chapter 12

PRESENT

RAVEN STEEL: authorities are still searching for the renowned model who has reportedly been missing for 10 days.

LOS ANGELES — The search to find the renowned model, Raven Anna Steel in California ended Friday without any results. The Authorities believe Raven, the 23 year old, was abducted. Her car was found along a bridge and Investigations are still on going—kidnappers are yet to request for a ransom. Some fans speculate that the model’s possible abductor is her reported stalker, since a ransom is yet to be requested for.

Ignoring the number of times he had read the article,he slammed his fist on a table—his head banged in response. Groaning in pain, his eyes went shut. It was happening again. Struggling to keep it open, he found his way to his bed...

*****

PAST

What do you mean we have to move out!" Raven sneered.

The police retained Raven and Veronica for questioning—since they were the main witnesses in the murder. After writing her statement and answering all of the questions. Her temper rose at the knowledge of moving out of her home.

"This is a homicide miss—you'll not be allowed into your home until all the forensic evidence has been collected," the officer uttered. His words came out professionally, he seemed nice—much nicer than the other officer that accompanied her to the station. Her shoulder slumped and a gentle yawn escaped from her mouth.

"Can we at least grab some of our belongings?" She asked with her eyes darting through the wall.

"I'm afraid not miss."  

Keeping quiet for a while—her gaze met with the name tag hanging on his chest.

"May I be excused Chris?" 

The words came out softly—nodding in reply, she plodded out of the room leisurely. Her mother and sisters were patiently waiting in front of the exit— they looked horrible—maybe not as bad as she did— with red and puffy eyes, a blotchy face. No one dared to speak.

"I pulled some strings and we'll be allowed to get some of our stuffs from the house." Veronica said slowly. "With the company of some cops of course." 

Silently ambling to the car—the evening was cold and wet with a brisk wind, sweeping the rain across the land. The cold moved in only to meet the warmth of  her blood—her defense against such ice. Raven could feel it wash over her skin, again and again, only to be met by the beat of her heart. She smelled the rain—realizing it was an absence of all odors. She wondered if it was because her airways were not functioning properly – she could feel the little hairs in her nose freezing .

Folding both arms across her chest, Raven got into the car eagerly. Louisiana was right next to her—words threatening to come out of her mouth, she maintained balanced. She understood the grief they shared. Louis hadn’t said a word ever since she saw the body. Tessa on the other hand had an expression she couldn’t explain. 

It was a long and quiet journey, the mansion finally came into view. Raven studied the crevices of the old winding stone path, which led directly to the colossal structure. The mansion loomed proudly behind creaky iron gates, flanked by rows of skeletal trees crowned in crimson, swaying gently to the chilly autumn wind. At its threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence. 

With a cop accompanying her to the room—Raven tried to hold back the seething torrent of tears that had been building up since the moment she steeped into the house—avoiding to appear weak in the presence of anyone.

It was over this time.

She was never going to see him.

Raven made sure to take everything she needed—with the cop right behind her. He was of no help, he didn’t offer to carry any of her suite cases. Just before leaving the room, her gaze met with Fred’s picture—sauntering over to get it, the cop groaned in disapproval—he was starting to get on her nerves. 

After a long walk, Raven dropped off her suitcases. Tessa and Veronica were in the car—waiting. Louisiana and the cop that had accompanied her were no where in sight. 

Raven was starting to get impatient, the rain was still drizzling-her goosebumps were increasing. 

“I can’t seem to find the lady.” 

The words snapped her out of her thoughts. Peeping out of the window—Louisiana’s cop seemed to have turned up, he was having a conversation with her mother. She couldn’t see Veronica’s face but her words came out weak. It was bothersome to Raven—She was exactly like her mother—she hated to admit but it was a truth reality fed to her. Silently stepping out of the car, Raven left for the garden unnoticed. If Louisiana was going to waste her time, she’d as well seize the moment. 

Getting close to the garden—She heard noises. It sounded a lot like Louisiana, but the other person speaking sounded like a man. Confused and curious, Raven sauntered closer to the garden. 

“I love you Louis. I wish I could take away your pain.” The voice sounded familiar. Raven watched as the two embraced.

 Plodding closer to get a better view, she tripped firmly on the wet floor. Angrily blaming her clumsiness—two heads turned over to her direction. She recognized the man staring at her—refusing to believe her eyes. Raven got her grip—taking a stand, she went closer to her sister. Louisiana lowered her eyes.

“So this is your little secret Louis. Messing around with a low life! Dad just passed on and you’re cuddling a lowlife. Our next door gardener!”

Louisiana in that moment of defeat—her lips trembling in shame. The next door gardener stared at her—waiting for a response.

Louisiana-still avoiding his gaze. He got the message—she was embarrassed of him.

“I was wrong about you.” Raven watched as he passed through an opened path-connecting the neighboring houses. 

Falling to her knees. Louisiana cried out in pain.

Watching her elder sister closely—her heart raced wildly.

What had she done.

^^*****

Our dear Raven can be a big pain in the ass.