It was a Monday morning at 8 a.m. I woke up with a strange feeling in my stomach. Was it because of the conversation I had with Emily last night?
Maybe, or maybe it was nerves. Either way, I still had work today. I grabbed my clothes and started getting ready for the day.
I quietly walked out of my room and into the bathroom, careful not to wake Emily, whose bedroom was across from mine.
I stepped into the bathroom, closed the door, and got into the shower. Warm water poured down my body as I squeezed some shampoo into my hand.
Now, I was alone with my thoughts as I showered. My mind started wandering back to X, and I couldn’t stop wondering if my sister was really in danger. I mean, X still hadn’t targeted Emily or me yet. He was still stalking Audrey, though.
That reminded me that I should probably text Audrey and see who she’d decided to stay with for the time being, at least until we figured out who X was and discovered what had really happened to Shawn.
I got out of the shower and got dressed. It was 9 a.m., and I didn’t have to be at work until 11, so I had two hours to spare. I went downstairs and heard plates clanking and silverware being pulled out of drawers.
“Oh, you’re awake!” Emily said with a smile. “I got up while you were in the shower and decided to make breakfast.”
“Oh, really? That’s nice of you! What did you make?”
“Bacon and eggs. I know it’s nothing special, but hey, I tried.”
I grabbed a plate and put some eggs and bacon on it before heading to the counter to pour myself a glass of orange juice.
“What made you decide to make breakfast?” I asked.
“Well, it’s just…” She hesitated. “I noticed how stressed you’ve been about capturing X, so I decided to do something nice for you.”
I hugged Emily and ruffled her hair.
“You’re the best sister I could ask for.”
She playfully swatted my hand away.
“Stop, Millie!” she said with a laugh. “Don’t get all mushy on me.”
I finished eating my breakfast and took care of a couple of things before heading to work. Before I knew it, it was already 10:44 a.m.
“Okay, Emily, I’m leaving for work. Keep the windows and doors locked, understand?”
“Yes, Millie. I’ll be careful.”
“Okay, good.”
I grabbed my car keys and left, locking the door behind me before walking to my car.
I drove to work. It didn’t take me long to get there since it was only about three miles away. I pulled into the small parking lot in front of the police station. I’d only been working here for about three years, and considering the jobs I’d had in the past, this one was much better.
I walked inside and put my belongings in my locker. I was then greeted by a very happy Ace.
“So, Audrey!” I called out while gently scratching Ace’s ears. “Have you decided who you’re staying with?”
“I’m going to stay with Eric and Ace. I think it’s safer that way. In case X breaks in or anything, Ace would notice before we did. I mean, he’s a fully trained K-9.”
Ace barked proudly, as if he knew we were talking about him.
We all sat down and discussed our plan to capture X before anything else happened—or, worse, someone else got hurt.