The Blood Files, Case #1: Before I Wake

by Joelle Ayers

  I winced a little when the brash, uneducated statement flew from her mouth. She, like so many others, took what they heard on the news at face-value. My instincts made me want to jump to Cody’s defense, but if Hannah was going to help me, she’d have to believe the lie I was about to tell her. Because, after all, there was no room in journalism for emotion.

  “Yeah, well… there was mention of Liz having a roommate, but there’s no name or anything. You’re a student at SSU, too, right? You know who this girl is? Maybe you might know which dorm she’s in? Her last name or something? I was hoping to catch up with her for an interview. You know… nothing too in-depth, just to get a quote on how things have been since the incident.”

  Hannah’s face was blank.

  “Well, I’ve seen her around, but… isn’t it like, illegal for me to give out information like that?”

  Josh’s eyes volleyed back and forth between Hanna and I as we conversed. No, what I asked of her wasn’t illegal, just inadvisable considering my personal ties to this case. But Hanna didn’t know of any such connection.

  I put on my best smile.

  “Journalists just sometimes have to think outside the box to get their information.”

  Hanna still hadn’t responded, which made me doubt she’d take the bait. I nudged Josh’s foot beneath the table, spurring him to action.

  “It’s not like you’re putting this girl in any danger,” he reasoned, eyeing Hanna kinda flirty. That deep voice of his had talked more than a few girls into doing his bidding over the years. Hopefully, it’d work now, too. Because I really, really needed it to.

  “Prescott,” she huffed. “Olivia Prescott. I don’t know which dorm she’s in, just her name.” Hanna’s tone was dry, which could’ve meant she knew the kindness Josh and I showed wasn’t sincere, but merely a ruse to get the info we needed.

  I stood and gathered my things in a matter of seconds as Josh peered up at me. My coffee mug clanked against the saucer when my sleeve rattled it.

  “Prescott? Blonde girl, right? She’s probably a junior?”

  Hannah folded her arms over her chest and blinked when she nodded.

  The smile I responded with was my way of apologizing for pimping out Josh’s charm to take advantage of Hannah’s kindness.

  “Thanks. You just made my job a whole lot easier.” I smiled again.

  Hannah stood and looked down at the coffee that spilled over the rim of my mug and onto the table when I knocked it.

  “Wish I could say the same,” she replied, the faintest trace of a smile on her lips which let me know there was no animosity. “Be in tomorrow?” she asked, glancing at Josh and I both.

  I shrugged. “It’s hard to tell, but… maybe.” Especially if tomorrow brought another nightmare.

  “Well, take care of yourselves ‘til then. It’s supposed to get pretty nasty out later. Remnants of that tropical storm should hit by this afternoon.”

  I nodded and pulled my hoodie down over my hips.

  “Yeah, you do the same. Try to stay dry.”

  Hannah laughed quietly while she cleared our table.

  “Yeah, and you two try to stay out of trouble.”

  Josh and I moved down the empty, rain-soaked sidewalk and my wheels were already turning. This new information was a goldmine compared to the dead ends I’d come to lately. First chance I got, I had to find Olivia Prescott. So many of the questions I had about Liz could be answered if I could just convince this girl to talk to me.

  If being the operative word.

  There was a chance she’d remember me from that night or from the trial; would remember Cody’s my brother.

  If she refused me, I’d be right back where I started, which was pretty much nowhere. The leads she could give had the potential to blow this case wide open, but what incentive could I possibly offer that would make her divulge the most intimate details of her roommate’s personal life? As far as she knew, the case was solved. But what if I could put doubt in her mind? What if I could help her see the same holes in the story that I did? Would she help me then? Would the possibility of her best friend’s killer still walking the streets a free man be enough to make her hear me out?

  Cool drops of rain prompted me to throw my hood on as soon we crossed the street. Josh did the same. He was quiet, more so than usual, and I was pretty sure I knew why. Although he loved Cody like family, he wanted me to let this go. For my own sanity. On more than one occasion, he told me how unhealthy it was to pursue this, but I didn’t care. And now, after that dream, I was even more determined. There had to be some detail the authorities missed. After all, they spent more time trying to prove my brother’s guilt and less looking at other suspects.

  I couldn’t explain to anyone else how I knew, but… I no longer believed Liz was at rest. Before the accident, I was only digging into things for Cody. However, now, I was kinda doing this for her, too. Maybe there was a purpose to the dream and… maybe I was the one meant set things right once and for all.

  —Chapter Four—

  By 11:30 a.m., I’d pieced together what I was going to attempt to pass off as an acceptable article titled, Mayhem at the Pet Store. Something short and ugly I probably couldn’t have even paid my mother to read.

  I shoved my arms through my jacket sleeves in a rush, pressing my phone to my ear as I waited for Josh to pick up.

  “You’re punctual if you’re nothing else,” he answered.

  “Ready?”

  “Already waiting for you.”

  I smiled at that. He might not have agreed with how forcefully I was tackling this mystery, but he still had my back. That meant a lot.

  “Perfect. Be down in a sec.”

  I opted to take the stairs instead of the elevator, feeling like I’d waste valuable time waiting for it to reach the fourth floor. Besides, the quick jog was good for my nerves. I still had no clue how to approach Olivia, but I had no intention on letting that stop me.

  “There’s still time to back out of this,” Josh greeted me, pushing away from the red brick once I made it to his side.

  I shook my head. “No chance, but you’re welcome to bail on me if you’re uncomfortable.”

  He sighed and we both eyed the ominous, purple clouds hovering above. From the looks of it, they were waiting to burst open right on our heads. Still, a little rain—or a ton of it—wasn’t enough to stop me.

  “You and I both know I wouldn’t do that,” he replied with a huff, bringing out a smile from me.

  “Good, because I need you,” I freely admitted. It was no secret he was my only support now that Cody was gone. Yeah, my mom had my back, too, but it was hard to depend on her with The Duke always at her side.

  Josh and I started down the sidewalk and were mostly silent as we crossed campus. The impending storm brought rain down in sheets and there was no avoiding the puddles. The entire ground was a puddle. It felt like the walk took forever, but at least we had direction. Olivia lived in Carothers Commons—apartment housing for upperclassmen. Once we got her last name, it was pretty easy to narrow down.

  The dark gray building came into view off in the distance. When I realized how close we were, our pace quickened. When we entered, the volume of the raging storm caught the attention of those lounging in the common area, prompting everyone to look in our direction as the door slammed closed behind us.

  Josh stepped up beside me.

  “What floor are we headed to?”

  I had it memorized.

  “Third.”

  He led the way to the steps and, while we climbed, he asked what my plan was. Of course, I didn’t have one of those, so I had to wing it. Otherwise, I’d have to listen to a speech about how crazy I was for coming here on a whim.

  “I plan to introduce myself, using a false name, of course. I’ll just tell her the same thing I told Hannah last night and hope the story sticks. The one thing I’m not solid on is her schedule,” I admitted as we stepped up onto the landing of the second floor. “There�
��s a fifty/fifty chance she won’t be here. In which case… I hope you brought a good book to read, ‘cause I’m not leaving until I talk to her.”

  I didn’t turn to see Josh roll his eyes, but I was sure he did. He was the most impatient person in the world, so, in the event that we’d have to park it for a couple hours, I was sure I’d never hear the end of it.

  But that wasn’t my main reason for hoping our knock would be answered quickly. I was beyond anxious to start getting answers. Answers that would fill in the holes in the story the media told, the same story that, ultimately, landed my brother in prison.

  I knocked and held my breath while we waited.

  Several seconds passed and my hopes were immediately dashed. However, a hand on my arm calmed me.

  “She’s inside,” Josh said softly.

  “How do you know? I can’t hear her.”

  He smiled a bit.

  “I can.”

  I smiled back. Must have been a vamp thing—one of the many abilities I had yet to develop. Maybe never would.

  Then, I heard her footsteps and stood a little straighter, going over my spiel in my head.

  The door opened and I sucked in air at the site of a familiar face, one I’d seen once or twice during Cody’s trial—a trial that felt like it was less about finding the real killer and more about pinning things on Cody. It made for a neat and tidy case that wouldn’t take years to solve. It was a win for everyone… except Cody and my family.

  “H—hi,” I sputtered. The feel of Josh’s hand on my back relaxed me a bit. “Name’s Kristen,” I lied, forcing a smile as I extended my hand.

  Heavily mascaraed lashes blinked toward Josh and I, sizing us up. First pushing long, blonde hair behind her shoulder, Olivia hesitantly put her hand in mine.

  “Can I help you with something?”

  The tone of the question made it clear she didn’t want to be bothered, but I had to hope that whatever affection she had for her friend would move her to help Josh and I.

  “Uh… yes, actually. My friend and I are with The Shores Chronicle and we were hoping you’d have a moment to chat?”

  My heart thundered in my chest while I waited. The look on her face was hard to read at first, but then, with her response, it wasn’t.

  “No… not if this is about Liz.” She was already closing the door, but Josh acted quickly. Olivia stared at his foot wedged against the jamb.

  I knew things could escalate quickly from here. She could scream or call the cops or… I don’t know… mace us. But I still had to try. I needed answers and she was the only one who could give them to me.

  “Please,” I sighed. “We don’t want any trouble. We just need your help.”

  The whites of Olivia’s eyes reddened and tears pooled in the corners.

  “Just… let her rest in peace. The case has been solved and those of us who loved her just want to move forward.”

  My heart squeezed at the thought of causing Liz’s loved ones pain, but they weren’t the only ones left to deal with the aftermath.

  I tried to imagine my brother locked away, caged like an animal for a crime I didn’t believe he committed. I know they say you never really know what a person is capable of, but… ‘they’ didn’t know my brother. He was sweet and funny and gentle—wouldn’t even let me kill spiders. He’d trap them with a glass and set them free in the yard.

  How could a person who regarded such a small life take that of a human being? I simply didn’t believe it.

  It was time to pull out the big guns.

  “What would you do if I told you I think your friend’s killer is still out there?”

  Olivia went still, her entire body. And, although she wouldn’t make eye contact, I knew I had her attention.

  “What if I told you there are holes in the story that put Cody Cicero behind bars? Don’t you think whoever did this… I mean, really did this… belongs behind bars?”

  My eyes stung and I knew tears were soon to follow. That couldn’t happen, though. Olivia couldn’t know I had a personal, emotional stake in all this. It’d blow my cover and make her question my motives. I needed to make her doubt the outcome of the judge’s verdict based purely on fact.

  I watched her, wondering if I’d gotten through.

  When her now bloodshot eyes met mine, she drew in a breath before speaking, delivering a blow that sunk my heart right away.

  “You need to go,” she forced out, her voice straining as a tear streaked her cheek. “And don’t ever come back.”

  Josh pulled his foot away just as Olivia shoved the door closed, leaving the two of us to stand there in silence.

  My heart felt heavy. Hopeless. I think Josh sensed it because his hand went to my back again and I wanted to cry and give up because I knew this would all be too hard, but… I couldn’t give up on Cody. I was the only one still fighting for him.

  I turned to walk away, leaving my failure behind at Olivia’s door, but a gentle tug of my wrist brought me back in Josh’s direction.

  “Slip your number under her door,” he suggested. “Just in case she changes her mind.”

  It felt useless, but I did it anyway, writing down the fake name I’d given and my contact information. There was movement inside the apartment Olivia used to share with Liz and I hoped and prayed she didn’t just toss it.

  Not one, but two lives were on the line.

  One of which could still be saved.

  —Chapter Five—

  The most horrific sound I’d ever heard—Liz’s fingers tearing violently at the cement.

  I was terrified.

  Her pink fingernail polish was now stained red on the tips as she fought to claw her way free. Somehow, despite the excruciating pain I imagined her to be in, escaping seemed to be her only priority. She mouthed something, but, like before, the only word I could make out was “Wrong”.

  I couldn’t hear a sound over the clawing. It was deafening. I stood with my hands pressed to my ears in vain, trying to block out the noise. It seemed to be coming from inside my head instead of from across that same room I dreamed of last time. The one in a dark, damp basement. I watched her writhe in pain—watched her being attacked by some unseen assailant. Gashes and wounds appeared on her flesh out of thin air.

  Every time I attempted to take a step in her direction—to protect her maybe—it felt like a thousand volts of electricity shot through my body, making it impossible to move. The clawing continued. Fear pulsed from Liz’s body and engulfed me as well, right where I stood. Her movements became weak, her effort to escape proving to be in vain, and then her gaze dropped to the floor.

  I was in shock as I watched, thinking to myself… “This must have been when it happened, the moment she took her final breath and left this world. This must have been the very second she realized she’d never see her parents again. The second she thought of every regret and every disappointment she’d both caused and experienced in her lifetime”.

  A cold chill ran down my back as I watched her body go still. The noise that seemed to own the very air I breathed, died away as well. The grief was overwhelming. I stood there in the thick silence and grieved for her in a way that surpassed reason. I didn’t know her beyond the one introduction several months ago. But still, I wanted to yell. I wanted to go to her, but… all I could do was watch.

  I was beginning to wonder how long this would last—staring, listening to the quiet. The scene was tragic and I wasn’t sure if I’d be forced to observe her lifeless body until the dream ended.

  But then, there was a noise.

  A loud one—similar to that of a tree branch snapping in half. The sound of it interrupted the silence. I heard it again and my heart raced a mile a minute. I peered across the room and narrowed my eyes, searching for the source among the shadows, hoping for something I could easily explain away.

  There it was again, but… this time I was stricken with the impulse to run. My eyes were playing tricks on me. Had to be, because I could’ve sworn sh
e moved. It was more of a twitch, but it was movement all the same. The sound came again, accompanied by dread when my worst fears were realized. With a rapid, eerie motion, her back arched upward and the ghastly sound rattled me to the core. The feeling of grief that had overtaken me was violently shoved aside by terror.

  My heart sputtered to a complete stop as my eyes struggled to process what I was seeing. Slowly, Liz’s head lifted from the pavement and her eyes were deadlocked on mine despite the vacancy behind them. That instinct to go to her had faded and, with everything in me, I wanted to run. The hairs on my arms were raised as the very real sense of danger caused blood to rush through my veins so fast I could hear my own pulse.

  Panic and agony had left her eyes; her expression was void of all consciousness as she dragged herself purposefully across the room—one slow pull at a time.

  Warm air grazed swiftly over my lips as my breaths became erratic. What did she want from me? Was she angry because I failed to get through to Olivia? Did she not realize I tried to help her? Standing here and watching her being tortured and maimed was not by choice. I wanted to tell her, but the loud snapping that emanated from her corpse made it impossible to concentrate on anything else.

  Now, only a few feet separated us and I was still paralyzed. Behind her, a trail of blood followed and I could smell it plainly just like before. I realized she was going to reach me and there was no breaking free from this place where I stood—motionless, terrified, helpless.

  With one last, forceful drag, her thin fingers gripped my ankle with force.

  And then, just as she touched me, I woke up. It was sudden and immediate, like it’d all been a movie and someone had shut the television off.

  I sat straight up in bed and took in my surroundings. No Josh. At some point, after I dozed, he left. Realizing I was alone, I took a deep breath and released it slowly—shocked and frozen with fear when the air that puffed from my mouth jutted in front of me like steam. The room was frigid—not uncommon outside this time of year, but I knew for a fact Josh put the heat on seventy-two before bed because I asked him to do so.