Chapter Eighteen: Forced Team Up:

No sooner had I hung up my phone rang again.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Celeste,” Daniel said. “How are you doing?” I pressed my lips together. I have to try and raise above. I can’t leave now. I dropped my shoulders.

“Actually, I am struggling,” I said.

“That bad?” he asked. I nodded.

“Yeah,” I said.

“Do you want to meet up later to talk about it?” Daniel asked. I pushed my bangs away from my forehead.

“Sure,” I said.

“The old usual spot?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I said. “I’ll see you there.” My stomach sank as I hung up the phone. Why did I agree to do this? I couldn’t pull back anymore. I started up my car and pulled out of the parking lot.

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I drove down to the creek and parked in the parking lot. Why am I trembling like this? I closed my eyes and took a breath. It’s just Daniel. It’s not like you are facing Laney. Yet. My stomach dropped. I groaned as I buried my head in my hands. Oh god, what am I doing? I shouldn’t be here. I should be back in the city at my desk, working. Why did mom have to call me back here? Why am I even here? Why? Why? Why?

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I lifted my head and picked it up. It was Daniel. He sent me a text.

“I am on my way. Just need to stop by the police station. Hang tight.”

I stared at the text for like a good two minutes. Something about his message calmed me down. But wait… How did he get my number? I had the feeling that mom was the one behind this. I dialed home.

“Hello?” mom asked.

“Hey, mom,” I said. “Did you give Daniel my cell number?” There was a pause on the other line at first.

“I think I did,” she said. I frowned.

“You think?” I asked.

“Yeah,” mom said.

“When?” I asked. There was another pause on the other line.

“Now I remember,” she said. “He called earlier today and asked for your number. He’s such a nice boy. I was wondering why I haven’t heard from him in a while.”

“Uh-huh,” I said. I wanted to reach through the phone and choke her out. What possessed her to give out my number like that? I was going to have a long talk with her later.

“Why would you do that?” I asked.

“I thought that you would need a friend,” she said. I frowned as I narrowed my eyes.

“Thanks,” I said in a flat tone. Another pause over the line.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked. I sighed and rubbed my forehead.

“No, it’s fine,” I said. “Thank you for that.” Suddenly, there was a tapping noise on my window. I turned my head. Daniel stood at my window, waving at me.

“Uh, listen mom,” I said. “I have to go. I’ll call you back, okay?”

“Something wrong?” mom asked.

“No, something came up. I’ve got to go, bye,” I said. I hung up before she could say another word. I rolled down the window.

“Yeah?” I asked.

“Yo,” Daniel said, waving. I put up my hands in a shrug.

“I’m here,” I said.

“Do you want to take a walk with me?” he asked. I had a slightly confused look on my face.

“Okay…” I said. The serious look on his face told me that I didn’t have a choice. I climbed out of the car and walked with him. Daniel shoved his hands into his pockets.

How many times have we been out to this creek? It’s been so long. I got goosebumps thinking about my childhood summers here. The trees came into their lush green with their leaves. This was the first time that I felt the warm breeze on my arms. The sounds of nature put my mind at ease. But I couldn’t help but notice Daniel looking unease.

“Okay, why are you so quiet?” I asked. “What’s the matter?” He looked up and laughed nervously.

“I do have an ulterior motive,” he admitted.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Could you please help me with this Laney case?” Daniel asked. My eyes widened as my stomach turned.

“But this isn’t in my jurisdiction,” I said.

“I know,” he said. “You don’t have to help me with the case directly. I just want to pick your brain.” The color drained from my face.

“Why are you asking me?” I asked. “You know the hell that she gave me. I haven’t been in contact with her since she was pulled out of school.”

“I understand,” Daniel said. “I’m sorry if it was too much. I shouldn’t have asked.” I shook my head.

“No,” I said. “I understand. I will try to help you.” He looked like he was going to fly away.

“Thank you so much,” Daniel said.

“Right…” I mumbled. He noticed him looking at me again.

“What?” I asked. He stopped in his tracks.

“How are you doing? I mean, how are you really doing?” Daniel asked. I looked down at my feet.

“Actually, I haven’t been so good since I got back here,” I said. “I felt like I was on the verge of screaming before I came here. I don’t know if I will be able to hold back my tears either. I really do not want to be here either.” Daniel gave me sympathetic look.

“I will have to go back to work soon, but I can stay with you for a little bit,” he said. For once since I came home, I smiled for real.

“Thank you,” I said. I started walking to the creek. I could hear him following behind me. I knew this peace wouldn’t last but it was going to have to do for now.