Page 13 of Choose Me

I looked up in surprise, trying to decipher James’ expression. His features grew taut, and his brow furrowed before he grabbed my hand and led me out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, where Thomas stood waiting for us.

Thomas was in his mid-20s, and he oozed the essence of a frat boy: tousled hair, thick black-rimmed glasses, and an air of intelligence that contradicted his youthful looks. He walked with purpose among the scientists as if he belonged there, even though his father had tried to cut him off from this career path due to his expectation that his son would ride the coattails up the agent ladder until he became a stiff suit like he was. Thomas’s father was unhappy that his son chose forensic science over agent work. James spoke of him often, never failing to mention how intelligent and proficient he was-- despite the constant mention of being a disappointment from his father, I admired his stubbornness and commitment to doing what he wanted to do and not what was expected of him.

His expression was serious, and he had a file folder in his hand.

“Hey James, hey Ava.” Thomas greeted us both.

“Hey Thomas, how are you?” I asked politely, but James remained silent, redirecting the conversation almost immediately.

“I am well, thank you. How are you feeling?”

“Tired, but I am feeling pretty good,” I responded, though I felt surprisingly energized under the circumstances.

“What information did you find out?” James interrupted our pleasantries and got right down to business.

“I am sorry to stop by so late. I would have called, but I figured this news would be better received in person. I was able to pull off a print from the evidence I collected, off of the Polaroid more specifically.”

Thomas nervously handed the file folder he clutched tightly in his hands as a response. When James opened it and began reading the contents, his eyes widened in disbelief, and he muttered a quiet curse under his breath. “Son of a bitch.”

“Whose is it?” I asked, leaning closer to get a glimpse of the document. My gaze swept over the page, reading through the typed print, a bunch of disclaimers about where the fingerprint was found and what system it was run through to determine if there was a match. I continued to skim until I saw a name that was familiar to me.

David Commons.

The fingerprint on the Polaroid matched fucking David Commons. For the life of me, I could not understand why he would get exonerated, leave prison, and then commit felony stalking and harassment over a prison sentence. I know he was angry, and rightfully so, but he was innocent of the crimes for which he was sentenced to prison. He was free. Something like this would get him thrown right back into prison.

“I’ve issued a BOLO for David Commons, and we’re officially designating him as a person of interest in the stalking and harassment of Ava and your unborn child. It won’t be long before someone sees him, and we can get him off the streets and prevent him from doing anything stupid.” Thomas declared firmly.

“Thank God! That is great news!” I exclaimed, pulling James into my arms and staring up into his eyes with relief. His lips curved upward in an anxious smile, creased with worry.

“I am glad that we know that it’s him who is after her, but I am concerned about what happens if we can’t find him.” James sighed, tightening his embrace around me, his voice heavy with concern.

“Hey man, we will catch him. I will spend every hour coordinating back here and ensuring he doesn’t slip through the cracks.” Everett reassured James with a confident nod.

“I know there are concerns with Ava’s safety, and I totally understand why you feel that way, but you know that with CCTV and his face plastered everywhere, someone will see him. It wouldn’t surprise me if he is brought in before the week is over.” Thomas added.

“See, babe? Everyone has it handled here. I know you will still worry, but my guess is David Commons will be rounded up and in police custody before you even land in Miami tomorrow!”

I spoke the words with a desperate conviction, though terror was settling deep within my stomach. I had to be strong or put on a show that I was and convince James that I would be safe.

But what kind of safety could anyone promise when Commons was still out there?

In the back of my mind, I heard an eerie warning bell go off. This time, it seemed like no matter what we did, no amount of effort or planning could stop the chaos from invading our lives. The air felt heavy, and this looming sense of dread left me feeling exhausted. The truth is, I am scared. Scared for our baby and myself. I have to be strong and convince James that I would be safe in his absence.

If I was being honest, though, I don’t feel safe. Every time I think things are settling down, some new threat comes in and destroys the foundation of comfort I have created and the peaceful life I have given up everything for.

The sooner David was arrested, the better. Until then, we were all living on eggshells, waiting for the inevitable storm to hit, never realizing that what was coming would leave none of us unscathed.

EIGHT

JAMES

After Thomas left, Everett and I spent a significant amount of time discussing the cases that Everett was temporarily taking over for me while I was in Miami. Ava flitted around the apartment, cleaning and doing laundry, making sure I had enough socks and underwear. I knew enough about her that when she was in her own head, she spent a lot of time keeping herself busy and meticulously obsessing over little details.

As Everett and I continued our discussion, Ava’s movements became more frantic as she tidied and cleaned every corner of the kitchen and dining room. She moved around the apartment with an air of nervous energy, and I could tell that something was bothering her. Everett and I exchanged glances, and he cleared his throat before speaking in a hushed tone, nodding his head toward Ava.

“You can text me the rest of the details. Go be with your girl.” Everett said with an understanding smile. “I’m going to go out for a little bit. Give you two some alone time.”

I nodded in appreciation, grateful for his ability to read between the lines, and stood up from the bar stool at the kitchen counter, making my way toward Ava, who was now standing at the window, her gaze fixed on the skyline. As I approached her, I could see her face was pale, and her hands were shaking.

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