????ABIGAIL
INOCENCIO????
(The Murderer….)
By, Precious Pinky
Copyright ©️(Don’t copy this story if you don’t want to see madness!)
CHAPTER 63????64
••••
{ YOU? }
“The murderer didn’t change their mind. Someone caught them in the act so they ran off and left Minty’s body in the body bag without tossing it away like they intended to. I need to interrogate the person who reported the murder to the cops.”
______
Abby let out a strained sigh and started massaging her temple.
“Can I be honest?” She muttered and Emma nodded her head, giving her the go-ahead to talk. “I don’t understand any of the things you just said right now.”
Emma sat back down on the bed and slung her arm around Abby’s shoulder.
“It’s complicated and confusing. I know. Trust me, I am just as confused as you are.”
“Well, you don’t sound like someone confused.” She pointed out, releasing another deep breath. “Listen, I will always support you in whatever you do, you know that, right?”
“I know.” Emma smiled.
“However,” Abigail slowly reached out to hold her best friend’s hand. “I am worried.”
“About what?”
“About what you told me,” She ran the tip of her tongue over her lips. “If I am really the reason for those innocent people’s death… what is the assurance that you won’t be the killer’s next victim, huh?”
“Abby, I can protect myself. Nothing bad is going to happen to me. And please, don’t blame yourself for anything. Besides, it is only my speculation and I am not sure of anything yet.”
“Do you think Sandra and Marshall are innocent?” Abigail asked after a moment of silence.
Emma shrugged her shoulders.
“They might be. We just need to find out why Sandra dropped by the hospital that night and what she is hiding from everyone.”
Abby nodded her head as she lowered her gaze to stare at the tiles floor.
“You are still worried,” Emma observed.
“I don’t want you to die, Emma. I won’t be able to forgive myself if you do.”
“Hey, don’t take my theories to heart, I could be wrong.”
“What if you are right?”
“Then it will make the investigation easier.” Emma answered.
Abby lifted up her gaze to look at her friend who just sounded crazy right now.
“Can you hear yourself at all? Are you trying to say that it will be great if I turn out to be the reason for innocent people’s death? How do you think I will feel about that, huh?”
“Calm down, Abby.” Emma pleaded. “I’m sorry if that was how it sounded like. But believe me, what I meant was something entirely different.”
“What? I’m listening. Make me understand how my involvement in all this shit will make the investigation easier.”
“Because we will know that whoever this murderer is, is related to you somehow.” Emma explained. “We will have to go through your enemies list and investigate them.”
“That’s the point!” Abby snapped, rising to her feet, and started pacing back and forth. “I don’t keep enemies. Everyone loves me, Emma.”
“Everyone? And what about Sandra and Marshall?” She raised a questioning brow. “Do they love you?”
“No, they don’t. But_”
“You know about the hate Marshall and Sandra have for you,” Emma stood up from the bed. “But what about the people that act like your friend but in reality, they despise you so much? What if there is a friend close to you that wants your downfall, hmm?”
“You are the only friend I am close to, Emma.” Abby noted as she stopped pacing back and forth.
“I am not your friend, Abigail.” Emma shook her head, taking a step close to her. “I am your sister. Your family. I am not saying you should trust me because you don’t have to do that but I swear I will never do anything to hurt you. You are one of the reasons why I am determined to catch this freaking psychopath and lock them behind bars. You are the one getting hurt the most in all of these and I don’t like seeing you unhappy.”
Abby balled her fist while biting her bottom lip.
“I don’t know…” She was confused, frustrated, and tired of everything.
Who would believe that her life will turn out this way?
She was living the best life possible until two years ago when her patients started dying mysteriously.
If these murders are really connected to her in some way, who could the murderer be? And why are they doing this to her?
Come to think of it, why didn’t the psycho just kill her instead of killing innocent people who did nothing wrong?
Especially her sweet girl, Tara.
But in all of these things, Abby is mostly worried about her best friend, sister from another mother and only family, Emma. If she was really connected somehow, does that mean one day, Emma will be the killer’s next victim?
“What are you thinking about?” Emma queried.
“You.” Abby gave out a sincere answer.
“You are worried that I will be the next victim if you are really the reason for the murders, is that right?”
“You read my mind.” Abby stated.
“Come here,” Emma wrapped her arms around her friend, pulling her into a warm and welcoming embrace. “Nothing bad will happen to me, okay? I promise to stay safe.”
“I don’t want to lose you. You are all I have.”
“You are all I have too. I will be very careful. Trust me.”
••••
The girls were downstairs in the living room, watching Mulan.
They couldn’t sleep.
However, neither one of them was paying attention to the movie playing on the huge TV screen as their minds are preoccupied with the situation at hand.
The tension in the air thickened until Emma’s ringtone came up, grabbing both girls’ attention.
“Oh, f**k.” They cursed at the same time.
Emma quickly snatched her phone and stared at the caller ID.
It was Robert.
“Excuse me, Abby.” She took permission and left the living room, going inside the kitchen so that the movie playing won’t disturb her.
She answered the call and brought the phone up to her ear.
“Emma?”
“Hey, Rob.” She answered.
“How do you feel now?” He asked.
“Better. I’m sorry for worrying you.” She said.
“Nah, you don’t have to apologize. You are my friend and it is only right that I worry about you. I just hope you are okay now.”
She nodded. “Yes, I am. Where are you?”
“I just got home. Ginny and I were pretty busy in the station but decided to continue with the analysis tomorrow.”
“Did you find anything?”
“Well…” He paused. “Let’s talk about it tomorrow.”
“Alright then. See you tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Bye.”
“Bye!”
The call got disconnected and she returned to the living room.
“Who was it?” Abby asked.
“Robert,” Emma answered and sat down back on the couch, dropping her phone beside her. “He called to check up on me.”
“Okay.” Abby hesitated for what felt like hours before gathering enough courage to speak up. “I kissed Jersey.”
Emma’s eyes popped open.
“You did what?”
“I kissed… wait, more like he kissed me and I reciprocated.” She stated.
“Wow. Isn’t that the name of your director?” Abby nodded her head as a yes. “What? You are f**king your director?”
“What the hell? No.” Abby vigorously shook her head, shocked. “We only kissed.”
“Hmm. Did you enjoy the kiss?”
It was silent for a moment.
“Honestly, I did. But I promised myself not to let it repeat itself again.”
Emma furrowed her brows. “Why not? If you enjoyed the kiss then you must want to do it over again with him.”
“It’s unprofessional, Emma. Jersey is my boss and having anything to do with him will end up badly.”
“How do you mean? You are both adults and_”
“I don’t want to get attached to anybody.” She cut her friend off.
“Why?” Emma asked again.
“Because… because I don’t trust people like that. Well, aside from you. And I don’t want to get committed with anybody.”
“I understand why you don’t trust people but what I don’t understand is why you don’t want commitment.” Emma said.
“I can’t be happy with anyone, Emma. Look at me, I am completely messed up. Who would want to be with a freak like me?”
“You are not a freak.”
“I am a freak. Can you point out one human being that doesn’t know how to cry? Or a person who hides under the bed for fear of getting caught by her stepfather who has been missing for thirteen years? I am not normal, Emma. And I don’t need the help of anybody to point out that fact.”
“I don’t think you are a freak, Abigail. Yes, you were caught up in the web of an evil man who hurt you and ruined your life but that doesn’t make you a freak.” Emma said softly. “You are a good person, Abby. You are beautiful, nice, and amazing. I am very lucky to have someone like you by my side.”
Abby smiled and quickly places her head on Emma’s shoulder, closing her eyes.
“This is the moment where I cry but you know, too bad for me. I can’t cry.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Emma started stroking Abby’s hair quietly.
“Do you like him?” Emma asked, breaking the silence that fell between the both of them.
“Jersey?”
“Yeah. Do you like him?”
“I don’t know. I enjoyed the kiss and I really wanted more than a mere kiss but I guess it’s my hormones and nothing more.”
“Abby, if you truly like Jersey and he likes you too, don’t hesitate to be with him.”
Abby shook her head in disagreement.
“I can’t be with him, Emma. You won’t understand why but believe me, happiness is far away from me.”
“Wait, what is that supposed to mean?”
“I was going to talk to Thelma,” Abby said, changing the subject.
“You were going to?” Emma repeated with a deep frown on her face. “That means you didn’t.”
“I didn’t. Thelma left the hospital before we could talk. I asked Cora and she told me that Thelma left in a hurry after receiving a phone call.”
“A call from who?”
“I don’t know and neither does Cora.”
“Sorry, but who is Cora?”
“She is a nurse that works in the hospital.” Abby answered, peeling her eyes open, her gaze was on the huge flat-screen TV. “I will do some research on the poison while you and the rest of your team deal with the case.”
“That’s a good idea. And I think you should carry out an autopsy on Minty’s dead body instead.”
“I should?”
“Yeah.”
“Is that even possible? Will I be allowed to do that?”
“As long as I’m the one recommending you, there is no problem.”
“Okay!”
“I will investigate Thelma, she is more of a suspect than even Sandra is.”
••••
He couldn’t sleep.
He tried but it was impossible to fall asleep especially when Sandra’s words kept taunting him and making life unbearable for him.
He could literally hear her words in his head, making it very difficult for him to think straight.
He has made a mistake by getting attracted to a woman like her in the first place.
She won’t give up on him no matter what happens.
≤!≥ I know how much you want to be with your wife… I mean, that’s the reason why you want to break my heart but trust me, Marshall, I won’t let you win. You either continue what you’ve started with me or lose your wife and me. The choice is yours ≤!≥
He honestly doesn’t want to lose his wife or destroy his marriage and neither does he want to have anything to do with Sandra.
“Honey, what are you doing over there?” Felicia asked, slowly sitting upright on the bed.
“Hey, babe.” He forced a smile on his face, taking a sip of brandy.
“Are you drinking?” She scrunched up her face.
“F**k. I’m sorry.” He dropped the cup on the table and walked towards the king-sized bed. “Why are you awake?”
“I should be the one asking you that.” She glanced at the wall clock. “It is 2:30 am, you shouldn’t be awake by this time, honey. Is something bothering you?”
Marshall lay down on the bed and pulled his wife to himself.
“Nothing is wrong with me.” He responded.
“Are you sure? You can always talk to me, you know that, right?”
“Yeah, I do. But trust me, I’m fine.” He placed a delicate kiss on top of her head.
She snuggled to him and tangled up their legs, her face pressed to his chest as she listened to his heartbeat.
‘Felicia loves me and I’m sure she will forgive me if I tell her about my infidelity. However, how sure am I that she truly loves me as she proclaims? Maybe I should ask her.’ He said in his head, preparing himself to confess his sins before his beloved wife after asking her a very important question.
“Felicia, can I ask you a question?” He began.
“Sure.”
“Do you love me?” He asked.
Felicia least expected to hear him ask her that. How long has he been doubting her love for him?
She pulled away and glanced down at him.
“I don’t get it. What kind of a question is that? Why are you asking such a ridiculous question? Do you think I don’t love you? Have I ever given you a reason to doubt my love for you?” She queried.
“Honey, I don’t doubt your love for me, I promise.”
“Then why did you ask such a stupid question?”
He pecked her forehead.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, Marshall. Just tell me why. Did I do something wrong?”
He shook his head.
‘It’s the opposite. I don’t think I can ever find the courage to tell you the truth, Felicia. I simply have to do anything that Sandra wants because as long as I have you with me, I have absolutely nothing to worry about.’ He thought to himself.
“You are perfect, my love. I’m sorry for asking you that. Please forgive me.” He begged.
She exhaled a deep breath and returned to his arms.
“I love you, Marshall. If I didn’t I will not have been married to you and neither will I choose you over my brother. I don’t regret being in love with you, okay?” She said.
“I love you too.” He kissed her once again. “Speaking of your brother…”
“What happened to him? Wait, did he fight you in the hospital?”
“No. I went to the restroom and saw him there…”
“So?”
“He was scrubbing his hands continuously to the point of bleeding and he was nervous about something. His face was pale and his lips quivered. I’m no expert on emotions but something is going on with him.” He said.
“Oh.” Felicia didn’t know what to say. “I will talk to Mother about it tomorrow. But,” She met his gaze. “when did you start caring about my brother?”
Marshall rolled his eyes.
“I don’t…”
“Of course, you don’t.” She sarcastically replied, giggling.
••••
“Tell me what is going on with you, son! I am worried sick about you. Talk to me, please.” Mrs. Hart pleaded.
“Mother, stop this. I’m getting tired of you and father’s constant interrogation. It is frustratingly annoying.” Jersey retorted.
“We are only looking out for you. That’s the responsibility of parents.”
“Well, stop it. I am no longer a child and I can take care of myself.”
“Get married then.” She let out.
“Get married?” He chuckled darkly. “Is that what all this is all about? Marriage?”
“No…Yes. Not really.” She groaned. “Partially.”
“Is this your way of telling me to get out of your house and find my own space? Because if yes, then fine. I am ready to leave your house. Besides, you and Father were the ones who begged me to live with you both. I never wanted to stay here.”
“What is going on?” Mr. Hart scowled, descending the stairs. “Isn’t it too early to argue? Honey, what is it?”
Mrs. Hart sniffled as tears rolled down her face.
“I can’t recognize my son anymore. I don’t know what is the issue with him but…” She shook her head. “He is like a stranger.” She went upstairs without saying any more words to anybody.
“Jersey_”
“Not now, Father.” He interrupted the man and stormed out of the house.
••••
Robert was brewing coffee when he heard a knock on the door.
He quickly stepped out of the kitchen and hurried to the door, expecting to see his best friend.
He opened the door without confirming who it was on the other side of the door.
Just as he predicted, it was Richard. However, his best friend wasn’t the only one standing in front of his door.
“No, f**king no way. What is she doing here?” He snapped, shooting daggers at his best friend and sister.
“Listen, man, we need to talk.”
“No. I don’t want to talk. I have nothing to discuss with her.” He said, attempting to shut the door in their faces but Richard stopped him.
“Stop acting like a baby and let’s f**king talk.” Richard grabbed Tessa’s hand and pulled her into the house along with him.
Robert groaned in anger, slamming the door shut, and turning to face them.
“I just hope you haven’t made the wrong decision, Richy. Because believe me, I won’t hesitate to throw you and her out of my house, if you dare, try to beg on her behalf.” He threatened.
Richard and Tessa exchanged glances, hesitating to speak up, and that gave Robert the opportunity to observe the both of them.
He pinched his brows together when he sighted their adjoined hands – they were holding each other hands, refusing to let go.
His mind was telling him something but he doesn’t want to believe it.
“What is…going on?” He asked.
Richard su-cked in a shaky breath and released it afterward, facing his friend.
“Tessa and I have something to tell you…” He began. “You might be pissed off but I hope you will support us.”
“Support what?” Robert questioned. “Speak up, what is going on?” He snapped.
“We are getting married.” Richard blurted out.
“What?”
••••
“Are you already prepared for work?” Abby asked.
“Yup. We have a difficult case to solve, remember?”
“Yeah, right. I will work on the Thallium poison like I promised while you get the permission to make me carry out an autopsy on Minty.”
“Sure. Are you going to still speak to Thelma today?”
“I will try. What about you and Robert? Are the both of you going for the undercover mission?”
“Maybe.”
“Hmm. Okay. Be careful.”
“I will. Oh, that reminds me, what time are you going to work?”
“At noon.”
“Lucky you.” They embraced and then Emma left the house.
••••
Abby was typing something on her laptop while eating pizza when she heard a knock on the door.
“Ugh.” She groaned and rose to her feet. “Who is it? I’m coming.”
She opened the door without looking through the peephole and her eyes instantly widened when she saw who it was.
“You?” Abby breathed out.
“Yes, me.”
TBC