Fade to Black (pt.6)

I awake with a start the next afternoon, to the doorbell being rung. I also notice that Mandy is not beside me. Panicking, I move quickly to the door and freeze my emotions and thoughts before staying behind the door and telling the caller to come in. 5 police officers walk casually in, and I shut the door slowly behind them, not letting any of the infernal light touch me. 1

“Sir, are you Mr. Hayden?” The ranking officer asks me. “Yes sir, I am. Is there a problem?” “We have reason to believe there was a murder in this house last night. would you mind if we took a look around?” “Be my guest, sir, just, do not go upstairs just yet, if you please, my wife is still sleeping, and I would rather she be seen decently.” “I will send an officer up with you and he will stand outside your door to make sure you do not try anything.” I nod, and allow the young officer to follow me upstairs. I silently pray that Mandy is in the bedroom, otherwise I will have quite a problem on my hands.2

Opening the doors, I move into the dark room and shut the doors behind me. Upon the bed, I see Mandy’s beautiful form, curled up with a half-written note in her hands. I pick up the letter and begin reading. It tells of her sorrow about what she had done, and that she was going to leave me so as not to trouble me further. The first tear I had shed in over 200 years fell from my cheeks at the thought of that happening, but I brush it away quickly, and move to wake her.3

She wakes slowly, and I tell her of the situation. I also tell her that we will talk about her note later, but that we need to act normal until I can think of a plan. She nods, with a pained look in her eyes. She smooths the creases in her dress, and follows me out of the room. We are escorted downstairs, where the officers are congregating once more. The lead officer gives me a level gaze, and orders two others to search upstairs. He then turns to me and asks if I have a basement.4

With a slight grin towards Mandy, I lead him to the back room. I unveil the hidden keypad, and punch in the code. Opening the door and hitting the darklight, I show the 3 remaining officers downstairs, and they tell me to go wait upstairs. I nod slightly, and comply. As soon as I am out of sight, I leap up the stairs with inhuman speed. Once at the top, I flick off the darklight and shut the door. With only a small crack left before the door is closed, the most piercing scream of pain and terror escapes. I quickly shut the door the rest of the way and hide the keypad. 5