Page 6 of Vows From Hell

“First of all, I’d like to conduct an interview. I know it’s probably uncomfortable for you, but I need every single detail of what happened during your kidnapping. No matter how small and insignificant it may be, I need to know.’’

“I gave multiple statements over the years to multiple sources.’’

“You might remember something new.’’

After four years? Doubtful.

“Alright.’’ I caved. “Let’s get it over with.’’

While Kyle was preparing necessary documents and his notebook, Adele was trying to get me as relaxed as possible. A cup of tea, and some meaningless conversation to pass the time. I wasn’t nervous or anxious.

I’d already lied to the police way too many times to count.

And I knew my story perfectly.

“Shall we start?”

Kyle was sitting across from me on a chair, while I was laying down on the couch. Eye contact was irrelevant to me. I was able to lie with ease, regardless of the circumstance or surroundings. Even his sharp eyes wouldn’t be able to uncover the truth. I didn’t want him to.

“Let’s start.’’

He took a deep breath, as if he was the one having his darkest secrets probed into. Then again, it was his job.

“Let’s begin with how he kidnapped you. What can you recall about the days before that, and on that day?”

“It was winter, and it was very cold. I was already paranoid, since I’d been getting many letters from him. So, stupidly, I decided it would be best for me to leave. I was living with my friend, Sierra, at the time, and didn’t want her getting hurt. I packed a bag and left in the middle of the night.’’

“What time was it?”

“I don’t recall. After midnight.’’

“Where were you headed?”

“The train station. I didn’t think it through, just packed a bag and left. I was going to pick a location when the time came, but he found me before I could think that far.’’

Kyle continued asking me questions, without realizing just how useless it all was. There wasn’t a single question he’d asked that I wasn’t prepared for; in fact, he couldn’t have thought of something new to ask, because there was nothing.

Even the sudden tears, shivering body, and quivering lips – I’d done it all once before.

“I think it’s enough for today.’’

I didn’t expect Adele to interfere, though I was grateful that she did. She poured me another cup of piping hot tea, and whilst I was waiting for it to cool, I couldn’t help but observe.

Across the room were the two former detectives, talking in hushed tones. It was evidently about me; however, their body language didn’t indicate they were wary, more like… they sympathized and pitied me.

“I have a suggestion,’’ I voiced, and their heads snapped in my direction.

“Yes?” Kyle raised a curious eyebrow.

“What if’’ – I swallowed harshly – “we use bait and capture Micah?”

“What bait?’’

Adele seemed to understand far too quickly. In an instant, confusion was replaced by disbelief, eyes widened and lips parted.

“We’re not using you as bait, Storm.’’ Firmly, she approached me. “It’s too dangerous, and I can’t use a victim to capture a murderer.’’

I lifted a shoulder. “Why not? At the moment, it’s the best – no, the only shot – we have.’’

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