Page 84 of Shadows of Timber Creek

Tilly

I couldn’t sleep. I spent all night googling and researching before I passed out. I think I slept for about two hours when the morning sun peeked through my curtains.

My fingers rub at my heavy eyes before I blink, staring at the ceiling. My eyes trace over the woodwork. The cedar that was smoothed and carved to make this beautiful home. I scan, passing the air vent. Something catches my eye, and I jerk my gaze back, squinting hard at the bronze colored cover.

Something urges me to get up, so I do. I run downstairs to grab a screwdriver, before jogging back to drag my desk chair across the room. I slowly climb, then use the tool to unscrew the vent. Something had reflected for a split second when I scanned over it earlier and that voice in my head wouldn’t shut up.

The last screw is tight, but I keep twisting until it finally let loose. My fingers grip the metal, working it away from the ceiling so I can get a clear view inside.

My stomach sours immediately. I’m face to face with a small black object. A small camera. I have to swallow down the urge to puke as I pluck the device out. It’s wireless and the small lens must have been what hit the light just right.

My brows furrow and then the realization occurs. I’ve been watched. Seen. Violated. Private moments.

I cover my mouth, jumping down from the chair as I rush to the bathroom. I heave up what little food I have in my system. Blaine. How could he have done this? Watching me? I knew he was getting controlling, but this? This is crossing the line. This is intrusive. This is wrong.

I knew what I had to do. I pick myself up off the floor, got dressed, and then headed down to the station. Something wasn’t adding up.

I storm into the squad room, not even bothering to wave at Myra, the receptionist. Rex’s eyes widen when he sees me, and I stop in the middle of the room.

“Can someone tell me where my brother is?” I ask.

The entire room falls silent. I had never spoken this loudly and this public…...ever.

Rex let a small smile hit his lips. “He’s back here. Come on.”

I quickly stay on his heels, and he leads me to a room where my brother and Easton, along with Jace and Jordan have documents and pictures scattered everywhere.

I dig out the plastic bag in my purse. “I found this hidden camera in my bedroom this morning.”

Adam leans up. “You found what?”

I hand him the bag. “Blaine was watching me. Videoing me without my knowledge.”

“What the fuck?” Easton scoffs.

“I don’t know if there’s more, but I want them gone and I want to know where the footage is being sent and stored.” I drop my bag. “What’s all this?” I point to the papers.

“I got my buddy to send over what they had for Jordan. We’ve had a small break. There was lipstick found on the collar of Blaine’s shirt. They’re running DNA now.”

“Oh, so he was a cheater too?” I hiss under my breath.

“I know that’s hard to hear, but his neighbor across the hall was out of town the last few days. She just got back. She told officers she saw a woman entering his apartment late Thursday night.”

I rub my hands together. “Ok, this is good right? Is she being looked at?”

“I mean, they already charged Grey. Unless we have solid proof that it wasn’t him, we’re still in the same boat. There was no other DNA on the murder weapon.”

“We’ve also looked at the medical angle. He’s been to the doctor. Had symptoms. If we have to, we can use that as a defense.” Jordan supplies.

“That means he’s admitting he did it? That he’s guilty?” I ask hoarsely.

“My job Tilly, is to prove reasonable doubt.” He motions to the papers. “That’s what we’re working on. That camera can help.”

I nod.

“The autopsy hasn’t been concluded yet or they haven’t released the information, but I should have a time of death soon.” Adam adds. He reaches up and squeezes my shoulder. “Let me get this to IT.”

I shrug off my coat and face the three men in the room. “Let’s get to work.”

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