Chapter 38
I’ll admit—I think I would’ve been fine, but knowing what I had to do today definitely played a role in why my depression spiked a few days ago.
The last thing I wanted was to walk into that cabin and show Ayden the ugly side of my mental health.
I’ve definitely been getting better. My sessions with Britt are working, but we are closing in on the conversation about the accident.
I know what’s coming, and it feels like bracing for a crash I can’t avoid.
I nearly ran—grabbed my keys, jumped in the truck, and just drove until the tank was dry. But I stayed. I kept it together and trusted myself to crawl out of that hollow guilt the way I’ve done for months.
This time, though, I hadn’t needed to pull myself out. Ayden was everything I needed. The hopelessness that usually lingers for days disappeared far quicker than it ever has before.
Britt helps, but I think he will be the reason my symptoms don’t spiral worse.
“Keoni Pierce?” The moment a woman calls my name, I straighten. “Detective Moors will see you now.”
I’ve never dealt with anything like this in my career, though I was always told it could happen. It’s the nature of what I do, yet it still knots my stomach.
A short, elderly woman with gray hair stands up beside me. Grace. She’s my union’s legal rep. She doesn’t say much, but she’s kind, reassuring me that I’ll be fine and everything will be alright.
If I’m honest, I don’t know exactly where the worry comes from. Maybe it’s the thought of reliving that night again. Facing how I failed Corey. Failed his family. Regardless, it’s just another piece of guilt that my brain forces me to carry.
Walking through the cramped office at the station, we’re greeted by Detective Moors—a middle-aged man whose warm, hooded eyes nearly vanish behind the brightness of his smile.
“Mr. Pierce, thank you for coming.”
“No problem.”
As I take the seat on the left, Grace takes the one to my right. “Please remember his rights, Eduardo.”
“Yes, ma’am, you got it.” He leans forward, one forearm braced on the metal table, a pen poised in his fingers, ready to write. “If you’re alright, I’ll recap, and get right to the point of this interview.”
I nod.
“On the night of September 29th, you and your unit entered Maples Inn to check if any persons were still inside.
You cleared the first floor, then proceeded to the second, where the fire was reported to have started.
Corey Robertson notified you that he was in the building, and you directed him to search the third and fourth floors.
He took the west stairwell, while you took the east.
“When you were clearing the second floor, you heard calls for help coming from the room adjacent to the one the fire was blazing through. In your report, you stated you heard screaming, but no other sounds. Correct?”
“That’s correct.”
“You also stated the sound came from that room, and when asked if it could have been from another floor, you were adamant it wasn’t.”
“Correct. It was clear. If it had come from the first or third floor, I can’t imagine I’d have heard it over the fire.”
He nods, glances at Grace, then back at me. “As you know, there’s no evidence anyone was left in the building. But I want you to understand there’s no active investigation into your actions. Your supervising officer agrees there was no ill intent. He believes you heard something.”
Good. The last thing I need right now is for someone to call me fucking crazy.
“Can you describe to us what the voice sounded like?”
“Woman, probably young, but not a child.”
He writes something down before continuing, “Could it have come from a cell phone?”
I’m slightly taken aback by the question. “A cell phone?”
“Or… maybe a television?”
I drag myself back to that night. The fire’s heat seeping into my suit, the pop of wires, the splintering wood, the structure groaning as it cracked. In that chaos, I still hear the voice, over and over, screaming.
“I can’t be certain. It’d be impossible to really distinguish that. I’m sorry.” I pause, then add, “But… is that a possibility?”
If it was a television, and that’s what had me searching, nearly losing my life for, then maybe I should consider early retirement. Possibly even check myself into a mental institution for my own safety.
Ugh… Just the thought.
“We’re exploring all possibilities, Mr. Pierce.
” He sighs and sets his pen down. “I can’t speak too much on the investigation, but you’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing.
It’s been determined the fire was deliberately set, not caused by an electrical fault or any other accidental source.
We’ll keep you updated as much as we legally can. ”
I glance at Grace as she gathers her papers. She looks satisfied with that answer, but my head is swimming. Could I have been wrong? Was it just a television?
But another part of me can’t let go of the other option. A cell phone. Why would he even suggest that?
“Thank you, detective.” I stand and reach over the desk, giving him a handshake.
“I appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Pierce. Have a great rest of your day.”
Exiting the station, I pull out my phone and immediately text Ayden.
Hey sunshine, what’re you up to?
My Sunshine
Hey baby, I’m going over some paperwork from the lawyers
Britt dropped it off and is playing with Clover
I can help go through those with you tomorrow
You don’t need to do it by yourself
I’ve got it Thank you though
It’s a good distraction. I heard back from the Maple Falls Hospital about my application. It wasn’t a no, but a “maybe later”
I understand why
Fuck no, I don’t
I can’t say what I want to do to that ex of yours, can’t have evidence in the event I actually do the thing I want to
Kill Michael.
That’s what I want to do. I want to kill that son of a bitch so goddamn bad.
My Sunshine
It’s really hot when you do that
Get protective over me
You’re mine to keep safe
Yup, that’s hot.
How was the detective?
Good. All’s settled. I’ll tell you about it tonight when I get home
After a few minutes of silence, I head for my truck. I still need to get back to the station to finish my shift.
It isn’t until I’m buckled in and the engine’s running that my phone finally buzzes with a response.
My Sunshine
A bunch of police cars just drove through Sapphire Valley
Don’t freak, it’s not for me
Looks like they’re heading to Starlight
I’m going to go investigate
I wish you wouldn’t
Check with Calista. If Ronan lets her, go for it
I swear that guy shoots before speaking
Will do
See you tonight <3
Before you go.
Can I revisit that promise?
*Gif attached*
The gif is Brad Pitt from a movie I’m not familiar with, throwing his arms up screaming “Fuck yeah!”.
Ayden makes me so fucking happy. It’s slightly terrifying.