2. Ellie
CHAPTER 2
Ellie
I got dressed in a weird haze, unaware of putting on my clothes, but here I am, sitting at the modest dining room table, a cool glass of water between my hands, and I still don’t understand everything that’s happening.
Captain Wolfe speaks with authority to those around him, and I’d be an idiot if I didn’t notice how commanding he is. I’ve never been allowed to date–my dad is incredibly strict–but if I could, I’d date someone like the captain. He appears as if he knows how to treat a woman.
When Jaime arrived, she was sent away. We were supposed to go to the movies. It was the first night in three months that my dad was letting me go out. Now, that’s ruined.
I feel like I’m watching my house being searched through rose-colored glasses because this can’t be my house they’re searching. I overheard one of the officers say that my dad had murdered several women, but they shut up when they realized I was listening.
My dad? A serial killer? Not possible.
Isn’t it, though, Ellie?
Pushing the insidious thought away, I can’t focus on that right now. It’s not possible. He’s not a nice man, but a killer? No way.
I hope.
“Miss Dawson?” A woman in a pencil skirt and blazer approaches, along with two officers, and I shrink back. “I’m Taylor Peters. I’m a social worker for the state.”
I flinch like I’ve been struck. If she’s here, that means there’s no mistake. My dad has really done what they’re accusing him of. The horrible thing is, I’ve been through this before. When my mom died eight years ago, I was in the system for two years before Dad was able to regain custody of me. It was not a pleasant two years.
“I have to leave again.” I can’t help the vibrating fear in my voice. No matter what my dad has done to me over the years, it was never as bad as foster care.
“What do you mean again?” I recoil at Captain Wolfe’s fierce tone as he kneels in front of me. He’s like a warrior–angry and ready to do battle.
“Foster care,” I whisper like it’s a dirty secret. For me, I guess it is.
“I’ve already vetted a family. You’ll like them,” Mrs. Peters explains.
“They’re all the same.” My last three months in the state’s care were horrendous. I still have nightmares, but I don’t really have a choice. “Can I pack some of my own things this time?”
“This time?” the captain repeats, sounding horrified and furious. “What the hell happened last time?” I only shrug because I don’t want to talk about it.
“Will I have to switch schools? I only have a couple of months left.” I aim my question to Mrs. Peters.
“I’ve arranged for a family near the school with a daughter your age to take you until summer.” Her smile is kind. She thinks she’s doing the right thing. “I’ll come upstairs to pack with you.” She offers a hand to lead me away, but Captain Wolfe holds me in place with his hands on my knees.
“Give us a minute,” he tells everyone.
The officers leave. Mrs. Peters doesn’t.
“Now, wait a minute, Captain. You know you can’t question her without an advocate present.”
“I’m not questioning her. Not about anything happening today.”
He wants the dirty details of my past. A past I’d much rather forget than lay bare so it appeases his guilt.
“Ellie? It’s up to you,” she says. It's likely the last decision I’ll get to make for a while.
“It’s fine.” I probably won’t see Captain Wolfe after today, which makes me sad. He’s been kind and hasn’t watched me with the same pity as the other officers.
He waits until we’re alone before cupping my jaw in his strong hand, pulling my attention away from my surroundings. “Tell me about last time.” He sounds desperate.
I just shrug; there’s no fixing the past. “It just wasn’t pleasant, you know?”
“No, Ellie, I don’t know.” His caring tone brings tears to my eyes.
“When my mom died, it took them a while to find my dad, and then there was a bunch of court and stuff. I don’t remember most of it, but foster care hadn’t been pleasant. The scars are finally fading, and I don’t want any more.” I break down this time. I can’t hold it in, and the captain pulls me into his arms, holding me through the storm of turbulent emotions clawing at my throat as memories creep back in.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” I want to tell him he can’t make that promise, but I keep it to myself. He likely needs the reassurance more than I do.
A few minutes pass before I’m able to drag myself out of his embrace and silently walk away to where Mrs. Peters waits for me in the living room. As we head upstairs and begin packing the essentials, I wonder if I’ll ever be allowed to gather the remainder of my belongings or if they’ll be as lost to me as a future with Captain Wolfe.
* * *
“They’re a nice family,” Mrs. Peters reassures me again. I’m doubtful. Some of these families are sociopaths and easily mask it.
I guess that’s what my father did, too.
“Have they found him yet?” I think it’s the fourth time I’ve asked since we left my house yesterday evening.
Mrs. Peters gives me a sympathetic look as she shakes her head and rings the doorbell. Last night was spent in a hotel room with her and two officers since it was so late by the time they finished processing me and settling more paperwork with an emergency judge.
The door opens, and an older couple in their late forties stands there smiling at us as they greet Mrs. Peters first. After inviting us in, they switch their attention to me.
“Oh, Ellie, aren’t you just beautiful,” the mother, Clara, says as she grabs my hand. “Isn’t she, Connor?” I feel the husband’s eyes on me, but I don’t look at him.
“Sure is.” He grabs my lonely suitcase from me as I’m led into the kitchen.
“The kids aren’t home right now. They’ll be here this afternoon, but they’re excited to meet you, Ellie.” Clara smiles while getting a plate of cookies and offering them to me. I shake my head to decline, but she pushes it closer, so I take one. I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot.
“Why don’t you and Mrs. Peters talk, and I’ll show Ellie her new room,” Connor suggests. He seems friendly enough, but I know better than to let my guard down.
The two women agree, and I’m directed back down the hall we walked through and up a set of stairs. “I know this probably isn’t how you wanted to spend your last few months of school, but I’m sure we can all make it work out well.”
“Sure,” I murmur, wishing I were anywhere else at the moment.
I don’t trust easily, and I’d rather be home alone or with Captain Wolfe. I haven’t been able to get him out of my head since I left.
“Carly and Cory will be excited to see you’re here. They enjoy it when we have fosters for a while.” I smile tightly as he opens the door, hating being referred to as a foster. Guest would have been more welcoming.
Glancing around the room, the walls are white; there is a single bed with a dresser on one side and a night table on the other. A black and grey patterned area rug covers the floor, and there’s a small closet; it’s bare. And boring. Nothing screams welcome to our home.
Setting my suitcase on the bed, Connor points out the bathroom across the hall, citing it’s for guests, so it’ll be all mine since everyone else has their own in their rooms.
“Thank you,” I respond as he leaves.
Opening the curtains of the lone window, I stare out onto the street, hating everyone for going on with their lives while mine is in shambles. Anger like I’ve never felt fuses me like a lit match, and I want to burn everything around me down.
I hate this.
I hate my dad.
I hate what my life has turned into.
I hate that I feel so out of control.