** ANNABELLE**
The lump in my chest grew as I boarded a taxi back to my place, sat inside recollecting my thoughts and finally when it pulled over at my residence. I stepped out feeling drained now more than ever until I reached my doorstep and noticed something weird.
The lock seemed to have been tampered with. My door was still locked but I wouldn’t close it like this. Then again, I did leave the house in a hurry so It could be I didn’t check.
I tried to shrug it off but something just didn’t seat well with me.
“I’ll just sleep everything off. When I wake up, I’ll feel better and everything would be alright.”
I sighed deeply before taking off my shoes and proceeding to my room.
*The Next Morning.
I yawned stretching my hands up before placing my feet on my morning flippers. I felt a little surge of energy after my usual coffee. Then, I took my clothes off to take a shower and get ready for the day.
I would make a stop at the office before visiting Richard at the hospital then going back to the office and I’ll see where the day takes me from there.
***
“Morning.”
I greeted the security guard walking briskly past there. I entered the elevator shutting it awaiting it’s movement when a hand stopped it.
“Sorry.”
Ava’s voice came with a smile. I shifted uncomfortably as she stood beside me. I wonder what explanation Fallon gave to her after what she heard.
“About yesterday….”
I started.
“Oh, it’s fine. This is a big company and I understand you and Fallon can work late nights. It’s nothing.”
She said with a grin. Too good to be true.
“Actually we weren’t working. What I mean is that I left something so I came to grab it.”
I explained and she nodded.
“I understand Annabelle. You don’t need to explain yourself.”
The elevator dinged and she stepped out leaving me dumbstruck. That went definately not as I expected it. She took I to well. Too well.
***
Making it my goal to avoid Fallon, I got through my morning routine well and was about leaving for the hospital.
“You’re leaving?”
Ava asked once again.
“No. Richard had an accident. I have to go see him.”
“Ohh right. I hope he gets better soon.”
She said with a sad smile. I exhaled wondering why the accident didn’t seem like news to her. Almost like she was well aware of everything. Maybe Fallon mentioned it to her or something.
“Thank you.”
I responded to her greeting and strolled away. I took the elevator back downstairs with my car keys in my hand and stepped outside, got in and placed my seat belt on. I ignited the engine and reverse about to drive away when Fallon’s car pulled in.
“Well fuck me.”
I groaned. He wasn’t even in the office and I was avoiding him. Well he does have two companies to run so I’m not surprised.
He turned and our eyes met. I quickly turned away definately caught staring by him. I sped away as fast as I could in the direction of the hospital.
***
“Morning!”
I beamed opening the door to his room. To my surprise, there were other officers in the room. Richard was already on his feet. I guess he was feeling better but something was wrong. His face was distant and he looked confused even.
“Annabelle…”
He called out. They turned to face me. Richard and two other officers.
“This is her?”
One of them asked.
“Huh?”
I asked perplexed.
“Annabelle did you have a document of the test Nelson wanted to run?”
He asked. I scrunned my nose.
“Yes. I did. I found it.”
“Found it?”
One of them asked.
“Yes. I did.”
“Why didn’t you come to me?”
“I was going to .”
“Annabelle Sinclair, you’re under arrest for the murder of Mr Nelson Quint. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to a lawyer and if you can’t afford one, one will be provided for you….”
I zoned away as he placed the cuffs on me twisting my arms backwards. The words couldn’t form in my mouth. I just faced Richard trying to get him to understand that there was a mistake somehow. How is this even possible? There’s no way.
“Richard….”
I said as a tear slipped away.
****