“Ascott will be making you sign something that makes you liable for any information slips from the case. You’ll be legally accountable if this happens again. Do you understand? They’ll explain it to you before you sign, but this can’t happen again.”
“I understand.”
He nodded once, and stood. “Good.”
She wanted to apologize before he left the room, but he was gone before she could force herself to speak.
Chapter 16
Officer Minicozzi came back in the room with a glass of water, and set it in front of Avery.
“I know you didn’t ask for a drink, but you’ll probably be here a while.”
“Thanks.” She managed a smile.
“Listen Avery, can I call you Avery?” She nodded. “I understand why you felt like you needed to contact the news. I was there when Jacoby interviewed you, and I remember him assuming a lot of things because you were a kid. I really hope there is a connection here, that can somehow validate the choice you made.”
“You do?”
“Anything to catch this guy. Just don’t tell them I said that.” He snuck a peak at the window, and then winked at her.
“Officer,” Avery began.
“Owen.”
“Do you think they will search the garage?”
“If that’s where the girls say they put the mask. It might be somewhere else, hidden. You said you didn’t ask about the mask, but she said she saw you on the news.”
“I guess we would have gotten to it, had I stayed.”
“Ah.” Owen looked up at the glass window as Ascott waved him over. “Excuse me.”
When he left the room, Avery stood and went to the window. She watched as Owen and another officer led Charla and Jolene down the hallway, past her. Jolene hadn’t noticed her, but she inadvertently caught Charla’s attention.
Avery couldn’t tell what look she gave, but she didn’t care. Her life had always seemed so neat, put together, and effortless, but underneath she hid her secret from everyone. Charla’s guilt must have eaten at her, Avery thought.
She wanted to go home, curl up in bed and most importantly, never see those girls again.
Chapter 17
“Officer Minicozzi told you why you are here, so let’s just get started.” Ethan crossed his arms and looked down at Charla.
Noah noticed she was trembling, and wondered if it was guilt for what happened to Avery Hart, or something more.
“I met with Avery today…”
“Actually, we’ll start from the beginning.” Ethan sat down across from her. “It was the first day of school that Avery Hart was attacked, and put into the hospital. What is your relationship with Ms. Hart?”
“Acquaintances. Classmates. We were never friends, and I’d never even met her that day. She was new to the town, so I’d never seen her before either.”
“Were you involved in her attack?”
“Yes. Jolene, she was a friend of mine, came home for lunch with me that day. She talked about this girl from class who she didn’t like. Said she wanted to play a prank on her. Scare her a little.”
“Why?”
Noah wouldn’t have asked that question, but he waited eagerly for her answer.
“Why would she want to do that or me?”
“Her. Jolene.”
“I don’t know. I think she was jealous of Avery.”
“Okay, so what did you say to her when she asked you?”
“I don’t remember, but I thought it sounded like fun. I told her to follow me to the garage, and I dug around in some boxes, and found this old mask we had.”
“Where was the mask from?”
“I don’t know.”
“Where had you seen it from?”
“It was just in the garage. I figured it was an old Halloween costume of my dad’s.” Charla shrugged. “I’d seen it in there before when I was looking for other things.”
“Okay, so then what happened?”
“She got excited when I showed her the mask. She said she had an idea. She wanted us to follow Avery home after school. I thought we might not even get to do it if her parents picked her up, but we followed her from her locker outside, and she started walking.”
“Who had the mask at this point?”
“Jolene. I don’t think it was ever a question of who would be wearing it. It was her beef with Avery, not mine.”
“Okay, continue.”
“So we followed her to the forest by the Crown River, and when she went in, I got nervous. This wasn’t just popping out from behind a bush, or fence. It felt like we were stalking her. She started looking around, and walking faster, and I knew she was lost. That’s when Jolene put on the mask, and started after her. I couldn’t keep up.”
“Why didn’t she notice you?”
“I was back farther. Like I said, I couldn’t keep up. It got to the point where they lost me all together.” Charla cleared her throat. “I knew they were heading for the river, and when I heard a scream, I knew it wasn’t Jolene. She ran back at me with the mask still on, and she even scared me. She ripped it off and told me to run. I know it sounds silly now, but I thought someone was after us, so I did. When we got out to the sidewalk, she just started walking like normal.” Charla stared off.
“What did she tell you?”
“She wouldn’t say anything. She just told me to keep our prank a secret. Later, on the news, my parents saw what happened to Avery, and told me, asking if I knew her because we went to the same school. I lied and told them no. That night Jolene called me, and said if I told anyone what happened, she’d do the same to me.” Charla had tears in her eyes. “I thought she pushed Avery into the river. I never spoke to her again, but I always felt guilty, so I contacted Avery. I wanted to tell her the truth.”
“And?”
“She wouldn’t meet me. Then, I saw the news, with the sketch, and the mask looked similar. Avery told them she thought they were the same. Then I needed to tell her the truth. She met with me, and I told her just now. She didn’t take it well, but I didn’t expect her to. She always seemed sensitive, so I didn’t expect for it to go well, but she’s really hurt. Then I got a call from you guys, and I knew.”
“Knew what?”
“It’s the same mask.”
Ethan looked back at Noah. “Who took the mask home with them?”
“I don’t remember.” Charla looked up at them with her bright green eyes, and Noah thought he could have guessed she was the popular type, even if they had just met.
She was poised, and calm, especially under the circumstances, but Noah noticed her smudged eye makeup. She wasn’t as collected as she put on.
“Think hard.”
“I think I did. I think I put it back in the box it came from and piled more on top of it.”
“Sounds like something you do remember.”
Charla looked up at Ethan. “What happens now?”
“Now we talk to Jolene and see if everything matches up. Then, we find that mask.”
Ethan knocked on the door inside the room; Owen opened it, and led Jolene in. Noah ushered Charla out, and Owen pointed to a chair where she sat. Noah looked into the next room before walking back in, and saw Avery looking back at him.
He could make out her blue eyes from where he stood, and the sadness they carried made him feel like he’d drown in them if he got too close. Charla was right—she was hurt. Overwhelmed probably, he thought, and wondered if he should have gone easier on her.
“Should I go in or stay with her?” Owen asked, and tilted his head to where Charla sat in the hall.
“Naw, we’ve got it. Thanks though.” Noah closed the door behind him, and stood beside Ethan once more.
“I thought it would be fun to pull a prank. It’s not against the law officer.” Jolene smirked.
“Inspector.” Ethan said, and shifted his glance to Noah. “And it’s against the law when someone gets hurt.”
“She’s the one who overreacte
d. Ran right off the ledge herself. Is she telling you I pushed her? Did Charla tell you that?”
“Who took the mask with them when you parted ways with Charla?”
“She did! She’s the one that suggested we use it in the first place.”
“You’re sure about it?”
“You calling me a liar? I haven’t lied about one thing since I sat down. Avery was a stuck up bitch in high school. Probably still is. She was so scared she put herself in the hospital. Now do I need to get a lawyer?”
“What you need to do is stay here until we say otherwise.” Ethan opened the door for Noah, and shut it behind them, as Owen approached.
“Charla, do your parents still live in the same home?”
Charla nodded.
“We need to search the house for the mask.”
Charla looked up at them. “You think it’s the same one the killer is using?”
“Can’t discuss that.” Ethan looked up and down the hall, “When we get there, you tell your parents if they don’t give permission, we’ll be there with a warrant faster than they can lock the doors. Officer Minicozzi will go with you.”
Charla nodded and followed Owen back to the reception desk.
“Should we get her parents in here now?” Noah asked.
Ethan looked back into the room where Jolene sat. “If we find it, this could be huge.”
“You think it could be her dad?”
“Maybe. Regardless, we’ll have a better chance at finding the manufacturer if it’s not the same one, and that could lead us to the killer.”
“Should I let Avery go?”
“Better tell her the girls have confessed, but she’s not able to press charges. No action can be taken.”
Noah nodded. “What about Jolene?”
“She can go too.”
Owen came back with Charla in tow.
Ethan looked at Noah. “You coming?”
Noah tried to suppress his grin. “Sure, be there in a sec.”
As they walked down the hall, Noah opened the door to Avery’s room. “You’re free to go, alright? Charla and Jolene confessed. Can’t do anything about it now though. Legally, too much time has passed.”
Avery stood from her chair. “I don’t care about that. What about the mask?”
“We’ll find out soon.” He paused, and grabbed the door knob. “You need a ride home?”
She shook her head.
“Alright. Take care.”
Noah went to the next room and opened the door to find Jolene on her cell phone. “You can go now.”
He didn’t wait to hear what Jolene said, and hurried down the hallway toward the parking lot.
Chapter 18
Avery skulked down the hall to her apartment, and noticed Sadie had been sitting by her door. She scrambled to her feet, and hugged Avery tight.
Avery unlocked the door, Sadie grabbed her bag from the floor, and they both stepped inside. As Avery locked up behind them, Sadie went to the kitchen and placed the bag on the counter.
“I brought sandwiches. I figured you hadn’t eaten.”
When Avery finished telling her about her meeting with Charla, and everything that happened in the police department, she started in on her sandwich.
“It should surprise me that they were the ones behind your attack, but it doesn’t. I’m more surprised that Charla actually confessed, and apologized to you.”
“Hmm?” Avery chewed in a rush.
“Well, maybe she’s changed.”
“You think I should have forgiven her?”
“No, I’m not saying that.” Sadie sighed, and ate a bit of her sandwich. “You wish they could have been punished? Charged?”
Avery shook her head. “I just don’t think they’re good people. Karma will give them what they deserve if it hasn’t already.”
“It’s good that you know the truth now, you know?”
Avery nodded, and poured them each a drink.
“Thanks for this.” Avery popped the last bite into her mouth.
“No prob.” Sadie wiped her mouth with a napkin. “It’s so quiet in here. Do you ever get lonely?”
“Nope. You’re here most of the time.” Avery smiled. “Sometimes Josh and Asher.”
She realized it was quiet, and that the baby next door hadn’t had a fit in almost two days.
A new record.
“Think it’s serious?” Sadie smiled.
“Josh and Asher? Well yeah, they moved in together.”
“Maybe they just didn’t want to live at their parents anymore?”
Avery shrugged. “He said things are going well.”
Sadie smiled and looked around the kitchen. “So you don’t mind being alone at all?”
“No, I love being on my own right now. No parents to observe and judge my life, lots of time to myself, what’s not to love?”
“I’m glad my mom’s cool with me staying in the basement. Until I build up a better clientele, I can’t afford to live on my own, or else I’d live with you.”
“Oh yeah?” Avery smiled.
“Well, financial issues aren’t the only reason it wouldn’t work. I’d have nowhere to set up my massage table here.”
“How about the fact that I don’t mind living on my own?”
“I don’t know.” Sadie smiled, and looked around. “I couldn’t do it. You should get a cat. Or a dog. I’m surprised you haven’t brought one home from the shelter yet.”
“I couldn’t take just one, and besides, no pets allowed here.”
“I just think of you alone here, and…”
“I’m fine Sadie. Honestly, I’m better than I’ve been in a while. Just feels like a weight has been lifted, you know?”
“Still, you’ve gotta be a bit confused. I am.”
“It’s a weird feeling. Can’t describe it. I just hope they find that mask. Maybe it’ll lead them to the killer.”
A knock on the door startled them.
Avery looked through the peep hole and saw Josh on the other side.
“Hey, just wanted to pop by with Louie before he gets placed.” Josh closed the door behind him, and moved out of the way so Avery could lock it. “I’m gunna miss this pooch.”
“Oooh!” Sadie squeeled. “Puppy!”
Josh laughed and brought Louie to Sadie in the kitchen.
“I see the news crew finally left you alone.” Josh smiled, but when he saw Sadie’s face, it faded.
“Thanks for taking my shift, by the way.” Avery wiped up the crumbs from the counter, “Listen, I’ve gotta catch you up on today.”
Avery told him everything, and Sadie listened intently, cradling Louie in her arms.
“I’m sorry Avery. Kids can be so cruel.”
“These girls were more than cruel. They were…” Avery shook her head and shrugged. “They weren’t worth my time, until now.”
“They were bitches,” Sadie looked up from Louie. “Except Charla never really said anything to you, you know? She probably just talked behind people’s backs.”
“How does it feel to finally know the truth?” Josh asked.
“Weird.” Avery plunked herself down on the couch, and they gathered in the living room.
Josh sat down beside her. “Listen, I think this is good news. It will help you move on, you know? Honestly, it means there’s less of a chance you’re connected to this killer.”
Sadie sat on the floor and played around with Louie, who had already grown in the days since Avery saw him.
“It wasn’t like I was hung up on it.” Both Sadie and Josh looked at her. “What?”
“I think maybe it affected you more than you know…“Josh turned to Sadie.
“Sadie?”
She gave a half-hearted smile, and shrugged as she picked up Louie.
Avery crossed her arms.
“Listen, it’s over now.” Josh waited for a response, but when she was silent, he stood. “I’ve got to get Lou to his new foster parents.”
Avery swallowed, and leaned back on the couch. “It’s okay. I feel like being alone right now.”
Sadie handed Louie back to Josh. “Call me if you wanna talk, alright?”
Avery nodded and Josh brought the pup to her.
“Want to say goodbye?” He held Louie up to her face, and she exhaled and kissed his chubby cheek.
“I hope I don’t see you again Louie. You know I mean that in the nicest way. I hope you get your forever home.”
Josh cradled the pup in one arm, and waved before the left. He followed Sadie out, and as the door closed, Avery got up and locked it behind them.
She went to her sliding door, and stepped out onto the balcony to watch the sun set. As it touched the horizon, it left the sky an orangey-pink. She thought about what Josh and Sadie implied.
As soon as they had left, Avery knew they were right.
The incident ten years ago still affected her, but as the remaining sun dipped below Crown River’s landscape, she decided it didn’t have to be that way.
Tomorrow was a new day, and she needed a fresh start more than ever. It was the first day she could move on without questions about her attack. About who wanted to hurt her, and if they were still out there. She thought it would comfort her to think of the guilt they carried, but she didn’t take pleasure in Charla’s pain, and Jolene seemed like she didn’t lose a wink of sleep over it.
She thought about Noah, and imagined him and his colleagues searching for the mask at that very moment.
Chapter 19
Noah and Ethan looked at each other and shook their heads. He followed Ethan out of the musty garage, through the house, and back to the kitchen.
Owen caught Noah’s attention for a brief moment, and let out a sigh.
“Mr. and Mrs. Kent, when was the last time you saw the mask in question?” Ethan slid the photo of the police sketch along the table in front of them.
“We told Officer Manicotti here that we don’t even think it’s the same as ours.” Mr. Kent slid the photo back across the table. “Mine didn’t have blood on it. That’s for sure Officer Manicotti.”
Owen rolled his eyes behind them and Noah tried not to snicker when Mr. Kent confused Owen’s last name.
Lies Come True Page 6