Page 31 of Dark Torment

“A few days. We aren’t sure when, but he didn’t show up for work and your father became concerned. After twenty-four hours of no one having contact with him, we started to search. We haven’t been able to find anything so far. We were hoping maybe you’d be able to help us.”

Me? How could I possibly help them when my brother chose to not speak to me unless he wanted to be hurtful and cruel.

“I don’t have any idea where he could be. Like I said, we barely speak to one another.” I feel the tears welling in my eyes as they watch me.

“We believe you, but there’s another reason we came.” The first officer moves around like he’s uncomfortable with whatever he’s about to say.

“What?” My eyes travel between them as I wait for one of them to say whatever it is they want to say, but it doesn’t take long.

The second officer clears his throat. “You went on a date with a man named Jeff. Now, we’re aware that last names most likely weren’t exchanged,” he says, and I groan.

“Neither was the main course before I left him at the restaurant,” I say with a little attitude. “I’m sorry for what happened to him.” They look shocked at my admittance.

“You’re aware that he was brutally murdered inside his own home?” the first one asks.

“I am. My best friend is sort of a true crime enthusiast. She thought she recognized him from the dating app,” I explain.

“So, you had no prior knowledge of it before that point?” the second officer asks, and I narrow my eyes.

“I’m sure you can’t possibly be insinuating that I somehow had something to do with that.” I take a deep breath, willing my anger to not get the best of me right now.

“Ma’am, you have to understand. With one man murdered and another missing who are both connected to you, we have to pursue every possible avenue.”

I snort. “Sorry.” I start to giggle. “But do I really look like someone that could brutally kill anyone?” I laugh even harder.

Part of me is slightly worried I may be having a mental breakdown from all the paranoia recently.

“We had to ask, Ms. Breton.” The first officer gives me a sad look.

“Am I under arrested, or being charged with anything?” I ask them, waiting for their response.

“Well, no,” officer two stutters, and I nod before standing.

“Then I think we’re finished here. I’m sorry, but if you have any further questions, you will have to take me to the station where I can contact a lawyer.” Not that I know any.

Well, I know of one, but he’s on a mental health leave from work, and it’s not like we’re friends. I can’t exactly just call him up and ask him to defend me against insane accusations.

“You’re not in any trouble right now. We’re just asking you some questions,” the first officer says as he looks down at me. He’s a lot taller than I am, and it makes me slightly uncomfortable. “You refusing to answer any more questions is just going to make you look guilty, miss.”

I take a calming breath. “No, it’s not. It shows responsibility. It shows that I’m aware of how easily words can be taken out of context and used against someone. I’m showing that I’m mature enough to know that, even though I’m innocent, I still know my rights.

“I have a right to counsel, and since you’ve already stated that I’m not being charged, I’m asking you nicely to please leave.” I give them a small smile, and I can see a smirk threatening to appear on the second officer’s face.

Apparently, he seems to enjoy me sticking up for myself. Well, me too, actually.

“Alright, we’ll leave you be for now. Thank you for answering our questions. Have a good day, miss.” He nods his head toward me before urging the first officer out the door.

Once the door is re-locked, I go to the fridge and pull out a cold bottle of wine. I’m going to need some alcohol to sort these thoughts out.