13. Who to trust

Lisa

Not even my lucid dreams could have prepared me for this nightmare. Only this time, this wasn't a dream.

"A homicide", I began whilst running both hands through my hair. "Is this some kind of sick joke?". It must be.

"I'm afraid not", said officer Rogers. "We looked back at the security cameras, your attacker was seen being dropped off in front of the clinic. Although we couldn't identify the registration number, we're sure it was black SUV, a BMW x5 to be more specific".

"You see, what homeless man owns or has friends who own such a luxurious car", began officer Dave. "We've also checked the neighborhood, nobody has seen this man nor have they had any occurrences in the past years of homeless people".

'Miss Dunn, you work in a well off part in the city, homeless individuals are uncommon", continued officer Dave.

This was all too much. The two men in front of me, Ben, it was all a mess. A mess which left no trails behind.

"What exactly are you implying?", I asked with a weary voice.

Both officers glanced at each other. "Is there anyone who might want to hurt you in any way ?", asked officer Dave.

I glanced at Ben, who looked even more confused than me, which was practically impossible.

I let an uneasy chuckle. "I'm a doctor, not some kind of underground drug dealer".

"Miss Dunn, we're taking this investigation very seriously. We would appreciate it if you would comply and answer our questions".

I stared blankly at the two men in front of me. I couldn't even bring myself to imagine who could be behind all of this.

"There's no one that I could think of ", I said.

"No recent altercations with friends, family or even strangers?", said officer Rogers.

"I can count my friends on one hand, haven't spoken to my family for over five years, and I don't speak to strangers". I tried not to sound too grim on the mention of my family. It was a topic I didn't want resurfaced.

"The court won't let us conduct a 24 hour supervision, unless we have proof that someone may be threatening you."

"So what does that mean exactly?", said Ben. It was the first time I heard his voice during this conversation. I suppose it was because just like me, he didn't know what to say.

"It means that although the investigation is open and ongoing, there isn't enough evidence to go on by", began officer Rogers. "It means that you have to think a little harder and make a list of potential suspects. Also, it would be best if you avoid going to places alone".

It's funny how life plays out. Just when you think things couldn't possibly get any worse, there's always that element of surprise, waiting for you at the end of a tunnel ... a dark and incessant tunnel. Millions of thoughts started crawling to my mind, a heavy migraine was about to commence. I could feel myself drifting away from the conversation and before I knew it, both officers had said their goodbyes, and made their way out.

I could feel a set of eyes watching over me. I didn't need to look up to know they were Ben's.

"You ok?", he began.

"I need to lie down for a minute", I said ignoring his question. With that, I made my way upstairs, in hopes to fall asleep and wake up to all this just being a horrific nightmare.

____________________________________

"I'm speechless", Lydia said for the 8th time. "Who would want to hurt you Lis?".

We'd been speaking on the phone for the last half hour. Lydia was the first person I called when I woke up from my nap. It's not like I had anyone else to turn to.

"I think you should call your parents. Let them know what's going on".

I cringed at the thought. "That's exactly what I'm not going to do".

"They're your parents", she began. "You don't think that they would care about all that's been happening? Not knowing would kill them Lisa".

"I highly doubt that. I should tell them I'll join the Monastery, maybe then they'll acknowledge me".

I laughed at the thought. My relationship with my parents was irreparable. It was broken the moment Ben entered my life. Actually, that was a lie. It was broken when the devil entered my life.

It was a norm for us to spend Saturday morning in the lawn. Mum would cook her favourite casserole, Dad would be in his office whilst me and my sister, Torvi would spend the morning mowing the Lawn.

We were the typical picture perfect family, who was anything but perfect.

This Saturday was different. The sky was grey, even though it was a hot summer day in the middle of August. The air was sticky, almost as if we lived in a tropical country. Torvi was helping mum in the kitchen, leaving me alone in the lawn. The quiet and peace in the absence of my sister was delightful, but I knew it wouldn't last long.

"Dad wants to see you", said my sister Torvi as she stepped out on the previously mowed lawn.

"What for?", I asked, clearly irritated.

"I don't know", she said as she crossed her arms. "I'm just delivering the message". You couldn't miss the smirk plastered on her face.

I walked past her rolling my eyes, dreading what was to come. Dad never spoke to us individually unless it was about something serious.

"You wanted to speak to me", I said as I entered the office.

"Take a seat", he said never breaking his formality. "Lisa", he began, lowering his spectacles whilst maintaining eye contact. "Your mother and I have been worrying about you and your newfound lifestyle".

"My newfound lifestyle", I scoffed. "What has Torvi been feeding you".

"This has nothing to do with your sister. Putting the blame on someone else was not how you were raised. Be responsible for your own actions", he said with a scowl on his face.

"I am", I said swinging my arms in the air. "Dad, my grades have never been so consistent. I might even get a scholar-"

"Who's Ben?", he asked cutting me off.

I rolled my eyes at his question. Torvi must have heard something from school. That little snitch.

"He's a friend from school", I said with a sigh.

"Do you take me as a fool Lisa? His parents aren't even Christian".

"Is that really all you care about?", I pleaded.

He straightened his back and diverted his eyes on the paperwork in front of him. "You know my rules and my principles", he began. "I forbid you to see him".

"Bu-

"End of conversation Lisa".

"Hello?"

I snapped back to reality only to realize I had left Lydia on the phone.

"I'm sorry, what was that?".

I heard her chuckle in the background. "I asked if Ben was home".

"No, he went out to the shops quickly". Before Lydia could reply, I heard the doorbell ring. "That must be him". We said our goodbyes and I rushed to the door.

The person standing in front of me was definitely not Ben.

"Can I help you?", I asked the lady standing in front of me.

If looks could kill, I would be seven feet underground by now.

"Who are you?", she asked clearly uncomfortable and irritated. "Where's Ben?".

I scanned the woman in front of me, as her eyes flawed every inch of my body. She must have been in her early twenties, and if her hair was a shade lighter than mine, she would have been a mirror image of me.

"I should be asking you that same question, you're the one ringing my doorbell", I challenged.

"Your doorbell?", she mocked. "I'm Jessica", she started, "I'm guessing you're his flavor of the week".

"I'm Lisa", I started and I should have left it at that. Though, my pride and retribution wouldn't allow me to.

"Ben's wife".