Chasing Astrid Malone

31. A LIKELY SUSPECT

This chapter will be written from multiple points of view, but I promise to make it clear when I've switched to another person. Enjoy!

Astrid

Confusion and pain were the first things I could focus on before I opened my eyes. My head was throbbing and I could feel something wet and sticky on the back of my head. I reached up to feel for the source but was stopped before I could reach it. My hands were held back by something. Opening my eyes I could see I was zip-tied to a chain on both wrists. The chain went behind me to a metal bar on the wall, I grasped each chain and tried pulling. The bar wasn't going to budge.

Taking in my surroundings, I was in some type of warehouse. Cement flooring and walls, mostly empty, and no one in sight. There were empty pallets stacked against walls and wooden crates. I could feel the panic rising as I realized the danger I was in, bile rising in my throat threatening to spew what little I had in my stomach.

I don't know how I got here. The last thing I remember Cameron came to see me, he wanted to wait for me to get out and drive me home. I told him Tristan was coming to get me at closing time and he got pissed, knocking over the shelf next to him. I bent down to start cleaning up everything from that display case and that's it... I woke up here.

I searched my surroundings again and saw a door. If I can get out of these zip ties I'm guessing that door will be my best chance at getting out of here. I maneuvered myself and the chains to reach my head, still aware of the sting I felt along with the throbbing. It was sticky and I could feel an open wound, My fingers now covered in blood.

Did Cameron do this to me? I know he was mad about Tristan, but I didn't think he would ever hurt me. I tried to remember more but my head was killing me. All I can do right now is try to find a way to break the zip ties before someone comes back.

Cameron

My whole body shaking, I left Dan's room after changing into a clean pair of his clothes. I shoved the bloody clothes into a bag and was about to take it out to my truck when I saw the flashing lights pull up outside. "Fuck"

How would the cops even know to come here? Who could have tipped them off? Someone must have seen my truck at the hardware store and gave them my plates. Fuck. I was wracking my brain trying to come up with a story. I hid my bag of clothes under the couch, knowing my bloody knuckles would make them suspicious anyway.

BANG BANG BANG

"POLICE, OPEN UP"

Before I went to the door, I stuffed Astrid's phone under the couch cushions. I'm so sorry, Astrid. I don't know how or why this all happened. I opened the door and was confronted by two cops in uniform.

"Cameron Beck?" I wondered if they had already been to my house looking for me. My pops would be freaking out about now, and he hasn't called. "Yes, that's me. What's this about?"

"We would like to ask you a few questions, do you mind if we come in?" I don't see any way this ends without me leaving in handcuffs... Or worse. I'd rather not have them come in and find my last minute hidden items.

"This isn't my house, my friend is on his way home and he might not Appreciate coming home to a bunch of police." The cops were both taking note of the fresh wounds on my knuckles.

"If you would rather we can give you a ride to the station and talk there." I stepped aside and motioned for them to come in. I sat down on the couch directly on top of where I knew Astrid's phone was hiding. "Is there anyone else in the house?" I shook my head, no.