Chapter 23
Nothing worked. I couldn’t move
hy of the objects.
+25 BONUS
Anyway, the van with my body in it had already gone somewhere only those four men knew. So what if I’d discovered my body? I couldn’t do anything about it.
I crouched in despair. Meanwhile, Jayson’s tone took on a fint of anger. “It’s been a week. Are you guys still flagging this as a missing–persons case? Isn’t it clear that something has happened to Lara?
“She’s an adult. She wouldn’t go missing for so long without contacting her family. She loves her mother and grandmother, so there’s no way that she would leave them to cry every day and worry about her like this.”
He grew agitated. “Why aren’t you launching an official investigation? Is it because Hansel Frost told you not to? Does he own the police force?”
Officer Crawford’s expression grew grim. “We’re doing our best to find clues, Mr. Summerton. Please head home to get some rest. We’ll inform you if we discover anything.
Jayson turned away in disappointment and dragged his feet as he left the police station. I followed him.
He got into a cab and was silent during the journey. The atmosphere was filled with helplessness and resignation that couldn’t be vented anywhere.
Those who were living were troubled by their failure to find new clues, while I, as a dead person, had a clue but couldn’t tell them about it…
After a silent journey, Jayson arrived at my house. Mom opened the door and was surprised to see him. “Jayson, what are you doing here?”
He forced a smile. “I came to visit you and Granny, Aunt Fiona. How have you two been for the past few days?”
“Not bad.” Mom forced a smile, too. Still, it was clear from her haggard complexion and tired eyes that she was lying. She also had more white hair, despite it only being a few days since I’d last seen her.
“Where’s Granny?” Jayson glanced inside the house.
“She’s asleep.” Mom stepped aside. “Come in and sit.”
Jayson softened his voice. “I won’t go in if she’s sleeping. I went to the police station earlier, and they told me that they were actively searching for clues. Don’t be too worried, Aunt Fiona. They’ll inform us once they find anything new. Lara’s an adult. I’m sure she’s fine.”
He comforted her, but he’d been so panicked and anxious at the police station earlier, Mom understood what he was doing and went along with him. “I know. I’m not worried. Lara must have just wanted to spend a few days alone after experiencing something so hurtful. She should be back soon.”
She became choked up at the end of her sentence, and Jayson swallowed hard. They both knew that they were only saying these things to comfort themselves.
I wasn’t willful and insensible. No matter how upset I was, wouldn’t go seven days without contacting my family. Something had to have happened to me, even if I weren’t hurt or dead.
“It’s getting late, Jayson. You should head home to get some rest. You need to work tomorrow,” Mom said softly.
“Alright. You should go to bed early, too,” Jayson answered. “We can’t let Granny know about Lara’s disappearance. She won’t be able to handle it.”
Mom nodded. “I told her that Lara’s on a business trip.”
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Chapter 23
Jayson left.
+25 BONUS
Mom shut the door and turned around. She was surprised by what she saw. “Mom, you’re awake?”
Granny stood behind her, her cardigan only half on. My back had been facing her, so I hadn’t noticed when she’d come out of her bedroom.
It was clear that she’d heard Mom and Jayson’s conversation. She asked shakily, “Has Lara gone missing?”
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
