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“That’s what I've been told,” he says, his voice still very gentle.
“He is…” I say, but stop. “Was… Do you know who did this?”
“No,” he says simply. “I’ve seen your name come up in other investigations, though.”
“Mine?” I ask. “For what?”
“You are the graduate student interviewing Gabriel Ashcroft,” he says with a small, almost sympathetic smile.
“Is that related?” I ask.
“You tell me,” he says. “Does this fit the profile of the killings that Gabriel was charged with?”
“No,” I admit. “Those murders, the victims were dismembered… Why are you asking me this?”
“Nora, I will be honest. I find it interesting that you are connected to Gabriel and Alex,” he says. “You have a traumatic past and…”
“I’m done,” I snap and open the door.
“Running makes you look guilty,” he warns me.
“Accusing me makes you look like an incompetent piece of shit,” I snap back. “Go fuck yourself, Detective.”
“Are you still willing to provide the log for your door, or should I get a warrant?”
“Yes, you can have the log,” I say. “But understand it’s because I care about Alex, not you. Maybe do a better fucking job with this case than you did with Gabriel’s.”
“Noted,” he says. He hands me his phone with the notepad open on it, so I type in my login information before tossing his phone on the seat and walking away.
I am running on adrenaline, and I am very aware that everyone is watching me.
I get back to my apartment, and tears are streaming down my face again. As I drop my phone on my desk, my heart sinks.
He wrote me a note before he left…
I grab the folded-up piece of paper and go into my bathroom. I am about to open the drawer to find my razor when I see a white T-shirt sitting on my counter.
I hesitantly pick it up, knowing Alex left it behind. I do not doubt that it was intentional. I would have acted annoyed when he asked to come back for it, but I would have let him.
Instead of grabbing the razor, I take the shirt and go to my bed. I lay in the same spot I did last night and face the same way. I wish more than anything I could go back and let him stay the night. One night wouldn’t have hurt… At least he would be alive.
Before I can open the note, my phone dings. I get up and grab my phone before returning to the bed to check it.
Liam
Hey. Everyone is calling me to check on you. Are you okay? What happened?
Me
Alex was with me last night… We hooked up, and I wouldn’t let him stay… Now he’s dead.
Liam
Oh, Nora… I’m so sorry. Do you need anything?
Me
Happen to have a time machine? I could really use one right about now.
