Page 55 of Shattered Silence Duet

I wonder what Mina is thinking. She must be scared, learning there’s a serial killer targeting women who look like her. She doesn’t even know about all the others yet. It’s not public knowledge that all these deaths are connected across multiple states. So far, the FBI has been good at keeping quiet, so the killer doesn’t get spooked and change his MO. Unfortunately, this killer isn’t at the top of their priority list yet, so they don’t have any men on it right now, which is why it’s so important for us to figure it out.

Feeling worried about Mina, I decide to send her a text.

Me:Are you ok, Malishka?

Malishka:Not really.

Me:Tell me what’s wrong.

Malishka:There isn’t enough time in the day.

Me:Don’t say that, you’re breaking my heart when I can’t be there to comfort you.

Malishka:I didn’t mean to upset you.

Me:It’s ok. Why don’t you start by telling me 2 of the things you’re worried about right now?

Malishka:I’m afraid the killer is going to come after me.

Me:We’ll all be watching out for you Malishka.

Me:Tell me what else you’re worried about.

Malishka:I’m afraid you’re all gonna disappear.

Me:What do you mean?

Malishka:What if you guys all leave? What if I leave? Or what if you aren’t even here and this is all just a dream? What if you get busy with something and I never see you again?

Me:We aren’t going anywhere right now, whether you like it or not. So get used to my ugly face cause you’ll be seeing a lot of it.

Malishka:You’re sweet. And I think you’re very handsome. I’d be happy to see yourface every day.

Malishka:Class is ending, I have to go

Me:I want you to remember what I told you before. You can tell me anything. If something scares you, I want to help chase it away. If something makes you uncomfortable, tell me so I can make you feel better. If you just want someone to talk to, to listen to, or give you advice, I can do that for you. I am right here, all you have to do is ask for help.

When no reply comes, I put my phone down and resume my watch on her home. If Helen ends up being the killer, what would happen to Mina? Technically, she’s a minor and would be sent into foster care. I didn’t want that for her, I’ve heard horror stories of how kids are treated, and with her being mute, she wouldn’t have a voice to stand up for herself. Could we… adopt her? No, there is no way child protective services would allow that, we were a major red flag, seven bachelors wanting to adopt a seventeen year old.

One thing I know for sure, wherever they send her, we’ll be there close by, watching out for her. Even if that means staking out her home every night until she turns eighteen and can choose to leave. I just hope that when the time comes, she’ll choose to stay with us.

Chapter 35

Mina

“Alright, Angel, let’s get you to class.” Jasper takes my bag from Max, and in his signature move, he swings it over his shoulder and grabs my hand to lead me to chemistry.

The hallway is busy as we try to squeeze past all the students who seem to be going in the opposite direction. Someone hits me hard against my right arm and shoulder, causing me to swing backward while my left hand stays connected to Jasper’s. My injured arm takes a direct hit, and I bend over in pain.

“Oops. Sorry, babe.” I glance up to see Brad smirking at me as he walks away. Jasper swears as I pull my hand free to clutch my injured arm against me in self preservation.

“Are you okay? Where are you hurt? Let me see. Please, let me help you, Angel.” He seems desperate, as I clutch my elbow and grimace, but I know there’s nothing to be done. Brad just knocked into me right against my infected injury, making it extremely painful, but it wouldn’t have caused any more damage than is already there.

I slowly stand up and give him a weak smile and a thumbs up. He frowns at me and pulls me in, putting his arm around my shoulder gently, leading me forward and using his body to protectmine from further attacks. I smile up at him. He’s definitely my protector. One of many, it seems.

After a quiet chemistry class, Jasper tells me that he and Max want me to go to their house for lunch, since I have a spare period now afterwards, it gives me more time. I happily agree, excited to see my three new friends again.

Pulling up the drive, I start to bounce in my seat, excited to be here again. The twins chuckle. “Excited, Angel?” I nod. “You’re excited to see the others?” I hesitate, then nod.