Daydreamer Read online

I began to see things in bits and pieces. When I regained consciousness the first time, I saw the ambulance rushing Chelsea out in a gurney. The next time I open my eyes, I’m in a gurney. The last time I open my eyes I’m in the hospital.

  I wake up to Officer Clef. He looked as if he was sitting at my bedside overnight.

  “I should have never let you leave.” He said, blaming himself.

  “It’s not me!” I try and yell, but my throat defies me. I’m not the victim here, or at least not right now.

  “If I would have just told Chelsea what I was doing she would have come with me, to the police station. I didn’t even answer her calls, Clef. I ignored her, thinking I was protecting her but, I was just hurting her!” I cried.

  “Is she . . .” I tried to ask the question, but I couldn’t deal with it. My throat was burning, and tears were coming from my eyes like a waterfall.

  “She’s okay.” He assures me. He nods as if he knew both of us for years. It was a mournful nod, one that I didn’t understand coming from him.

  “You have to understand that I’m new at my job. I got the feeling that you left because you thought I didn’t believe you.” He sighed.

  “I believed you with every fiber of my being, but I didn’t know what to do.” He took a long pause and then continued. “Officer David is kind of my mentor while I’m out in the field and he was out yesterday. I didn’t know how to start off the information you gave me. All I could think to do was wait for him.” I wiped my tears and nodded at everything he was saying, mostly because he was rambling, and I wanted him to stop.

  “I know. Well, I didn’t but I do now. I know that feeling.” I said, remembering how I was at the restaurant.

  “Wait! Did you say yesterday? We’ve been here over night?” I asked, in shock. Physically, it felt like much longer than that, but since I was out for most of it; it felt like it all happened a few hours ago.

  “Yeah, Officer David is in Chelsea’s room and I’m in yours. Since we were assigned to your case, we must keep an eye on you two. I guess you could call him Detective David, now.” He said.

  “So, it’s officially an open investigation now?” I asked. He nodded.

  “That fire was started intentionally. Someone put a piece of hot coal in a plastic trash can and it went up in flames. Chelsea probably didn’t notice it until it was too late. When she wakes up, we’ll ask her as much as we can.” I nodded. That sounded a bit juvenile. Where would they randomly get a hot piece of coal, why go through all the trouble? It must’ve been a spur of the moment thing.

  Clef reached up and touched my neck. I winced, but not because it hurt.

  “What happened?” He asked me, seeming more angry than worried. I almost forgot that this happened. I was so occupied about Chelsea’s health, that I didn’t stop to think about what happened to me.

  “There was someone inside the house. A hooded man. He choked me and whispered something in my ear.” I said, trying to recall what he said.

  “He told me that I would die, but not right now. I think he wanted me to see how easy it was for him to kill me. How if I stepped out of line, how helpless I would be if he did want to hurt me.” I tried to say more, but I just couldn’t. Not that I wouldn’t, but I really needed some water.

  As if on cue, Clef handed me the water, but I didn’t say anything else. Neither did he. He just sat there staring at my neck. I wasn’t about to watch him stare in silence, so I turned the TV on.

  I could still feel his eyes on me, so I turned the volume up and hoped it would distract him.

  Detective David came rushing through the door. “She’s awake.” He told Clef, and they both left. They ran out of here like there was another fire.

  Ignored her calls while she was in trouble made me feel like the worst person on earth. I can’t believe I ignored her twice and didn’t think that anything was up. I thought I was doing the right thing at the time; it just makes me think what else I thought was right. It’s like I can’t trust myself or my instincts anymore.

  Soon after Clef and David left, my nurse came in. She fluffed my pillow and turned down the volume to the TV without asking. I stared at her, and she just smiled back at me.

  “What do you know about Chelsea Mason?” I asked. I couldn’t wait for David and Clef to get back.

  “Nothing,” she shrugged. “Page me if you need anything.” She said, leaving.

  “I need to know about Chelsea,” I mumbled.

  I got up and stood by my bedside for a moment. I felt as if I’d forgotten how to walk. I pull through, inching myself towards the door, and out of the room. As soon as I am able, I morph into a weak jog.

  I didn’t even know where Chelsea’s room was. I just went in the direction that I saw David and Clef run. I had to peek into about six rooms before I found the right one. I didn’t go in right away. I stood there, watching her talk to David and Clef through the glass.

  She looked like she was going to fall apart. David looked genuinely sorry for her, gesturing her to slowly describe what happened.

  Chelsea finally noticed me in the window and just stared. I stared back at her through the glass, unable to move. Of course, until David saw what she was looking at, and opened the door for me.

  I walked in slowly, like I was walking on glass. When I reached her bedside, we both started crying. I wrap my arms around her like it was our last time holding each other. Her grip was tight, making it hard to breath and cry at the same time. I wasn’t crying as much as she was, but it was all the same.

  I pulled her into my mess, and this is where it got her. When we let go of each other she finally felt comfortable enough to reclaim her calm and speak clearly.

  “When I got home, I went to the bathroom to take down my hair and remove my makeup. I tried to call Kate, to let her know I was home.” She looked at me.

  “She didn’t answer, and then I smelled burning rubber or something like that, so I went to go see where it was coming from. As soon as I turned the corner into the kitchen, someone punched me in the face. I fell to the ground as he lit another match and disappeared further into the house. Somehow, I don’t even think the house was on fire yet when I initially went to the kitchen.”

  She went silent and nobody looked her directly in the eye. David and Clef’s eyes searched the ground, while I was stared at her hand in mine.

  “I’m so sorry this happened to you.” I said.

  “It’s fine. I’ll be out tomorrow. You should go home and try and get that job, don’t be late. Don’t let whoever is haunting us . . . shield you off from the world. Live your life.” She said. Weirdly that sounded like a goodbye, but I knew she’d be okay.

  David waved Clef off. I guess Clef was my bodyguard for today. He walked me back to my room to pack my things. Then all that was left to do was to wait on the discharge papers.

  I sat on the bed and stared at Clef, in a ‘what’s next’ kind of way.

  “So, you work at a restaurant?” He asked, trying to start a conversation.

  “Not really. I’ve never really worked there before, today was supposed to be my first day.” I sighed.

  “You’re going,” He stated. “Listen to what Chelsea said. I agree with her.” I still didn’t know if I should go or not. I would rather stay home and track down leads with Clef. I don’t reply to him. As if on cue, my nurse comes in with my papers.

  I fill them out, and Clef and I get going.

  When we get outside, it was instinct to look for my car, but I saw Clef’s instead. I groaned quietly, while Clef put my bags in the trunk.

  “So, do you want to go home or to the Restaurant?” He asks. I didn’t take any time to think about it, I knew what I wanted.

  “Home,” I said, looking out of the window. I couldn’t take the disappointment I knew would be in his eyes. Sure enough, he drove off without question and I was grateful. I just wanted to go home. Facing Mr. Mason after this whole thing was . . . unthinkable. I’d just call him when I got home and tell him I s
till needed to recover.

  When I got home, I grabbed my mail and went upstairs. Clef had my bag in his hand, unsure of where to go. He’s never been here before, only David has, so I get why he seems to feel a bit out of place.

  Its more of an awkward silence when we walk in. I didn’t know he was supposed to stay and watch me, or just escort me home.

  “I need to do my laundry.” I said, thinking about the other night. I sat on my couch for five minutes before I dragged Clef to the basement with me.

  “I think I want Chelsea to stay with me.” I said, making small talk.

  “That would be a good idea, I think. I mean, it’s a good idea, but it has its flaws. If that were the case, then whoever is after you could have easy access to both of you at the same time.” He explained. When I reached the laundry room, I was relieved to find that one of the washers were free.

  “It wouldn’t be easy since you and David, or other cops would be stationed outside the apartment.” I said, implying that this little arrangement shouldn’t be temporary, at least not right now.

  He didn’t say anything, so I started putting my clothes in the washer. I have to say that having Clef and David around does make me feel a little bit safer. I’m not looking over my shoulder every spare second I get. I’m not plotting or worrying; I’m just leaving everything up to them. It’s their job, not mine.

  When I get back upstairs, Clef decided not to go in with me.

  “I should keep watch out here,” he said. I nod and close the door behind myself. I decided to go through the mail. All I saw was my cable bill, my movie billings, and a letter that looked all too unfamiliar. I put down the other pieces of mail to focus on the letter.

  It had no return address, addressed to Katarina McCollum. I open it and unfold it.

  My darling Katarina,

  I hope you’re okay. That incident was crazy. I wouldn’t worry about in it the future, though. That darling Chelsea didn’t even know what was coming. I hope you liked the flowers I sent you, they were your favorite.

  -until next time, Katarina

  I immediately opened the door, throwing the letter at Clef.

  “What flowers?” I asked Clef. He was the only one in my room at the hospital. He picked up the letter and read it. I stared at him, with anger washing over me.

  “I threw them away, because I didn’t want to worry you. We are handling it. We are checking with the business that delivered them for a name, or credit card number.” He explained. But that wasn’t why I was so upset.

  “Clef! You must tell me things like this, you never know if I’ll be able to help you with something! Don’t ever do that again Clef or I swear—".

  “Can you?” He asked, skipping right past the arguing part.

  “In fact, I can.” I said, snatching the letter back, leading Clef to sit on my couch. I went to go and get the other letter he sent me. Sure, I threw the dead animal away, but I kept the letter. Sadly, the second letter is somewhere outside the police station.

  “Only five people in this entire world know what my favorite flowers are.” I said, pointing at the most recent letter.

  “White roses?” He asked.

  “Yes, it’s a whole thing, don’t ask,” I warned him.

  “Do you know why people give other people white roses? I think he sent you those roses to honor you and Chelsea, it’s a symbol of a new beginning or in most cases. . .”

  “A goodbye . . . but what is he saying goodbye to? We’re both alive.” I said.

  “That’s what we’re going to figure out.” We think about our discussion for a while before I start it up again.

  “Both these letters have different handwriting. It’s either he’s smart and he wants it to appear that it’s more than one person, or . . .”

  “Or it’s really more than one suspect.” Clef continued. He took the letters and stuffed them in his pocket. “I have to make a phone call.” He said, stepping out.

  Those five people that know what my favorite flowers are, are mostly family; they wouldn’t want to hurt me. These people happen to be Chelsea, my dad, my mom, Marie, and Tiger09.

  Chapter 6

  David decided that Clef should help get Chelsea settled into my apartment, while he accompanied me to Tiger09’s house. When I told him everything last night, he gave Tiger’s mother a days’ notice. A squad car is outside of their house, just in case something goes wrong.

  I knock on the door and smile once I see Tiger’s face. I wanted to run, but David had me by the arm, he knew I would try. He invited us in, and David stayed in the living room to talk to Tiger09’s mother. We went up to his room so I could kind of explain to him why I was here.

  “Katarina McCollum, long time, no see.” He said, sitting in one of his chairs. He says this every time I see him, and it happens to be accurate every time.

  “Tiger—I’m sorry, what is your real name?” I asked. I felt silly that I didn’t know his name, yet he knew such delicate details about my life.

  “Travis, Travis Brown. Sorry, I just don’t put my name on places like that.” He said. That was smart of him to do; I wish I would have done that.

  “So, I’m here, Travis, because, as you know my sister was murdered and her case was re-opened. You’re somewhat of a suspect.” I said, halfway telling the truth.

  “But I didn’t even know your sister.” He said, confused. This was beginning to be difficult, why can’t he just step up to what he’s done?

  “I know, but you were at my apartment the day it happened. My mom is in a nursing home and my dad is sick. My sister, Marie was living with me at the time. So, you’re like, the top suspect. She was there, that day. She was in my room the whole time, though.” I tried to explain.

  “Detective David, downstairs, just wants to ask you some questions so we could possibly cross you off that list.” Though, he was the only one on that list.

  “It’s fine.” He said, processing the information. “I have nothing to hide. The sooner you’re out of my house, the better.” He said coldly. When he said it, I have to say; it hurt, but I nodded, and he escorted me back downstairs.

  David already made himself at home. He had a cup of tea and was sitting in one of the love seats. I sat in the one next to him as he began to speak.

  “Where were you on the afternoon you two agreed to meet up?” David said, sipping some of his tea.

  “Well, after I came from her house, I was home, alone. I had to take care of some things back here, at home.” He cleared his throat.

  “So, you have no one that could be a witness? No one who could prove that you were home that night? Sounds like you have no alibi. We’re going to have to bring you in to the station for further investigation.” He said, standing. This was the shortest meeting I’ve ever been to. Travis followed us out and we got in the car. I kept looking back at Travis, feeling sorry for him, and at the same time I wanted to reach back there and slap him.

  I can’t believe he’s putting me through hell and then he says he’s done nothing. He lied right to my face countless times, and I’m tired of it.

  When we got to the station, I followed David and Travis in. I wasn’t supposed to, but I really wanted to hear what he had to say.

  “Please, David.” I begged.

  “It’s bad enough I let you ride in my front seat but now you want to sit in on an investigation—Absolutely not!” He exclaims.

  “Can I at least stand behind the mirror window thingy?” I asked, now I was getting desperate.

  He thought about it for a while and then he reluctantly agreed.

  I stood in a room with people I didn’t know. One man had a notebook; I assumed he was recording everything they were saying. There was this one lady with glasses, staring at Travis like she was trying to figure him out and work out his whole life story. They didn’t even acknowledge that I was in the room; I felt invisible at this point.

  “I’m going to have to re-ask some questions so we can get your response on record. If y
ou would feel more comfortable waiting until your appointed attorney gets here, we’ll stop at any time.” David said, starting things off.

  Travis didn’t say anything; he just clutched his jaw and stared at David.

  “Where were you on the night of Marie McCollum’s murder?” David repeats.

  “After I left the apartment, I went home.”

  “You didn’t make any pit stops?”

  “No,”

  “Were you home alone?”

  “Yes,”

  “Would you call that a stable alibi? I would say not at all.”

  “No, sir,”

  “Did you know Marie McCollum personally or professionally?”

  “Neither, I just knew her sister, Katarina McCollum.” Travis looked over at the mirror, assuming I would be watching. He had a blank expression on his face. I looked at the lady next to me, hoping she caught that and knew what was going on in his head. She also showed no sign of anything, blank and serious expressions all around.

  “Do you own a vehicle?” David asked. I know where this is going. He’s going to try and pair his license plate to the photo I gave him a few days ago.

  “Not anymore,” Travis stated.

  “Care to elaborate on what you mean?”

  “Sold it, I needed money for my dad’s funeral.” He swallowed.

  “When did your father pass?”

  “A few weeks or so before this Marie chick was killed.”

  He’s been holding his mother up this entire time. I wonder how she feels about her son being in a police station and he might be staying here.

  “So, you are a poor-average paid family?”

  “We were average until my dad got sick and we were drowning up to our ears in medical bills. My sister has also been battling with a similar illness, but we think she’s fully recovered now.” The more he spoke the more I felt sorry for him. I know how that feels, everything he’s going through.

  David clears his throat and keeps going.

  “So, you’ve had no transportation over the past nine months whatsoever?”

  “No, I can’t even afford a cab. I have a job, but I use that money to help my mom with the bills.”