AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Mark's face darkened, resentment morphing into hostility. "Get off my property, Christian. This is your doing, and I won't be interrogated by the likes of you.
Frustration boiled beneath the surface as Mark's refusal to cooperate fueled the tension. The truth, shrouded in anger and animosity, remained elusive. As I turned to leave, Mark's parting words hung in the air like an ominous echo.
"This is what you get, Christian. Live with it." He stepped back into the house and slammed the door.
Determined to seek justice for the arson at the ranch, I found myself in the stark surroundings of the local police station, a place that should offer solace and support. As I entered, a sense of urgency propelled my steps.
Approaching the front desk, I cleared my throat, catching the attention of the officers on duty. "I need to report a potential suspect in the ranch fire," I declared, my tone carrying a mixture of frustration and urgency.
The officers exchanged glances, and one of them, Officer Roberts, stifled a chuckle. "You're here to report a suspect? And who might that be?"
"Mark," I replied, my jaw clenched. "Mark Thompson. I think he might be responsible for the fire."
The laughter that followed sent a fire into my face. Officer Jenkins, with a smirk on his face, leaned back in his chair. "Mark Thompson? You must be joking, Reals."
I felt my temper rising, the injustice of the situation burning within me. "I'm not joking. I saw a gas can near his porch, and he has a history of animosity towards me. I think he's involved. He pretty much admitted to it!"
Officer Roberts sighed, dismissively waving a hand. "Look, Reals, we know Mark. He's been a pillar of this community for years. Upstanding citizen who never caused any real trouble. You sure you weren't just seeing things after a few too many drinks?"
The insinuation stung, and my frustration bubbled to the surface. "I wasn't drunk, and I'm not making this up. There's something off about Mark, and I need you to take this seriously."
They exchanged glances again, this time with a hint of annoyance. Officer Jenkins leaned forward, his tone condescending. "Listen, Reals, we've got more pressing matters to attend to. Mark's not your guy. Now, unless you have some real evidence, I suggest you leave before we have to take this conversation further."
My attempts at justice met with a brick wall of disbelief and ridicule. Anger coursing through my veins, I turned on my heel, leaving the police station with a bitter taste of frustration.
Seated in the driver's seat of my truck, frustration boiled within me like an unrelenting storm. The rejection at the police station echoed in my mind, a stark contrast to the justice I sought. The temptation to take matters into my own hands, to confront Mark with the fury that simmered beneath the surface, clawed at my resolve.
As my hands clenched around the steering wheel, memories of a younger, more impulsive version of myself surged forward. There was a time when I wouldn't have hesitated, a time when my first instinct would have been to meet aggression with aggression. The fiery anger that pulsed through my veins fueled thoughts of revenge, of making Mark pay for what he might have done.
But then, like a beacon in the storm, Casey's face flashed before my eyes. Her unwavering support, her belief in me as I faced the challenges of rebuilding the ranch, acted as a steady anchor. The thought of leaving her alone, of betraying the person I'd become, halted my tumultuous thoughts.
In the quiet solitude of the truck, a battle waged within me — the old Christian, fueled by rage and impulsivity, against the newer version who'd learned to temper his anger, to navigate challenges with a measure of grace. It was a struggle between the shadows of my past and the strides I'd taken towards becoming a better person.
Taking a deep breath, I released the tension that gripped me. The echo of the person I used to be slowly faded into the background. Turning the key in the ignition, I made a conscious choice — a choice to rise above the shadows of my past and embrace the person I'd worked hard to become.
The truck roared to life, and as I pulled away from the curb, the weight of my decision settled upon me. Casey had been my guiding light, a force of change that steered me away from the darker impulses that once defined me. I headed back to Casey’s rental. I wanted to see her in person.
CHAPTER 11
Casey: Cities & Cowboys
In the comforting glow of the living room, I settled on the couch, my laptop nestled on my lap. I delved into the digital realms that held glimpses of my potential future.
My fingers moved gracefully over the keyboard, navigating the intricacies of the marketing agency's website. I had searched the agency that offered me the job. With each click, I drew closer to understanding the environment that might soon become a significant part of my daily life. Vibrant images and success stories painted a vivid picture of the dynamic world awaiting me.
Simultaneously, another tab displayed a map of the city. Zooming in and out, I scanned neighborhoods, envisioning myself navigating bustling streets, sipping coffee in trendy cafes, and immersing in the vibrant energy of urban life. It was a delicate dance between uncertainty and excitement, fear and anticipation, as I contemplated this major life transition.
A list of available apartments scrolled on the screen, each one a potential canvas for a new chapter. I pictured city lights filtering through windows, the distant sounds of traffic, and the rhythm of life in the heart of the metropolis. The unknown beckoned, and I found myself caught in a web of possibilities, each one more enticing than the last.
The cityscape, both in pixels and my imagination, unfolded like uncharted territory waiting to be explored. It was a moment of reflection, a quiet pause amidst the chaos of decision-making. The dichotomy of my emotions played out on my face — the thrill of adventure mingled with the apprehension of leaving the familiar.
Christian's truck rumbled into the driveway, pulling me from the cityscape that had momentarily consumed my thoughts. In a hasty motion, I closed my laptop, shutting the door on the digital city lights. I hurriedly arranged the cushions and threw a casual smile on my face as Christian approached the door.
Just in time, I swung the door open, welcoming him with the warmth that concealed the internal whirlwind of contemplation. Pleasantries exchanged, he cast a curious glance toward the closed laptop, his eyes narrowing in playful suspicion.
"What were you up to?" Christian asked, that easy grin of his tugging at the corner of his lips.
I feigned nonchalance, hoping to divert his attention. "Oh, nothing much. Just browsing, you know?"
