Chapter 47
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
EMMETT
Grimm and I arrive at Devil’s Den , a new bar in town, and locate our third party. We sit down in the booth across from Greg , Grimm’s father.
He’s a member of the police force and has friends in high places, which will come in handy for the trail of bodies we left behind, specifically my father, James . He wastes no time getting straight to the point.
“ Alright boys, what’s going on?” He picks up his glass of whiskey and takes a sip from it as he watches us with narrowed eyes.
“ Well , as you know James had partaken in illegal activities for many years. What you don’t know is what and whom those illegal activities consist of.” I say, leaving room for him to confirm or deny what he may know.
Greg leans back while letting out a deep sigh.
“ Human trafficking. Yes , I am aware.” He gives a solemn nod of his head .
“ Good , you know. So , I don't have to be the one to tell you that you were friends with a complete sicko.” Grimm concludes, grabbing his own glass of whiskey and throwing it back.
“ I didn't know at the time. This is a more recent discovery. I assume you’re here asking for me to cover things up for you. To make sure no one knows it was you two behind his death?”
“ That's correct,” I state. Grimm’s dad is a reasonable man. A loyal one, much like his son.
“ That won’t be an issue. He was involved in a dirty business. There are many enemies you can make in that world. Let's just say it must have caught up to him.” Tipping back his whiskey, he finishes his glass before setting it down.
“ Thanks , dad,” Grimm says. We talk for a few more hours, ironing out all the details and how to spin the story like a beautiful web, making sure to paint the most believable picture.
Without the worry of the law on my back, I feel the last bit of remaining weight surrounding the past start to slide off my shoulders. There will be a burden I always carry, one I can't get rid of. The memories will forever stay engraved in my mind, but at least I won't be stuck in jail or six feet in the ground. I’ll be able to live my life peacefully with my little obsession.
After our conversation with Greg , he launches an investigation for the missing students. At our meeting, he confirmed that James had never opened an investigation on any of the disappearances, which led the police to believe he was involved in every single one, besides Braxton’s but that’ll stay between Grimm and me. James fibbed to appease the worrying stu dent body, in hopes no one would question him any further.
We were the first to receive any and all updates from Greg about the students and where they stood. It took weeks to track everyone down, but Greg made it happen. He didn’t rest until every name was accounted for. Unfortunately , some didn’t make it home alive. Instead , their lifeless bodies, or what was left of them, were returned to their families and laid to rest.
The lucky ones, if we can call them that, returned home safely to their loved ones, attempting to return to normalcy as fast as possible. Most students chose not to return to Blackwood , the trauma and healing process being too much to handle on top of attending one of the most prestigious schools in the country. And the place that stole things from them that can never be returned.
If anyone understands their feelings firsthand, it’s Blair . I’ve seen what it’s done to her. How it’s affected her mental state, her bubbly personality has withered, but a fire has been lit inside of her. She’s taken her fears and molded them into ammunition. Her gun is locked and loaded, ready for anyone who comes her way and tries to fuck with her. My heart swells thinking of my brave girl and how far she’s come in such a short amount of time.
Unable to resist being away from her for too long, I decide to pay her a surprise visit like the good old days. Crazy that those days seem like years and years ago but in reality, it’s only been a few months. Her presence or lack thereof, has the ability to manipulate the speed of time. Too much time away, and I’m itching to feel her next to me again .
Here I come, my little obsession. Back to you, always and forever.