Chapter 14
Back at the hospital, Josiah’s phone buzzed in his pocket–Mirala was calling again. Josiah knew why she was calling and didn’t want to argue. “Grandma, we’re on our way back, almost home.”
“Really?” Miranda scoffed. “Then let me talk to Sienna.”
“Well… Josiah hesitated.
“I knew it! You can’t do it, can you? Because you’re not with Sier at all, Miranda stated bluntly, followed by a sigh. “I’ve been trying to reach Sienna, but she’s not answering. Did you let her leave by herself?”
“Grandma,” Josiah muttered.
“I’ve left her alone for four years, just like you wanted. Can’t you work with me on this? I’m about to go into surgery. You don’t want me to have regrets, do you?” Miranda’s voice was tense, her words carrying an urgent plea.
“Grandma, what are you talking about? She just left a moment ago. I’ll go after her now, okay?” Josiah reassured her, deciding to play along for the moment.
Miranda quickly replied. “Alright. When you two get home, call me together.”
“Okay.” Josiah had no choice but to agree. After hanging up, he shrugged at Yvette. “I have to go.”
“Okay, Miranda is kind–hearted; you should go. I’ll be fine.” Yvette, sitting beside him, had heard the whole conversation. She looked out the window and added, “This area is really remote. 1 not safe for a girl to be out alone at night.”
“You say Grandma is kind; you’re just the same.” Josiah stood up. I’m heading out now. Just don’t push yourself too hard looking after Howard, alright?”
“Got it. Hurry up and go,” Yvette smiled.
“Alright,” Josiah nodded and turned to leave.
Instantly, Yvette’s expression shifted, and she looked down to hide her emotions.
Once outside the hospital room, Josiah called Sienna. Tonight, he got through, but to no avail. She still wasn’t answering. and no matter how many times he redialed, the result was always the same.
yout
“What’s going on? Josiah wondered as he drove out of the hospital, keeping an eye out for Sienna. He guessed she hadn’t gotten far, considering it was tough to catch a ride in this part
of town.
But she was nowhere to be seen. Figuring she might have managed to find a ride back to Silver Beach, he stepped on the gas and made a beeline for there.
When he entered the foyer, the living room was just as dark as it had been yesterday. Remembering what had happened that night, he went straight to the back
But the bathroom light was off, making him wonder if Sienna had already gone back to her room to sleep. Still, he knew he had to wake her up–Miranda had insisted they call together, or he wouldn’t have bothered searching for her at all.
Not knowing which room Sienna was in, Josiah decided to check them one by one. But none of them were occupied.
It was then that he noticed the guest rooms hadn’t been touched. The sheets weren’t even laid on the beds–there was no indication that anyone had stayed there at all.
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Chapter 14
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Josiah couldn’t help but wonder, What on earth happened? Where has Sienna been sleeping these past two days?
“What’s your name?”
“Sienna Shaw.”
“How old are you?”
- 24.
“Where do you live?”
Sienna hesitated, then shook her head. “I don’t have one.”
Jackson Smith, the police who was asking, frowned. So, are you aving under a bridge or sleeping on the streets?”
“Either is fine,” Sienna said with a nod
“That’s ridiculous! Just answer the question,” Jackson snapped. He didn’t believe a homeless person could be dressed like
that..
Sienna sighed, feeling helpless. T’m telling the truth. I don’t have a place to stay.
Jackson fell silent, wondering if she was just being difficult.
Meanwhile, another police, Robert Anderson, brought in Mike. His wounds were treated and bandaged, and his head was wrapped up tight. Robert pushed him into a chair.
Glaring at Sienna, Mike yelled, “Officer, she’s trying to kill me. I want to press charges and see her in jail.
“Calm down! What are you yelling for? This isn’t your home,” Robert snapped and then turned to Sienna. “Alright, you explain. Why did you hurt him?”
Sienna stayed calm and replied, “He got too close, and I was defending myself.”
“Self–defense?” Mike jumped up. “Officer, look at me! She hasn’t lost a single hair, but I’ve got a gash on my head. She says I got handsy–where’s the proof? What kind of decent girl carries brick in her bag?”
“Sit down and be quiet!” Robert ordered. “We’ll figure out what really happened.”
The police discussed checking the surveillance footage along that road. Unfortunately, it was too remote, and there were no cameras. Anyway, they discovered Mike had a criminal record and had been busted for similar stuff before.
Jackson said, “It looks like the girl’s story checks out
“But without evidence and with him denying everything, what can we do?” Robert asked.
Sighing, Jackson added, “Maybe they should just settle this.”
“What? Settle?” Mike shook his head vigorously. “No way. She hi me so hard I was bleeding–I can’t just let it go.”
“Quiet!” Jackson slammed his hand on the table. “Go sue if you want. But once you’re in court, who do you think the judge is going to believe? Especially since you have a record and you’ve been drinking tonight.”
“Okay, fine, let’s settle, Mike stuttered a bit and shot a glance at Sienna. “But she has to pay up. No less than this amount.” He raised his hand, wiggling his fingers.
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Chapter 14
“1,500 dollars?” Jackson turned to Sienna. “What do you think? Is that fair?”
“No way.” Sienna, who had been quiet, shook her head firmly. “No 1500 bucks, not a cent, not even a penny. I’m not paying.
a dime
Mike exploded. “Not even a penny, huh? Fine, then get ready to go to jail”
“Fine. Let the law decide! I believe in fairness,” Sienna held her ground, meeting his gaze.
“Wow, you’ve got guts!” Mike sneered.
“Sit down! Quiet!” Jackson slammed his hand on the table.
The tension in the room was as thick as molasses, and Mike and Sienna were locked in a stare–down, neither one ready to budge.
Just then, Stephen Ross, a young police, stepped closer and whispered, “Sienna’s phone has been ringing for a while. It’s probably her family
When Mike and Sienna first arrived at the station, all their phones were taken away, and they weren’t allowed to contact
anyone.
Jackson glanced at the stubborn Sienna, and then told Stephen, if it rings again, pick it up and ask her family to come over. Maybe we can work this out.”
“Got it,” Stephen nodded.
At Silver Beach, Josiah felt lost as he tried calling Sienna’s number again. But this time, it rang through
As soon as it did, Josiah let loose. “Sienna Shaw, where are you? Is getting late, and you’re still not back home!”
Stephen paused and then spoke, his voice grave, “Hello, this is the South Jeiacrity Police Station. Sienna has injured someone. You’re her relative, right? Could you come by?”
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