“You got it.”
I turned and left Mark’s room. I knew he would bring me to see what I had to do. I loved Katie, and she was my best friend. I was glad to see that I wasn’t the only one who saw that she could get really hurt especially if these girls were really kidnapped. I can’t let anything happen to her, especially after her mom. The decision was made. I had to tell Sheriff Johnson what Katie was up to.
7
Katie
I woke up that morning, feeling really nervous about meeting up with Mia. My stomach was churning over my interaction with Amy yesterday as well. She was my best friend and shutting her out of all this was only making me feel worse and worse about the whole thing.
I decided I would have this coffee with Mia, and then tell Amy everything. Keeping everything bottled up was going to make me explode. I hated secrets. I still couldn’t tell my dad, mostly because he wouldn’t allow it.
But that wasn’t necessarily a lie, but rather a lie of omission.
Yeah, I know. It’s no better.
I knew Mia would be dressed to the nines, and even though it was just coffee, I opted to do the same.
Yellow dress, beige wedges.
Yeah, that screamed, “I’m not trying hard,” but oh well. I threw on my outfit, combed my hair, and threw on a little mascara. I didn’t wear too much makeup but relished in my long eyelashes and decided to make them pop today as an added confidence booster.
Once I finished getting ready, I checked my phone. 9:48. I had to leave soon but knew the coffee shop was no more than five minutes away. I headed downstairs and was surprised to find my dad sitting at the kitchen table, coffee in hand, looking pissed off.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen at the station?” I inquired, attempt to gauge my dad’s mood.
“I just got off the phone with Amy. She told me everything.”
Fucking snitch.
I felt my heart slam against my chest. Damn it! Why would she tell him anything? So much for being a good friend. I knew she was against me investigating what happened to Anna and Tara, but I was tired of everyone trying to shelter me all the time.
If I decided to do something, I didn’t want anyone trying to tell me I couldn’t. It’s infuriating that Amy is doing this, and now thanks to her, my dad is about to as well.
“You cannot be investigating this case alone, Katie. It is too dangerous!” my father seethed and slammed down his coffee cup.
My dad was never much of a hothead, but my safety was no laughing matter where he was concerned. For him to scold me right now felt a tad bit ridiculous, especially when he was the one lying!
“Too dangerous? Is it because you didn’t want me, or anyone for that matter, finding out about your eyewitness? You lied. We don’t do that.”
“Did you go through my police files Katie? What gives you the right? You could have asked, and I would have answered anything, but to go behind my back is unfair and sneaky.” My dad looked disappointed, and I felt a pang of guilt. I didn’t want to upset him.
I guess Amy didn’t tell him everything.
“You’re right. It was wrong, and I’m sorry. I need something to focus my energy on, besides mom. It’s the only way I will be able to move on.”
I wasn’t trying to play the dead mom card, but I said it because it was true. Of course, I wanted the girls found, but completely immersing myself in this investigation would help keep her off my mind, just for a little. It was too painful to think of her all day, and it nearly destroyed me this summer. I wanted my life back. My mom would have wanted me to have my life back.
Don’t think about it.
“Promise me you will stop investigating. If my suspicions are right, these girls were kidnapped, and by someone in Prairie. I don’t want you to get hurt. And I miss her too, Katie. Believe me when I say this isn’t the way to move on. Don’t you think I would be all healed up by now?” My dad attempted a smile, and I knew his words were sincere. It pulled at my heart strings. Not enough to make me stop searching though.
“I will. I love you. I have to go because I am going to be late. I’m meeting Mia for coffee in… now. Sorry, I have to go!” I ran out the door and headed into my car.
I decided to send a quick text to Mia letting her know I was a few minutes away, as well as an apology for being late. As I was turning the corner onto the street where the shop was, she sent a quick message saying it was okay.
I spotted the coffee shop and snagged a good parking spot directly in front of the bookstore next door. Perfect, I could pick out a few new books after.
Mia was easily seen. Like I figured, she was wearing all white skinny jeans, with gold bootie heels, a gold blouse, and long dangly earrings which perfectly accented her elegantly messy updo. Suddenly my dress and wedges felt inadequate. She turned and her eyes locked with mine.
“Katieeeee! Oh my god, how long has it been?!” She shrieked, which earned us a few side eyes from neighboring tables.
“Like a few days, Mia. I saw you at school remember?” I said with a light-hearted laugh.
“Oh, duh. I would have ordered your coffee, but I don’t know how you like it.”
“That’s okay, let me order really quick.”
I turned and headed over to the counter and gave the menu a once over. I decided coffee would make me too jittery, and I was already anxious.
“One herbal tea please, a medium.”
I paid the barista and took my steaming cup of orange and spice tea. I nearly dropped it on the way back to the table, because someone came up behind me and whispered,
“Hey stranger.”
I turned slowly, recognizing the voice immediately.
“Hey Mark.”
“I wanted to talk to you Katie, is now a good time?”
“It actually isn’t. I’m here with someone,” and I gestured over to Mia who was watching intently. She gave Mark a smile, and he looked absolutely pale.
“Okay Katie, Well give me a call when you’re free. Enjoy.” Mark turned and headed out of the café. Without a drink.
Did he come here for me? Did he follow me?
C’mon Katie. This was Mark we were talking about. He was always Amy’s sweet brother. He wasn’t like most brothers in that he didn’t pick on or mess with Amy. There was no way he was capable of stalking, or even kidnapping someone. I couldn’t understand why Miss. Towner saw him with Tara that night. My head started spinning all over again.
“Hello… earth to Katie.” Mia joked, and started laughing at my obvious zone out.
“Sorry,” I stammered an apology and bolted to the table.
“So, what is it you wanted to talk about Kates?”
I cringed. She knew I hated being called Kates.
“I know that you saw Anna stumble down the street at the party that day. Did you see anyone with her?”
“Jesus, Katie. Kind of morbid. But no, like I told your dad I didn’t see anyone. She did pull out her phone, and it looked like she was trying to call someone. But I went back inside.”
So, like I thought, the information was useless. Damn it. I was now falling deeper and deeper into this case with all these pieces, and I had no idea how any of them fit together. Mostly because none of it actually made any sense. Mark. Miss. Towner. Mia. My head couldn’t properly piece this together, and it was frustrating.
“Okay, yeah, thanks. My dad just wanted me to verify for his records. So, how do you like school so far…” We continued talking for the next hour mindlessly. I only did so on the account of I didn’t want to seem rude, and like I was only there to press her for information.
Which you were.
I politely excused myself and promised we would hang out again soon. Once I was out of the coffee shop, I downed the last sip of my tea, and slipped into the bookstore. I was immediately welcomed with the smell of old books. I don’t really know how to explain the smell, but it was good.
“Hi dear. Here for some more?” Mrs. Yao asked me, smiling, as she org
anized the nonfictions.
“You know it. Anything good?”
“I do have a few over here…” and she led me into the newer book section.
I thanked her and began what would be an hour-long book flipping session. In all my indecisiveness, I finally decided on two- a murder mystery and a romance.
I figured the romance would at light slightly lighten my dark mood, and that maybe the murder mystery would give me some clarity on this mind fuck case.
“That’ll be five dollars even.”
“No Mrs. Yao, that’s too cheap! I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
“Take advantage of me… please. You’re my favorite customer. Consider it a discount.” Mrs. Yao said and winked at me as she took my five and pushed my two new books toward me. She turned and walked away, probably to avoid any argument from me.
Such a sweet woman.
I turned to head out of the bookstore, and as I pushed the door open, my phone chimed with a text.
Dad: Hey Katie, picked up lunch for us. Be home soon?
Katie: Yeah, just grabbed some books. On my way.
Dad: Rad.
Who taught my dad the word rad? And why was he using it? I shook my head and stifled a laugh. My dad was always trying to be hip, but I don’t think anyone my age even says “rad” anymore.
I started my engine, and my phone beeper again. Please don’t let it be my dad again…
No such luck.
Amy: I’m sorry.
I shook my head. I know she meant well but going behind my back to tell my dad what was going on was stepping way over the line. We were best friends, but it didn’t give her any reason to meddle. I sighed. Amy was stubborn, and hard-headed. I knew that. I couldn’t really be mad at her, could I?
Katie: It’s okay. I know why you did it.
Amy: I am just worried about you.
Katie: Don’t be. I have got this handled.
Amy: Do you? Mark said he ran into you.
Katie: Yeah and took one look at Mia and bolted. Lol. What is with your brother and girls?
Amy: He’s chicken shit. Hey, see you at school?
Katie: I’ll pick you up. See you tomorrow.
I put my phone back in my bag before reversing out of the spot and heading home. The last thing I needed in this gossip town was rumor spreading that I like to text and drive. Oh yeah, my dad would love that one.
All in all, I did like living in a town like Prairie. It had its downfalls don’t get me wrong, but it also had its perks. I liked being able to get somewhere within ten minutes and going into a restaurant where they knew your order by memory. Growing up in Prairie meant there was always a helping hand when you needed one.
As of late, no one has been feeling super generous lately. To anyone who didn’t live here, it would seem normal. But to those who are born and raised, the tension is palpable. Everyone is on edge, and after what I have discovered- rightfully so.
Although I don’t even know exactly what I have discovered. A bunch of dead ends, apparently. I drove past the hardware store, and spotted Mark leaving with two huge bundles of rope.
Why does he need rope?
Stop. Don’t think horrible things about Mark. He was a saint.
Isn’t he?
8
Mark
I just saw Katie’s car drive by, and her eyes nearly bugged out of her head at the sight of my carrying rope to my car. Jesus. She really thought I was some crazy killer. I need to talk to her, and fast. The last thing I need is Sheriff Johnson asking questions and sending these annoying gossipers into a frenzy.
Honestly this whole dang town has been in a frenzy. All over those girls Anna and Tara. Tara is cool. I like her. Anna just seems like kind of a bitch. She was never nice to me. I remember especially that one time in the hallway when she spilled her coffee all over me and had the audacity to yell at me! Me!
Maybe it is a good thing she’s gone.
I know it is horrible to think, but she wasn’t a nice or good person despite what the town is making her out to be. They’re trying to build Anna up as some kind of saint. She was nothing of the sorts, and the coffee incident was just one of many. She always treated those below her like dirt.
Tara was always full of light and kindness. She kind of got a bad rap on the account of she never hung out with anyone outside of school, and always had her head buried behind a book. I didn’t know her too well, but when she hired me to change her grades, I did get to see a different side to her, I saw a human side.
On the outside looking in, she seems like this robot. But Tara doesn’t just study because she has to, she wants to. I have never seen someone who has such a genuine love for knowledge, learning, and especially books.
I remember on one rare occasion, she told me that she always dreamed of having a library like the one in Beauty and the Beast, complete with a ladder with wheels.
I really liked her.
No one knew that I developed feelings for Tara, especially Tara herself. If anything, I wouldn’t even call it feelings. It was more a small crush.
This whole thing really sucked. I, like everyone else, was extremely confused when Tara when missing a few weeks after Anna. The police were trying to make a pattern, but it was obvious that there wasn’t one. Those two couldn’t have been more different.
I have felt like crap since Tara went missing. Timeline wise, I think I was the last to see her that night. I have felt so racked with guilt, and sometimes I can’t sleep because I think of all the what-ifs. What if I didn’t leave so soon that night? What if I dropped her off later than I did? What if we didn’t meet up at all, and she was safe in her home?
I finally came clean to my sister about the grade change exchange. I hated keeping secrets, and while it wasn’t that big a deal, it felt wrong.
Like true Amy fashion, my sister took the news well. I knew she would.
My sister always had my back.
Amy also told me that Katie had been looking into this case, and now her sights are set on me. I would be a little confused, but after Amy let me know that the town drunk played a role in my demise, it all made sense.
I have no doubt that Miss. Towner saw me that night. I was there. I didn’t take or hurt Tara. I could never.
That alcoholic should never be taken at her word though. Once she starts on the wine, and then switches to the hard stuff, she couldn’t tell her ass from her foot.
A little harsh, no?
It was true though. Now, I faced a worse problem. Katie seemed to think I was guilty of something, but I didn’t know what yet. I don’t even think she knows what either. She has gotten deep in this case and is now realizing what everyone else did a while ago- none of it makes sense.
It only seems natural that in a case like this one, hearing a familiar name like mine would spark some suspicion. It certainly sparked curiosity in Sheriff Johnson when he first interviewed Miss. Towner and spoke to me that day. Obviously, I was cleared of all guilt on the fact that I didn’t do it.
Mr. Johnson was easily able to see I wasn’t capable of this, nor was there any evidence that proved otherwise. Now, I just needed Katie to see that.
If she though low of me in any way, I don’t know if I could handle it.
Her opinion meant everything to me.
I decided to text her and ask if she was free or could at least talk on the phone. I wanted to explain. I know it may come off desperate since I saw her this morning, and already asked her the same thing. But the quicker I could get this solved then the sooner I could relax.
Mark: Hey Katie. Sorry about scaring you this morning. I feel like we need to talk. Can we meet later? I want to explain everything.
Katie: Sure. Park at 11?
Mark: Sounds good, meet you there.
Now I just needed to convince Katie of my innocence, before it was too late.
9
Katie
I can’t believe I agreed to meet Mark in a park. At eleven. But I needed to
figure this case out, and I think talking to him in person may help.
I didn’t want to let him know that I was suspicious of him, but then again, I didn’t even know if I was really suspicious. Truth is, I knew I was grasping at straws. I know this case is all over the place, but it is only because I am missing certain pieces of the puzzle. Maybe, Mark could fill some of those in for me. I considered texting Amy and asking if it was okay.
Part of me wanted to really know if she was okay with me questioning Mark, but another part of me deep down just wanted someone to know where I was in case, he did try something.
Give the guy a chance to explain before you brand him a psycho!
Right. I needed a clear head going into this, and I needed to figure out what type of questions I wanted to ask. Did I want to go in full guns blazing? Or did I want to play it off as some rumor that was bugging me? Dead mom card?
Pull yourself together, Katie. It’s just Mark.
Okay, now I needed an excuse for leaving the house. My dad would definitely hear me if I decided to try my luck at sneaking out. I wanted to make an excuse for leaving that would make sense to my dad. Sleepover at Amy’s. He would be happy to see that I was finally getting out of the house, but the issue of school tomorrow presented a problem.
Fingers crossed.
“Hey Dad?” I called into the living room, praying that he would be awake and agreeable.
“Yes?” He said, sounding alert, and then laughed at his show. Okay, good mood.
“I promised Amy I would sleep over tonight, and we were going to watch some movies, and finish up homework for tomorrow. Is that okay?”
“No problem. But leave now, it’s starting to get dark.”
I checked my phone. It was 10:05. Okay. It was late, but too early to meet Mark at the park yet. I decided to pack clothes to truly solidify the lie. I hated lying, but my dad would never agree to it. He always felt Mark had a crush on me and was adamant about a no dating policy. Not that it ever stopped me before, but still.
I had tried to explain to him time and time again that Mark is only a friend, and never someone I could see myself being with. Plus, his sister is Amy! Anyways, I grabbed my navy duffle bag and packed shorts, a shirt, slippers, a toothbrush, hairbrush, and an outfit for school tomorrow. I decided that I may as well stay over there, since school is tomorrow, and it would be weird to come back into my house late tonight. My dad would be ready with questions. I opted to text Amy but wanted to leave the part out about me meeting Mark.
The Iron Room Page 4
