Double Faced Twins

Chapter 16

After a night of pure ecstasy with Benson, he insisted that I allow his driver to take me home. We took way too long to say our goodbyes. Once we finally released each other, his driver took me home. I punched the garage code in and went inside. I had texted Grace last night to let her know that I wouldn't be home and asked her to wait for me today. I need her to drive me into the office since my purse and car were still there.

I was shocked to find our home in disarray. Furniture is knocked over, photos of Grace and I lying broken on the floor where they fell, and our books that once filled our bookcase scattered on the floor.

"Grace!" I screamed once I got over my initial shock. I ran upstairs, "Grace!" I called again, still with no response. I arrived at her bedroom door, and it was open. I rushed inside and found absolutely nothing. Grace is nowhere. Grace is missing.

I fumbled in my back pocket for my phone, and without thinking, I hit Benson's number.

He answers on the first ring, "Well, hello there, gorgeous, miss me already?"

As soon as I hear his voice, I burst into tears.

"Faith, what's wrong? Where are you? Are you okay, Baby?" His concern is evident.

All that I could get out was, "Grace... gone..."

"Did you say that Grace was gone?"

I finally find my voice, "Yes, she's gone! The house is a disaster!"

"Baby, you need to take a deep breath. I'm on my way. Call 911, and don't touch anything. Can you do that, Faith?" Benson says in such a soothing tone that he immediately calms me down.

"Yes, I can do that. Benson, please hurry. I'm so scared!" I can't hide the fear in my voice.

"I'm already down to my car, and I'll be there soon, Baby. Now go and dial 911. Every second counts."

We hang up, and I quickly dial 911.

The operator answers, "911, what's your emergency?"

I explain, "My sister, Grace, is missing. I came home and found our home destroyed. She was supposed to be here waiting for me."

"May I ask who is calling and have your address and phone number so that I can send a patrol car over?" she requests.

I give her my information, and she tells me that if I'm in no danger, to wait outside for the police to arrive. I do as she says. It's Benson who comes first, he jumps out of his car, and we run toward each other. When he takes me into his arms, I let go of all of the emotions that I've been trying to keep in control. He holds me tightly and lets me cry.

A few moments later, a police officer arrives. She approaches us and Benson pulls me away enough to look into my face, "Are you ready for this?" he says as he uses his thumb to gently brush away my tears.

I take a deep breath, "Yes, I have to be strong for Grace."

"Hello, are you Faith Henson?" an officer asks.

"Yes, I'm Faith Henson. I called regarding my sister. She's missing," I explain.

"When is the last time that you saw her?" She inquires as she gets a small notepad out of her pocket.

"Yesterday morning," I reply, "And yes, I know that it's only been twenty-four hours. However, if you would take a look inside my home, you would see my concern."

She looks up at me from her notepad, "Show me the way."

Benson and I lead her inside, and Benson pulls me close to him when he sees the chaos in front of us. "Damn, Faith, this doesn't look good."

I look up into his concerned face, "I know."

The officer does not go any further before turning towards us, "Let's step back outside. I'm going to call a detective to investigate; meanwhile, this is considered a crime scene, and I'm going to have to secure it."

We turn around and leave my home. The officer closes the door and goes to her vehicle. She returns with a roll of yellow tape and secures my front door with the crime scene tape. She then takes out her cell phone to make a call.

When she finishes her call, she comes over to Benson and me, "The detective should be here very soon. He has instructed me to keep the scene secure and to make sure that you, Miss Henson, stay here to speak with him."

I glance over at Benson with fear on my face. "I'm not going anywhere, Faith," he assures me as he embraces me and kisses the top of my head.

I relax into him, "Thank you," I whisper against his chest. Then I realize that Liza has no clue as to what is going on. "I have to call Liza."

"Let me," Benson replies while taking his phone out of his pocket with one hand and still holding me firmly with the other one. He puts his phone on speaker.

"Good morning, Double Faced Advertising. How may I help you?" Liza answers and tears start streaming down my face knowing that my best friend is about to hear the devastating news.

Benson takes over, "Liza, this is Benson. I'm here with Faith. It looks as if, um, something happened to Grace."

"What?" Liza screams. "What happened?"

"We have no idea, she's missing, and the house is a mess. Faith will not be in today." Benson explains.

"Faith! Is she okay?" she asks.

Benson kisses my forehead. "She's doing as well as can be expected."

"Should I just close the office and come to her?" I can hear the crack in her voice.

I shake my head, and Benson answers, "She said no. It's probably best if you stay at the office just in case she calls you or shows up there."

"I guess you're right, but please promise that you'll keep me updated," she replies with urgency.

"We promise that we will, and please call us if you hear from her," he added. Benson puts his phone away.

"This is all my fault!" I say through tears.

Benson pulls away from me and looks at me with confusion, "What? Why do you think that this has anything to do with you?"

"If only I were home instead of having the best night of my life. I'm so fucking selfish. I should've been here for Grace!" I practically scream.

"Whoa, Baby! If you were here, you too would be missing or worse. Wait-- did you say that you had the best time of your life last night with me?" He questions me with wide eyes. He looks so adorable that I can't help but let a small smile escape me.

"At least Grace wouldn't be alone." I look down, ashamed that I was not here for my sister.

Benson lifts my chin so that our eyes meet. "If you went missing, I would be devastated. I never want to lose you, ever!

He hugs me again, but this time it feels different. It feels like he is holding onto me for dear life. We stayed embraced until the detective arrived full of questions for Benson and me.

This nightmare is just getting started--

*****