The Boy Next Door (boyxboy)

Chapter 22

Niall walked through the station with his hands cuffed behind his back as he nervously looked around. Time seemed to slow as he met Harry’s eyes and he paled slightly, their intense gazes keeping contact for a good amount of time before Niall was pulled into a room. Harry couldn't handle interrogating Niall so he told his workers he would just watch and listen to the interrogation. He couldn’t talk to Niall the way he did to criminals. He just couldn't do it. Deep down, a part of him knew he still loved and missed Niall. It hurt him to think of Niall that way. Niall couldn't have done this. It was Niall for crying out loud. Maybe his car was just a terrible coincidence…

“Sir, are you ready?” Harry shook his head, smirking.

“Josh, how many times have I told you to call me Harry?” Josh smiled but it didn't reach his eyes as he was concerned. 

“Are you okay?” Harry frowned but nodded. 

“Fine”. He forced a smile. “Let’s get on with it, shall we?” Josh gave an unsure nod and followed Harry to the room beside the interrogation room. Niall sat in the uncomfortable chair, biting at his nails as he glanced around nervously. Having claustrophobia didn't help being in an enclosed room with only a mirror as he presumed police were behind. He hated this. He hated it so much. He was terrified. Niall had always feared the police and getting into trouble. He jumped as the door opened and a policeman walked in, throwing a folder on the table. Harry noticed the open skin of Niall’s neck and arms. That wasn't normal. Was Nancy back?

“Niall Horan”. Niall pried his nails away from his mouth and clenched his jeans.

“Y-yes”. Nathan opened the folder and spread out the photos of the dead children.

“Do you recognise these?” Niall stared in horror at the bashed bodies, shaking his head vigorously. “Don’t lie Mr. Horan!”

“I-I d-don’t…” Niall took a deep breath. “I-I haven't seen them before”. Nathan threw another set of photos on the table, making Niall jump, his eyes wide in fear. 

“Then why were you at the crime scene the exact time of the kidnapping?”

“I…I don't know”. Nathan sighed. 

“You have agoraphobia?” Niall nodded. “You were in the exact place, the exact time a young boy was kidnapped from, when you have fears of the outdoors, and you don't know?” Nathan threw his fist against the table making Niall flinch. 

“I-I was l-looking a-a-after my n-nephew”. Nathan hit the table again. 

“Stop stuttering and answer me Horan!” Niall watched Nathan with fear filled eyes.