Page 30 of Dark Torment

OLIVIA

It’srare that I actually stay home on my days off. I usually decide to go and visit Shelby or go to the graveyard and talk with Grams to get some things off my chest, but today I wanted to stay home.

I’ve been feeling eyes on me for a few weeks now. It’s starting to make me feel paranoid, and I don’t like it.

I’m really not someone to become paranoid easily, but something isn’t right. It’s this deep feeling I have. Call it intuition or a gut feeling, but whatever it is, it won’t let up.

I’d gotten news a few days ago that Jonathan had successfully adopted Sadie, and the shelter thanked me for finding her a home.

I hadn’t done much. I truly hadn’t expected him to want a dog like Sadie, so the fact that he insisted on her was pretty surprising, and slightly heartbreaking.

A part of me wanted her so badly, but I know with running the shop that I’d never have the time for her she needed long term.

Being an adult means making decisions for the greater good. Being an animal lover on top of that means knowing what my limits are, and taking care of a dog while running the shop isn’t within mine. No matter how much I wish it could be.

Someday, though.

I’m just getting ready to do some yoga and calm my thoughts when I hear a knock at the door.

Frowning, I walk toward it and gasp when I see the police officers standing on my front doorstep.

Opening the door, I see them look me over before lifting their eyes to mine.

“Officers? Is everything alright?” I ask, not really sure what could be bringing them here to my doorstep.

“I’m afraid it’s not,” one officer replies. “Would it be alright if we came in, Ms. Breton?” He addresses me formally, and a knot twists in my stomach.

What could this possibly be about? I guess it could be about Jeff, but we only went out on one date. I’m sure they couldn’t possibly view me as a suspect.

Right?

“Um, sure. Please come in.” I take a step back and wave my hand toward the living room.

Closing the door behind them, they wait and follow me, not wanting to walk farther into my home without me, and I’m grateful for that.

“Can I ask what this is about?” I question, fiddling with my hands. “Can I get either of you something to drink?” I stare at them as they both shake their heads no.

“Thank you, but we’re just fine. Could you have a seat please, miss,” the second officer asks, and I swallow before dropping into the chair across from the couch they’ve chosen to sit on.

“What’s going on?” I ask them again, fear overriding my common sense.

I have nothing against officers, but I’m starting to get nervous.

“When was the last time you spoke with your brother, Ben?” the original officer asks, and I blink.

This is about Ben? I allow myself to relax a little because I never talk to my brother. I hope he’s alright though. Just because he’s a jerk doesn’t mean I have to wish anything bad on him.

“I’m sorry, officers, but I barely speak to my family. I was only ever close with my grandmother. When she passed a while ago, I refused to join the family business or sell them this house, and they wanted nothing to do with me,” I tell them the truth, leaving out the emotional bull crap that goes along with your own family disowning you because you’re not the perfect female.

“His phone records indicate you spoke a couple of weeks ago.” They watch me closely, and I nod.

I won’t lie to them. “I did, briefly. He messaged me to be rude, and then I stopped answering. Is he alright?” I ask, and they share a look.

“He’s missing, Ms. Breton,” the second officer states, and I gasp in shock.

“Wh—what? How? When?” I blink, trying to gather my thoughts, but they’re a jumbled mess.

How could Ben possibly be missing? That’s ridiculous!

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