Alexander's Disappearance

15

         No. 

        How did they? Of course, they would eventually. Yes, they would eventually. Everything that is lost will be found, eventually. It could take days, months, decades, or centuries. But why did they have to find his body now?

        I know Detective West and Arkham were supposed to be my allies, but they were starting to look like my enemies. 

         Alexander's corpse was found. It was rotting under something, rotting somewhere—I don't know where, and I couldn't imagine going to see it. I wasn't afraid of dead bodies, or gore, or anything, but to see what I potentially did frightened me. No. I didn't do it. There was no proof I did it. My eyes were watering as I held the phone against my face. I had to play the crying wife, but I don't think I was playing anymore. Elijah was silent on his end and so was I except for the soft whimpering of my cries.

         Noah held me closer now. His hand was still touching me, but he removed it when I gently shrugged him off. 

         "I-I... I don't know what to say." I sat down on the couch. Noah stood up with his arms crossed, his eyebrows furrowed as he watched me talk to Elijah.

         "I'm sorry, Eva," Elijah softly spoke. "I'm so sorry."

         "Who... Who could've done something like this? Where was he?" I whispered. My hand gripped the phone hard as I brought my knees to my chest. 

         They found Alexander's body. The words continue to run around in my head. They would find a lead. Was I crying because Alexander's death was true? Or was I crying because now, they'll have a lead to his case? And everything will lead up to me. Me. Whether I did it or not, I didn't want to risk the chances of being thrown in jail. I don't even know why I am crying! But I don't want to know. My tears were a mystery, and they should remain a mystery.

       Because I don't want to witness myself become a monster.

       "His body was found in a small forest in Cleveland, which is strange. They buried it and placed a dead squirrel on top but they were skeptical about the scent."

       That was weird. Cleveland? That was not me. I did not kill Alexander. I did not bury Alexander. I did not recall that. I was not part of that plan.

       "I'll give you some time," Elijah said. "If you want to have a week off, that'll be fine. You're the boss. I'll take care of everything."

      "N-No... That's your friend as well—your close friend," I sniffed. "I can't talk right now. I'm sorry."

       "No worries, take care."

       "Thank you for informing me."

         The phone hangs up and I remain crying. I felt Noah's embrace and I sunk my face into Noah's chest. My body continued to shake as I sobbed into the soft material of his hoodie. He rubbed circles against my back in silence. I was hyperventilating, my body was warm but shaking. I felt a lack of connection with reality. I felt my body spiral into an abyss but my brain was fighting for dominance. My body was not going to shut down on me. Although my heart was palpitating, and the fear continued to rise, I leaned away from Noah. 

        No. I had to catch my breath. I had to think. 

        Alexander's body was found all the way in Cleveland. I don't remember burying his body at all. It was impossible for me to do that. My heart was hammering against my chest. Questions were floating, roaming in the hallway of my mind. I continued to cry but now, my brain was functioning again. Noah was still holding me but silent. I was sure his brain was functioning as well. He must've heard our entire conversation.