He never made a comment about it.
Rubbing a hand across my forehead, feeling the telltale signs of another headache coming on, I finally stood up from the couch. Before I could figure out what to do, the doorbell rang, echoing through the house.
“You okay?” Ryker asked, pausing as he walked by to answer the door.
All I could do was nod, because I really wasn’t sure. He gave me another concerned look before turning to see who was here.
I didn’t pay attention to the voices as I retook my seat on the couch. It was easier to stay put.
From where I sat, I watched Ryker talk to whoever was there before he glanced over at me. Then, a moment later, he stepped aside, letting Scarlett and Officer Luke into the house.
I couldn’t help but stiffen, pulling myself into the tightest ball I could.
Thankfully, Officer Luke stayed back, letting Scarlett draw closer.
“Hey, Emery.” When I didn’t reply, my eyes bouncing between her and the two men, she went on. “Do you think you could answer a few more questions?”
“I–I guess?”
“You can say no,” Ryker called out, already knowing my answer.
“That’s exactly right,” Scarlett soothed, squatting down in front of me so I had no option but to focus on her. “Officer Luke can wait another day or so. There’s no rush.”
“It’s okay.” How she could hear the two words spoken so low, I’d never know.
She stood, motioning to the officer and Ryker. Thankfully, the man kept his distance after handing Scarlett something white. I gulped, fear trickling down my spine.
“I have some pictures I’d like you to look at. I just need you to point out people that you know. If at any time you want to stop, say the word and we will.” Scarlett pulled out a three-ring folder. As she opened it, I turned my attention to Ryker.
As if he knew, he took a seat on the couch beside me, giving me the strength I wished I could keep with me forever.
I gritted my teeth, waiting for something to happen. A freak out. Panic. Running and hiding.
Instead, there was only calm.
“They…what will you do if I know anyone?”
“When you gave your statement,” Scarlett explained, “you gave a few names to the detectives. I’m trying to help them put a face to some of those names.”
“They won’t know it was me…right?”
“Anyone you had known before the police were able to find you believe that you died as Steven requested. You will be safe, no matter what.”
“Okay.” I took a deep breath before pulling the notebook closer. I flipped a few pages before pointing and naming a few men I had personally ‘serviced.’ For most of them, the names they used weren’t their real ones.
A few more pages were flipped before I paused on the one I knew without a doubt. “Steven.” Bile threatened to come up as his eyes, even through a picture, glared daggers at me. His shaggy, oily hair was just below his chin.
“Perfect. Thank you.” Scarlett flipped the page over, which showed nothing. There were more pages, though. “A few others who have been able to get out have also identified him.”
“Others?”
“Most of the victims were dead, unfortunately. But there have been a few who pulled through. Two are still not wanting to work with the police, fearing for their life, but they’re safe. There’s one person other than you who has been able to give the police details. Putting names to faces helps them more than anything.
“The families looking for some of the victims would benefit from closure. Could you see if you know any of them?”
“I can try.”
With each passing minute, my head began to throb a bit more. At the moment, it was nearing the stage of unbearable.
