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Sophie tells him everything. From how she met him at the meetings, to becoming friends, to how they connected in the grieving circle. She discusses how she hadn’t planned on attending any more meetings, but how he talked her into joining him tonight with a sob story. Sophie explains from when he picked her up, to leaving and getting knocked out in his car. My heart pounds hard with rage, and when my fist clenches, Liam notices. He gives me a pointed look to calm my shit, knowing that getting all fired up isn’t going to help anything.
“I went to the bathroom shortly before the meeting ended, and when I came back, he was acting really weird as though something had happened. I didn’t know it at the time, but he had seen my text messages from Mason, and that’s when he pushed his plan to happen tonight instead. Dalton deleted the messages, along with the missed calls and voicemails, so I never got the warnings.”
“And Mason, you’re the one who figured out who he really was. Is that right?” Officer Fisher asks, but by the look on his face, he already knows the answer.
“Correct. I had a friend run his plates, and that’s when I connected his last name to Weston’s. It’s how I found out his entire story was a lie, and that he had been a suspect in his wife’s death this past year. I texted Sophie, hoping she’d see it before her meeting was over and not get into his car. Had I just gone to the church and picked her up myself, he would’ve never taken her.” I lower my eyes at the realization that my messages are what put her in danger.
“You didn’t know,” Sophie says softly, squeezing my hand. “I should’ve taken my phone with me. I normally do, but I just left my clutch on my chair because I wasn’t going to be gone for more than a couple of minutes.”
“Well, if Mr. Westbrook intended to eventually take you, then it might’ve been even harder to find you,” the officer concludes. “He would’ve had more time to execute it properly, and that would’ve made things much worse for everyone. I understand you couldn’t call for help given his threats, but all four of you could’ve been killed tonight.” Officer Fisher gives us all a pointed look, especially me.
Fuck, I know.
“Well, because of me, one person is dead,” Sophie tells him.
“What do you mean?” Officer Fisher asks, his expression soft when he looks at her.
Sophie looks down at our hands in her lap, and I rub the pad of my thumb over knuckles, giving her the encouragement and strength to continue.
“My friend Dacia. We met in group together, and when I hosted a dinner party last weekend, she didn’t show up. Dalton told me she couldn’t make it, but I never heard from her. I brushed it off because I knew she was going through some emotional stuff after her twin brother died. She often talked a lot about how she gets through the dark days, so I thought she needed some space. I know people aren’t always as strong as they try to seem. But tonight, Dalton told me she was getting in the way of his ultimate plan, and he had to get rid of her.” Sophie chokes up, and I squeeze her hand, letting her know I’m still here.
“What else did he say?” the officer asks. “Did he admit to killing her?”
“Yes,” Sophie answers, tears falling down her cheeks. “He took her and then stuffed her into his trunk. Are you guys able to check? She deserves a proper burial.”
She wipes her cheeks, and the officer nods. “Of course. I’ll get my guys on it right away.”
He talks into his radio and gives the order.
“Is there anything else you two can share or think of that would help the case?” he later asks, but we both shake our heads. “If you think of something, please don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll give you my card. I’m sure you’ll know where to find me.” He directs that last part at me.
Great. He knows exactly who I am and who my father is. Not that I should even be surprised.
“Let me guess. The DA’s already been called?” I sigh.
He slumps his shoulders. “Afraid so. As soon as your name was brought up.”
Lovely.
“Thank you for your time and for being so thorough,” he says as Liam and I stand to walk them out the door. “If she remembers anything else, she can call anytime.”
“Will do,” Liam says. “Oh, his car was down the block behind the house. I shot into his tires just in case he got away.”
“Got it, thanks. We’ll search it,” he reassures us. “We’ll let you know what we find.”
“Thanks, officers.”
