SUSPECT

I hustled down to the second floor, standing off in the distance where I knew I wouldn't be seen. We didn't get many visitors here. Those who did come weren't there for any good reason, social workers included. The sound of knocking meant trouble was at the front door. 

The main door of the house had these old hinges, and would squeak when you opened it, a sound that could only be heard on the inside. 

I listened intently, making out as much of the words as I could.  Alone. Attack. Hospital. Sincere. Run.  

The door closed. I peeked over the wooden railing just as Sabor looked up the stairs, his eyes zeroing in on my face. His sharp jaw was locked and I saw his concern.

"What?" I asked, needing him to hurry and spill his guts. He rushed up towards me, his feet stomping down on every stair as he applied his weight. He grabbed me by my arm, yanking me into the room. "What happened? Sabor! Who was it?" 

"The cops." His voice was stern. "What the hell happened Sincere?" My eyes began burning, as I felt the tears beginning to build up. I shook my head. Even as I told my story to Sabor just a few moments ago, I hoped that it was my imagination running wild. I hoped that it was temporary insanity, a nightmare that felt real… and now… it was real. 

"I…I told you Sabor… I told you I did something…. What did they say?" 

"He's in the hospital," he answered, referring to our pig of foster father. "They say he's hurt real bad. He told them…" he paused, sadness washing over momentarily. "He told them you attacked him. And that I was there." 

"Well that's a lie… I didn't… attack him"!" I objected. "He came to me. I don't… I don't know what happened to him!" My voice got loud. "And to say that you were there… and he knows you weren't…" Sabor smacked his lips, looking down at the dusted floorboards. 

"He probably thinks I'll turn against you." His comment made sense. That was something that John would try to do. Pressure Sabor into taking his side, recalling the facts that only he wanted him to. He'd probably even threaten to beat him down, kick him out on the street… That's just how John was now. A demon took over the once caring man. He was different. "They're looking for you." My lips trembled in fear. I explained to Sabor the situation, and he pretty much laughed at me, thinking I was telling a joke. What would the police think? They'd think I was insane. I'd be locked up by nightfall. 

"What do I do?" I cried. Sabor walked up to me. I was once again in his embrace. His lack of words told me that I could be in serious trouble. He didn't know what to say. 

"They're waiting outside for me…" he said. "I told them I'd grab my stuff and go to the station with them." I shook my head once again. I can't believe John would lie about Elias being there. I couldn't believe I was in this situation. "Just… hide." I blinked.

"Hide? I didn't do anything!" The sorrow in his eyes spoke volumes. "Where am I supposed to go? If they are truly looking for me, it's only a matter of time before they find the motel I'm at. They're already here looking for me now! Where…." This was too much. The fear. The confusion. The anger. "Where am I supposed to go?"

"Just… stay in the attic for now. I'll be back before you know it… I just have to see what's going on, okay? We will figure this out Sincere." He kissed my forehead as he hugged me tighter, his large feeling like shields. I didn't want to let him go, but the longer he stayed, the more likely the men outside would question what was going on inside the house. He was gone from my grip in an instant, leaving me to panic and cry on my own. 

How did I get here? How did this happen? 

I was used to the quiet. I was used to uncertainty. But tonight… it all felt different. Dark was the sky, and here I was, hours later, sitting in a corner in the attic. Alone. The day went by and I heard nothing. I cried on occasion. I cuddled with my blanket. I took deep calming breaths. 

Nothing I did brought comfort or eased my mind. I kept replaying last night over and over. Being attacked sexually, seeing John freeze up, and his skin sliding off so easily like it would with perfectly cooked meat separating from a bone. Not to mention, what occurred after. I separated my own skin from my body. 

What was happening? 

The same questions swirled around in my head. Nothing made sense. 

Where was Sabor? He should be back by now. 

It took courage to leave the hiding place. I crept around the house, feeling like a stranger. I moved slowly, quietly, like someone else was in the building and I was afraid to disturb them. I got cold water from a pitcher in the fridge, and snacked on a few saltine crackers. Lights from passing cars on the streets would come through the window of the main floor, and I found myself ducking my head. No one but Sabor knew I was here. However, I knew it was only a matter of time before I was discovered.

Maybe… things were under control.

Maybe the situation was explained. 

Maybe…. I'd be okay.

Sabor’s room was where I found comfort. I lay in his bed, inhaling his masculine scent. It was almost indescribable. Something like fresh wood and some kind of spice that would hang around in your nostrils after taking a big whiff. I hugged his pillow.

Sabor, where are you? 

9pm and nothing. 

Almost 12 hours… and nothing. I had a bad feeling sitting in the deepest part of my stomach, making me feel like I'd vomit profusely if I didn't hear something soon. 

News. 

It was a late idea, but, if John was telling authorities he was attacked… if he was badly injured… someone would be reporting it right? The local news. I turned on the old television set, adjusting the antennas, waiting for a clear picture to show. This little box was older than me. I couldn't help but to sigh with annoyance as I worked to have the static disappear. 

I found a news channel and waited patiently. 

The wait wasn't long. 

Local man was attacked and left for dead late last night. Reports of severe acid burns. 

This just added to my confusion. 

There were no details. Just possible suspects… plural. And the promise of more information. 

Is that why Sabor wasn't back yet?

Did they really think he was there, that he had something to do with this?