SNUFF

Dustin Geller

By the time I made it to work it was quarter to one, Dustin was already sitting at the front counter when I walked in.

"Sorry, I'm late," I said, trying not to make eye contact with him. "My mom's got the car today so I had to walk."

"That's okay – I'm surprised you even came in. Marcy told me you were pretty good friends with Cindy." I looked up at Dustin who didn't seem affected by the news.

"I don't know how someone could do that to another person," I said thinking back to the video. "I hate knowing that there are disgusting people like that out there." I spat. Dustin frowned as I spoke.

"I know, it's horrible. Marcy's going to be a mess about this for a long time. Cindy was a close friend of hers too. And Sheriff? Damn. He looked rough, didn't he? I hate seeing people like that." Dustin's voice was soft. There was silence as I stood on the other side of the counter unsure of how to respond.

"I was actually hoping you'd come in, Jer," Dustin spoke hesitantly. "Do you mind taking over for the day? Marcy's not taking the news well and I really don't want to leave her alone right now..." Dustin trailed off as I began to nod my head in agreement. At least it gives me time to think. I thought as I brought my backpack down off my shoulder. I felt tense as I slid my bag onto the counter which carried Cindy's tape and her cell phone.

"Are you sure? I completely understand if you would rather take the day. I know she was a friend of yours too." He asked.

"It's fine, really." I said, "Marcy needs you more than the video store does." I shrugged and Dustin let out a sigh of relief. I felt like I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I wanted to confront Dustin because, on one hand, I felt like I had enough evidence to bring forward but on the other hand, I wasn't entirely sure that it was him who had done these horrible things. I wanted – no, needed – the answer before approaching the authorities or thinking of confronting Dustin. The last thing I wanted was to frame someone for a murder they didn't commit.

"Hey, did you go into my desk at all?" Dustin's question caught me off guard as he poked his head out of his office. I hadn't even realized he'd gotten up from his seat.

"Um... yeah," I said struggling to find an excuse. "I had to use your stapler but couldn't find it. I should have cleaned up after myself. Sorry." I said and Dustin laughed.

"Yeah, it's a freaking mess in here, sorry about that." He laughed.

"Are you sure you don't mind me leaving?" Dustin came out of his office with a few items in hand. A bag of VHS tapes, a magazine and a pair of mud-covered shoes.

"What's all that for?" I said, my eyes fixated on the bag of tapes and the dirty shoes.

"Oh, these?" He said bringing up the bag of VHS tapes "My kids love Disney movies so I'm bringing a bunch home for them to watch."

"What about your shoes?" I snapped. He looked taken aback for a moment then smiled.

"What about them?" He narrowed his eyes.

"They're all dirty – how'd they get like that?" I could feel the tension between us build.

"I have kids that like to play in the mud. What are you trying to get at, Jeremy?" Dustin placed his items on the counter and crossed his arms. In all the years I'd known Dustin, I had never been on the receiving end of Dustin's anger. He furrowed his brow. "What are you trying to get at, Jeremy?" He repeated himself and took a step closer, unfolding his large muscular arms.

"I'm sorry," I said taking a step back realizing the situation I was in. Dustin and I were around the same height, but he carried an advantage that I didn't. His weight. He looked to weigh at least fifty pounds more than me and most of which looked like muscle. "With everything that's happened, it feels like everyone's a suspect." I stumbled over my words as I spoke, and Dustin's shoulders and chest dropped. His intimidating demeanour fell, and he gave me a sad smile.