Spirited Away To You

Chapter-48

The sunrays cracked over the horizon creating a perfect hue of colours and a perfect mood. Our flight was uneventful and we had reached my house at around four in the morning.

It was exactly the same as I remembered. The lawn with daisies and other flowers that survived the rough weather, the beautiful tree house in the backyard and the manila bungalow that stood in the middle. All the past memories rushed back when I saw the house.

My first walk in the backyard, building the treehouse with dad, almost burning down the kitchen while trying to bake cookies for my parents' anniversary. I laughed at the last thought remembering how frightened my parents were to hear the fire alarm go off.

The indoor furnitures were all covered in white sheets with spiders residing in the corners of the ceiling. Uncle slept in the living room while I went to sleep in my room, the old princess room with walls covered in band stickers, posters and a few pictures.

Sighing, I got to the kitchen where Uncle was brewing some coffee.

"You got the warrant and permission?" Uncle asked.

He had advised me that having a permission letter from a police officer would grant us the permission of checking in with other stations to get the case file.

So, I had asked Mikayla the favour and her father gladly sent me one when we were on our way.

"Yeah, I did and Mr. Gonzalez even called in for us," I said.

To say I was nervous would be the biggest understatement. I was going to open up a case that was closed for no suspects or witness and claimed as an accident.

"Let's go then, no need to delay, we got limited time," Uncle mumbled.

It was still strange to think Uncle would do all these to just clear up my vague understanding.

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We hailed a taxi which took us to the City of Upland Police Department. The precinct was surrounded with green shaven lawn, two palm trees guarding the door and the American flag hoisted up.

There was a huge group of Asian-American people gathered around at the front, locking horns with the police, who were trying their best to calm them down.

Uncle pushed through to the front to talk to some officers while I stayed rooted on the stairs. Ten minutes later, he returned with an angry scowl.

"The police can't attend to us, saying they have to take those people's statements first before tending to us," he breathed out.

"We can come after a while then, let's grab some breakfast," I suggested.

"Okay, let's go."

While Uncle decided to check in at Del Taco for a brunch, I made my way to Upland’s cemetery. The grasses were lively as if to show how peaceful the people were cocooned in their respective slumber.

I made my way around the huge monumental boulders that read my parent’s status. Placing the lilies I had plucked from our garden, I crouched down near them.

“Hey, Mom and Dad,” I sighed, my voice already breaking.

“Your princess, Abby has decided to come and meet her favourite people. Just so you guys know, I-I’m doing great, fantastic really.....Mom, please forgive me what I’m doing. I have to clear this out. Please, just know I love you guys more than anything,” I said and sprinted to the other direction not able to stay there any longer.

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We had a quick yet full meal at Del Taco and drove in to Starbucks for coffee and shake. It was almost noon, the streets still covered with protesters.

"What happened around here?"

"Don't know for sure, but some guy was killed by a serial killer who has murdered more people and is still on loose," Uncle said as we walked down to the station.

A beep came from his pocket as he gave a quick look before receiving the call. He had a disturbed look on his tanned face.

"Okay, I will be right there," he said disconnecting the call and turning towards me.

"Abby, go ahead and check out there, I will be right back."

"But, where are you going?" I asked confused, but he ignored me and crossed the road.

And here I was thinking that he would help me.

I solemnly walked into the police station where officers and agents were rushing around the place.

"Excuse me, ma'am, please wait-" a bald officer started but I cut him off.

"I just want to talk to officer Evan," I said.

"He is in duty now and others are busy, so-"

"It's really urgent, I just want to check a file of case filed on twenty-third of December 2016, I also have the-"

"Please, miss you are not understanding the situation, I have to ask you to leave," he said rudely, pointing to the door.

I grimly walked back defeated, not before glaring at him. I was almost out of there when I looked back and saw the officer walking away with his file tucked under his arm. I quickly rushed to the hallways and found the room labelled as 'Property Room' with the help of a indoor map.

The room was dimly lit and smelled of paper and cigarette. Dust prevailed the whole room which spiked up my sneeze, but I started going around the shelves for the particular date.

"Can I know what you are doing, miss?"

I nearly squeaked at the sudden exposure and whirled to see a guy with a gruffly moustache. He looked young with combed dirty blond hair and a well-built physique.

"Umm, I-I just wanted to find a file, the officers are really busy so," I said smiling nervously, "I also got a permission warrant-"

I shoved the permission letter into his hands which he eyed for some time before nodding.

"Sheriff Gonzalez is my distant Uncle," He said with his eyebrows up.

“Now that you tell me this, he actually did call Sir Evan about you and your Uncle coming.”

I was beyond relieved that he didn’t try ousting me before reading the warrant.

"Let's find the file then, shall we?" He asked sparkling a radiant smile.

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A/N: Hope you all are enjoying the story so far. Share your thoughts commenting down below and leave your favourite coloured heart at the end of your favourite chapter;) Also, stay safe!

Your friendly author,
Zafna