Page 69 of Monsters

Chapter 24

Outside the precinct, I stood under a gloomy sky, the streets buzzing with those wanting to get back to work after their lunch break before the rain began to fall. Scanning around the sea of faces, I searched for one person. I needed Mason to see me outside the precinct and wanted him to know his time was up. I wasn’t going to take any more of his shit.

Satisfied that if he were watching, he’d seen me by now, I entered through the revolving doors. On the third floor, I found Kinross and Walsh waiting for me. They’d made the special trip to see me, but it was obvious they’d collaborated with the NYC district before.

“Ms. Sinclair,” Detective Kinross greeted, exuding the warmth Walsh lacked. “We’re pleased you’ve made this step. Though we are curious as to why.”

“Let’s just say I’ve realized playing it his way was doing more damage than good.”

“Follow us,” Walsh said, the corners of her mouth turning up the slightest degree. It was the first time I’d ever seen her truly smile, and in a way, it caught me off guard.

“Don’t get used to it,” Kinross quipped as if reading my mind.

I let them both lead the way through the maze of tables and into a less formal interview room. Instead of the standard metal chairs, stark interior, and fluorescent lighting, this one was furnished with leather fireside chairs and a bookshelf on the far wall. A camera sat perched on its tripod ready for recording confessions such as the one I was about to give.

“Please,” Detective Kinross said while gesturing to the couch opposite the camera.

Taking a seat, I shifted a few times until I was comfortable, my nerves starting to take hold.

“Relax, Ms. Sinclair,” Detective Walsh urged. You’re not here because you are a suspect in an investigation. At least we don’t think you are… yet.”

“That’s not helping,” I said, taking the bait.

“We’re here because we have one thing in common and that’s Mason Carter,” Kinross encouraged. “Just remember, everything you say will be recorded and may be used when we take Mason to court. Is that acceptable, Ms. Sinclair?”

“Yes, and please just call me Gemma.”

“Okay,” Kinross exhaled. “Let’s get the show on the road.” He signaled to Walsh who aligned the camera and pressed record.

“Please state your full name,” Kinross requested now on auto-pilot.

“Gemma Audrina Sinclair.”

“What’s your relationship with Mr. Mason Carter?”

“We were neighbors growing up until the age of sixteen and a bit.”

“Thank you. Now, what would you like to share with us?”

Sweat pooled in my palms and I wiped them on my skirt while gathering my thoughts. It had been so long since I allowed myself to think of that particular moment, and I didn’t need to remind myself that anything I said would be used against Mason and if I wasn’t careful, Lucas too.

“Gemma?” Kinross prompted. “Can you tell us about that night?”

I nodded, inhaling deeply, preparing my words. “It was almost two months after Mason had used his knife to carve into me…”

---