Episode 5

I'm not certain what's happening in this place, but it reinforces my suspicion that someone murdered my sister and is going to great lengths to cover it up. I'm sure of one thing—trust is a luxury I can't afford.

Clutching the note and the envelope, I slide them into a plastic bag, thinking that when I get the equipment, I can check for fingerprints or epithelial tissue.

I hop into the car, driving to the address my mother sent me, eventually arriving at a charming apartment with its own small garden.

Mom had written that the key was hidden in the garden. I search until I find it.

At that moment, I notice Jennie approaching me with a greeting.

Ali: Hey. How are you? (I hug her, remembering Jennie is a friend of my sister and teaches at the same school.)

Jennie: Hello, I'm well, thanks. And you? I heard about Alana and about your accident.

Ali: Thanks. Would you like to come in and talk for a bit?

Jennie: I'd love to, but I actually came to make sure you found the key, and to bring you these delicious sweets. (She hands them to me.)

I receive them and notice something odd about her. It's summer, yet she's wearing a sweater that's far too warm for the weather, and there's a sadness in her eyes that she's trying to hide. I take the sweets, and see a bruise on her arm—by its color, it's several days old. But she quickly covers it up.

Ali: Thank you, they look great. Is the apartment from your mother?

Jennie: Yeah, just wanted to welcome you and let you know we're here if you need anything.

Ali: I appreciate that, can I get your contact info? (I hand her my phone, she takes it and enters her details.)

Jennie: The girls want to welcome you and pay a little tribute to your sister. How about getting some drinks on Saturday? (She smiles.)

Ali: That sounds lovely. I'll be in touch and we'll arrange it.

Jennie: I must go, need to prepare tomorrow's class material. But feel free to text me for whatever you need.

Ali: Will do. Thanks again, and Jennie gives me another hug before whispering before she leaves.

— I don't think she would do it— without further elaboration.

Left with even more questions, I think about how strange this town and its inhabitants are. But joining my sister's friends for drinks seems like a good place to begin my investigation—they might have noticed something that can help me. I heave a sigh.

I enter the apartment; it's clean, inviting, and homely. I place Jenny's sweets on the table as I go to collect my luggage. Once I've armed the car alarm, I explore the inside—a compact kitchen, two bedrooms each with a double bed and en suite bathroom, and a small laundry area. With another sigh, I spot some instant soup in the pantry and decide to prepare one, but first, a long shower is in order to settle my jitters after such an overwhelming five hours in town.

I call my mother to let her know I've arrived safely and am getting settled; then I have the soup after our chat. I unpack and head to bed, exhausted.

Waking up around seven in the morning, I ready myself for a quick breakfast before visiting my dad. I head to the local cafe, where patrons seem to see a ghost upon noticing me.

After ordering breakfast, I can feel the gazes piercing through me.

Waitress: I'm so sorry, you look just like Alana. She used to come here every day.

Ali: I'm her twin sister, Alicia.

Waitress: My apologies, your sister was very kind. We were all shocked by what happened. She seemed so happy, yet in recent months, she was visibly fatigued and sad, sometimes here with a distant gaze, sometimes alone, and other times with a handsome guy. Can I take your order?

Ali: Sure, I tell her what I want as she nods with a smile.

Waitress: That's what your sister always ordered. By the way, do you know who the man she was with might be?

Ali: Do you have any idea who he is? (I wonder if he's the one leaving flowers at the cemetery, thinking aloud to myself.)

Waitress: Everyone knows each other in this tiny town. I think his name is Kai. He owns a place called 'The Dark Angel,' but I'm not sure of his last name. Now, sorry, I've got to get back to work. (She walks away with a smile.)

Ali: Thank you. I jot down Kai's name and the bar in my notebook, finish my breakfast, pay, and drive to my father's house, bracing myself before I knock on his door.

He's surprised to see me when he opens the door.

Ali: Hi, Dad. How are you?

Mauro: What are you doing here? (He's stern.)

Ali: Hi, sweetheart. I missed you. That’s all you have to say, Dad? (I walk in uninvited.)

Mauro: Sorry, how are you?

Ali: And that's it? As if you barely remember I'm your only remaining daughter. You can't treat me like this. Still haven't forgiven me? Still blaming me for Mom's divorce? Is that why you hate me? You only visited me once while I was in a coma.

Mauro: You always bring up the same old grievances. If you had kept quiet, your mother would've never left me.

Ali: Oh, it's my fault you were caught with the neighbor in the bed you shared with Mom? And for the record, I never told her. She found out while you were blackmailing me.

Mauro: Is that why you're here? To make my life miserable? If so, you can leave. Go back to the city with your rich boyfriend and leave me in peace.

Ali: I'm not leaving Denver. I’m here to uncover the truth about my sister, and I won't rest until I do, whether you like it or not.

Mauro: Here's a piece of advice: there’s nothing to find. Your sister killed herself, that's it. Better go back where you came from, for your own good.

Ali: I'm not going anywhere. And you better hope you're not involved with what happened to my sister, because if you are, I'll forget you're my father just like you forgot I'm your daughter. (Angry and frustrated with the man I call father, I see he's about to hit me.)

— Go on, hit me if you dare— I challenge him, rage burning within me.

Instead, he storms out, slamming the door, leaving me alone to collapse onto the couch...

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