Page 17 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

His voice came through the car's speakers. Fuck. He is going to ask so many questions.

"Elias, talk to me man, where are you? There are whispers of you going somewhere for a case. Why haven’t you said anything to us man?"

I dragged a hand across the back of my neck and sighed.

"I saw the file, took the assignment, and left. Don't make it into something it isn't."

"You're doing it again."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Fuck I miss them.

"Listen Mase, I’m almost in the town, talk later."

"Elias."

I ended the call.

The phone stayed face down for the rest of the drive. If Mason wanted to help, he couldn't. Nobody could. Sometimes the only thing left to do was keep going where I don’t fucking know..

I’d always preferred driving in weather like this. People slowed down. Thought a little harder. Made fewer stupid decisions. Usually. Now I fucking hate it. It reminds me of the night I got the call.

The onions hissed the moment they hit the hot pan. I stirred them absently, reaching for the garlic with my free hand. Mom had insisted on coming over for dinner. Dad had insisted he wasn't hungry.

"Your father says he isn't hungry," she'd laughed over the phone earlier. "Which means he'll eat half your fridge."

I'd rolled my eyes.

"Tell Pop not to stop for cigars this time."

"No promises."

The memory made me smile despite myself. The pasta was nearly done when my phone buzzed across the counter.

Mom.

"Finally," I muttered, wiping my hands on a dish towel before answering. "Hey, Mom. Are you guys almost here yet, or did Pop stop for a cigar again?"

Silence. The smile slipped from my face.

"Mom?"

A breath. Then a voice I didn't recognize.

"Mr. Reed?"

Every muscle in my body went still.

"Yes, this is Him speaking."

"My name is Officer Bennett with the county sheriff's department."

My grip tightened around the phone.

"Why do you have my mother's phone?"

Another pause. Too long. Much too long. Fuck. No. Please no.

"Mr. Reed... could you come to St. Mary's Hospital as soon as possible?"