Chapter five

CHAPTER FIVE

As army drove in silence, I felt the city’s cool breeze and liveliness outside the window. Though I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being watched completely, but with Army by my side, I felt a sense of safety.

We finally got to army’s apartment it was a very small one, but the street looks and feels calm that I couldn’t help but think.

“I think I’ll be safe here” I thought.

Army unlocked the door, and we stepped inside. I took a deep breath as a sense of relief washed over me.  For the first time since I got released. The apartment was cozy with few touches that made it feel like home and I absolutely loved it.

Army quickly excused herself to the kitchen. I sat in her small living room while waiting for her show up.

Few minutes later, army came back with a cup of steaming coffee.

“Here” she said handing the cup of coffee to me.

“And welcome to my humble abode” she said, with a broad smile plastered across her face.

I returned the smile, while I took the coffee in silence.

“Can you tell me all that happened now? You’re looking so different and I’m worried and curious to know everything” She said, as a worried look took over her smiling face.

I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. “Like I said earlier, it’s a long story”

“And we have the whole of the night to talk about it,” she cut me off casting me an angry glare.

I smiled a little before starting to fill her in on everything that had happened to me.

Flashback.

“ Camellia, go check who’s at the door” my mum had called out to me.

I was in my room on that fateful day when we heard a knock on the door. While mum and Lucia were both busy in the kitchen and dad busy in his study room, I was the only one who’d be able to go get the door.

I slipped into my flip-flops as I made my way to the door. Not knowing my life was about to take a new turn. I opened the door to see some angry looking police officers. I was surprised to see them in our house, and just when I was about to go back in to call my dad. One of the police officers spoke.

"Are you camellia smith?” One of the police officer who looked friendly asked.

“Y-yes “ I stammered

“And you know Eric caddel “ He asked further.

“ Y-yes”

“Camellia, who’s there? “ my mum’s voice cut in from the kitchen.

“The cops are here” I replied her.

“Cops?” She asked. While I turned to the officers.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Eric caddel was found dead in his apartment last night…” the cop’s words hung in the air, heavy with implication.

“My hands became sweaty and shaky and a feeling of uncertainty rushed over me.

“And his death wasn’t as a result of suicide.

I stood there like a statue trying to process all that I’ve heard, the only thing that keeps ringing a bell in my head is “ Eric is dead”

“Eric dead? How?”

“ oh my goodness, Eric is dead?” Army’s voice brought me back to reality.

“I nodded my head, wiping the tears that slipped out of my eyes, as I continued.

“Eric caddel was murdered in cold blood last night in his apartment” he said.

And my mind drifted away, thinking of who could have killed him.

”Miss Camellia," the cop who noticed I was lost in thought called me back to reality.

“ what do we owe this visit for? “ my dad’s voice came from behind me. He was standing alongside my mum and Lucia. Guess my mum had gone to inform him the moment I told her about the cops.

“Good morning Mr Smith, your daughter here is under arrest for the murder of Eric Caddel” he announced.

“What!” My family and I shouted in shock.

“Murder? I didn’t kill anyone” I replied with my hands shaky and sweaty. I was scared even though I know I was innocent.

My father’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched me interact with the police.

“What do you mean she killed Eric? They’ve broken up for a month now and they haven’t seen each other since then.. so,what bullshit are you saying?” Lucia retaliated, obviously pissed.

“Please kindly come with us to the police station” the cop said, ignoring what Lucia had said, as he made his way to me pulling out a cuff.

“I’m not going to the station with you guys, I honestly have nothing to do with this. I haven’t seen or spoken to Eric since our relationship ended” I replied hiding behind my mum.

My dad, who had immediately gone silent since the outburst, spoke up.

“Why are you accusing my daughter of such a criminal offense? Eric is her ex boyfriend doesn’t mean she killed him, they aren’t even talking so what do you mean?” My dad asked.

“Eric was found in his room in the pool of his blood and the last person he called was your daughter, mind explaining that Miss?” He asked looking so impatient.

My dad went mute after the cop words, he couldn’t believe Camellia was still seeing Eric after everything.

“That’s a lie…Eric didn’t call me, he never did “ i replied in my defense.

The cops payed deaf ears to all I said and forcefully pulled me away.

I pleaded with my dad to do something, but the old man was so pissed and instead, he said

“ I’ve always warned you about that guy, but you wouldn’t listen and claim it’s love

Now, see where it has landed you, YOU MURDERER”

“What?…you mean your dad said this to you?” Army’s voice had draw me back to the present again.

I nodded my head giving her a light smile.

She was about saying something, when we heard a loud bang on the door, fear gripped me immediately.

“Who’s at the door?

“Are they finally here for me?”

Tons of questions running through my mind as she made for the door.

“I’m coming….” She said.