Chapter 131
The set up.
Chris’ POV:
I shook Jake’s shoulder, as his eyes wide with urgency.
“Jake, wake up! Something’s going on.” I told him.
Jake groggily opened his eyes, rubbing his forehead.
“What’s wrong, man? What time is it?” He asked me.
“I don’t know, but you need to see this,” I said as my voice went low and serious.
Jake sat up, his gaze following mine to the window. That is when he saw them the shadowy figures lurking outside as they vanished into the dark.
Jake’s eyes snapped back to mine, his expression mirroring my own fear.
“What the…?” He exclaimed.
“I know, right? I woke up and they were just standing there,” I whispered aa my heart raced.
Jake threw off his covers and approached the window, his eyes locked on the figures.
“Who are they? What do they want?” He wondered.
“I don’t know, but I don’t like it.” I shook my head.
“Jake, we need to do something,” I urged, my voice barely above a whisper.
“We can’t just sit here and wait for whatever they are planning.” I said.
“What can we do? We can’t just go out there and confront them… besides we do not even know where they passed to.” He said.
“I don’t know, but we need to think of something,” I said, my mind racing.
“If we do not, I have a feeling we will be in serious trouble.” I added.
“You’re right. We need to come up with a plan, and fast.” Jake nodded
We stood there for a moment, our minds racing with possibilities. Then, Jake’s eyes lit up with a idea.
“I’ve got it. Let’s sneak out the back door and make a run for it… we might catch up with them.” Jake suggested.
“We might get caught, and then we’ll be in even more trouble.” I told him.
Jake’s face fell, but I could see the determination in his eyes.
“What else can we do, Chris? Just sit here and wait for them to come for us?” Asked Jake.
I took a deep breath, trying to think of a better option. “We need to go to the police station. We need to tell them what’s going on and get their help.”
“The police? You think they’ll believe us?” Jake’s expression changed to skepticism.
“I don’t know, but it’s worth a shot,” I said, my mind made up.
“And I’m not leaving Mom behind. We need to make sure she’s safe too.” I said.
Jake nodded, his eyes softening.
“Yeah, you’re right. We can’t leave her behind.” He said.
I put a hand on his shoulder with a sense of determination.
“Let us go, Jake. We’ll face this together, as a family.” I said.
As we burst through the doors of the police station, I spotted Detective James standing at the entrance, his eyes fixed on us with a mix of curiosity and concern.
“Chris! What’s going on?” he asked, striding towards us.
“Chris? Am I right?” He asked me.
“Yes, yes!” I replied hastily.
“We are in deep trouble!” I told him.
“You need to calm down and tell me all I need to know!” He told me.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
“Detective James, we need your help. There are these people… they’re watching us, following us. We don’t know what they want, but we know it can’t be good.” I told him.
“We do not even know them!” I said.
Detective James’ expression turned serious.
“This is serious!” He said.
“Let’s get inside and talk about this. Now.” He added.
He ushered us into a quiet room, his eyes scanning the area as if searching for potential threats. Once we were seated, he leaned forward, his voice low and urgent.
“Tell me everything. What have you seen, what have you heard? Every detail is crucial.” He urged.
I took a deep breath, launching into the story of the shadowy figures, the strange messages, and the never present feeling of being watched.
Jake chimed in, adding his own experiences and fears.
Detective James listened intently, his expression growing grimmer by the minute. When we finished, he nodded, his jaw set in determination.
“I’ll do everything I can to help you boys. But I need you to trust me and do exactly as I say. Can you do that for me?” He told us.
As I got talking and started narrating from the woman who looked like Kayla to the situation now, the detective cut me short.
“Chris, can I see your phone for a minute?” Detective James asked, his hand extended.
“Oh… okay!” I hesitated not knowing why he needed it.
I hesitated, unsure why he needed my phone. But something in his expression told me to trust him.
I handed it over, feeling a slight sense of unease as he began to scroll through my messages and photos.
“What are you looking for?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
“I am looking for any evidence of contact with these individuals,” he replied, his eyes scanning my phone’s screen.
“Any messages, calls, or emails that might give us a lead on who they are and what they want.” He asked as he scrolled through.
I nodded, understanding.
The detective suddenly looked at me with shock laced with disappointment.
“Chris!” He said.
“We are bringing you in!” He told me.
My eyes widened in shock as Detective James’ words hit me like a punch to the gut.
“What?!” I asked.
“Are you serious now?” I asked them.
“No, that’s not possible! I’m the one who’s been trying to get away from them!” I explained.
Detective James’ expression was unyielding.
“Chris, we have evidence that suggests otherwise. Your phone records, your online activity… it all points to your involvement with the syndicate.” He said.
I felt like I was living in a nightmare.
“No, no, no! You don’t understand! They’re trying to frame me!” He revealed.
What are you trying to do?” Jake asked immediately Detective took out the handcuffs.
“James, what’s going on? What’s happening?” He asked him annoyed.
I turned to Detective James, desperation creeping into my voice. “You have to listen to me! I’m telling the truth! I’m not part of the syndicate!” I said.
But Detective James just shook his head. “Chris, you’re under arrest. Please turn around and put your hands behind your back.”
I felt like my world was crumbling around me. How could this be happening? I knew I was innocent, but it seemed like no one believed me.
“Wait, what’s going on?!” Jake exclaimed, trying to intervene.
“You can’t just arrest him without explaining what’s happening!” He said.
But Detective James held up a hand, his expression firm.
“Jake, I need you to step back. This is police business.” He said.
I struggled against the handcuffs, feeling a sense of panic rising up.
“Jake, help me! They’re making a mistake!” I cried out for help.
But Jake was powerless to stop the detective and his team. They dragged me away, ignoring my protests and questions.
As I was hauled off to the police car, I caught a glimpse of Jake’s worried face.
“Chris, I’ll get to the bottom of this! I promise!” Jake screamed as I got away.
But I knew it might be too late. I was being framed, and I had no idea why. The darkness closing in around me seemed to suffocate me, and I wondered if I’d ever see the light of day again.