Page 177 of Unravelling The Beast

She answers after a couple of rings.

"Wren?"

"Hey, Lil, I'm sorry I haven't called; I've been so tired and a lot has happened."

"It's okay, Wren, chill."

I sigh deeply and close my eyes before speaking.

"How are you doing?Are you still staying at the hotel?"

"No, we're back home now, but shit is strange, Wren."

I open my eyes and glance up at the ceiling, perplexed.

"What do you mean?"

She takes a brief pause before responding.

"I mean, last night the entire upstairs was covered in blood and bullet holes, and now there isn't a trace. It's as if nothing ever happened."

I shake my head, still confused.

"How the hell is that possible? What have Mom and Dad said about it? Are the cops involved?"

She takes a deep breath before responding.

"See, this is where things start to get strange. No cops, no statements; mom isn't saying anything, and I haven't even seen dad yet. I'm utterly confused."

As I exhale, I am concerned for my dad's welfare.

"I mean, is he okay?"

"Yeah, I've heard him on the phone with Mom, but I haven't seen him since I saw him shoot those guys apart."

Before I react again, I remain silent as I try to wrap my head around everything and wonder what the hell is going on.

"So, you've returned home and everything is fine? As though nothing ever happened."

"Yeah, basically."

"How about Jasper?Have you heard anything from him today?"

"Yes, we texted and he called.I'm going to try to see him tomorrow."

I lay there for a while, my mind racing, until she speaks, breaking my trance.

"Wren, are you still there?"

I blink a few times before responding.

"Yeah, sorry, I'm here.I was just thinking. Maybe we should get together soon, or I'll come there, but I'll let you know."

"Okay, yeah, just let me know and we'll meet."

Just as I'm about to say something else, the bedroom door opens and Arlo wanders in with his head down.

"I've got to go, Lil, but I'll call you soon, okay?"