Crimson Chains by Sienna Rae

Author:Sienna Rae [Sienna Rae]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Rayna

It didn’t take much convincing from Jack to leave the morgue early tonight and take me home.

Mentally, I have exhausted myself far beyond words can express, and physically, my body is incapable of healing until I get some much-needed rest. The past forty-eight hours have been an aggressive vortex of destruction suctioning my life toward a disastrous black hole. Are there words to describe how this case has affected me? Probably not, however, a vacation of some type or at least some time away from work is definitely needed. I’m not sure if I will ever admit this to him, but he is right, I am not well right now. I need food and a proper night's sleep before continuing with this case.

After locking up, Jack and I quietly make our way to his car. The air around us doesn’t feel tense, yet I can sense he wants to continue our earlier conversation from my office, while also allowing me space and time to process. Combining the blasting heat and rock softly playing in the background, I catch myself dozing off to the sounds of Jack singing—poorly I might add—but more so to the feeling of safety and comfort. It takes a lot of trust for me to fall asleep around someone. Although I know if something were to happen while I slept, I am in good hands. Through my sleep-filled haze, I can see a distinct shade of a yellow light cast off in the distance. It is a bit out of the way, except he knows that chicken nuggets and a crisp soda from my favorite fast food joint are exactly what I need after a really tough day. Within a few minutes without having to tell him, my “fix everything” comfort meal that my mom used to sneak up to my bedroom is now in my hands.

The unforgettable greasy, salty smell of hot french fries permeates the air in Jack’s car, sending my stomach into a frenzy. “Thank you,” I mumble, while shoving the delicious golden potatoes in my mouth. Savoring the mouthful, the unforgettable flavors send my mind tumbling back in a memory.

Clutching my childhood teddy to my chest and cupping my ear with my hand, I try to hide my breathing so my father doesn’t know I am hiding under my bed. It makes me uncomfortable to be in the house when he yells at my mother. Loud voices, objects flying, and broken furniture hurts my ears. Mom is always so distraught when they fight around us because I know she feels helpless she can’t save us from this environment. I think my sisters are lucky enough this time to be outside right now and can’t hear their argument. A loud bang from the front door stops their shouting downstairs in the living room. I don’t know who stormed off this time, so I wait under my bed until I know it is safe for me to come out.

Creaking on the steps alerts me someone is coming, so I take a deep breath and hold it in for as long as I can.

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