. He came to mean so much to me in just months. 

It didn't seem like we'd been working on the case together for months. It seemed like it was just yesterday that I met him on the rooftop. His voice, his eyes, his soul. It was complex but beautiful. I found myself falling deeper and deeper into his warm embrace. I didn't even want to stop myself anymore. I leaned closer to the steering wheel and looked at the stars that filled the night sky. I took a few deep breaths and relaxed my mind.

I finally started my car and set towards my house. When I arrived I was happy to see that Jamie was there. I'd missed him. I kicked off my shoes and I climbed onto the couch with my older brother. He gave me that look, he knew I was conflicted. "Talk to me, Edy." I began to frown. 

"I'm sure you know what happened with Mason. That's been weighing on me, I would've just asked you to be his therapist but you're still injured and I-" He stopped me mid-sentence. 

"I already told him I'd do it. He told me about everything. We're gonna get things situated. You're not all alone in this world. It's okay to ask for help." He was always two steps ahead of me and I was jealous. I'm sure that he too had issues going on, but he was so good at making himself seem professional at all times. I was jealous of his strength.

"I know but asking for help makes me feel inferior like I can't get things done on my own," I hated asking for help. I didn't want anyone to know how damaged I really was, even when it was already showing. 

"You're stronger than you think. What else is running through that mind, sis?" Jamie always knew. He always knew when I had more to say. When I was holding back, when I was completely drained; he always knew even when I didn't show it.  He could see through me so well.

"So," I let out a long exhale before beginning to tell him about the case. "Nathan and I returned to the crime scene. We found DNA evidence that had been overlooked. We were shocked that it was even intact so we took it to my medical examiner and she showed us who it was." I paused for a moment. It was still sinking in how messed up the situation was. 

"Who was it?" Jamie asked with one eyebrow raised. I adjusted the pillow behind me and crossed my legs, resting my hands on my knees. 

"I think I told you in one of our last sibling therapy sessions that Nathan's brother Justin faked his death."