Castleton Police Department

  Friday

  Operations Room

  Detective Mackey's head is bent over his desk, as he studiously fills in a new report form. Sergeant Emerson approaches at a slow gait, the firearm on her hip moving with every motion. She places a hand gently on the detective's left shoulder. James, who was deep in thought, glances up in surprise. Emerson takes a backwards step, her eyes widening.

  "I...Sorry. I should've said something first. I'm sorry."

  "No. It's fine," Detective Mackey says, placing his black pen on the desktop and removing his reading glasses. "It was my fault. I was distracted. You're fine, Sergeant Emerson. Now...What was it you were going to say?"

  Sergeant Emerson looks around the room before responding. She speaks in a low raspy whisper, as if attempting not to be overheard.

  "I...I don't like what's happening with this case, James. I mean...I trust you didn't have anything to do with Francine's death. Mitch Turner can go to hell. I mean that, Mackey. He's been spouting off his mouth to some people. Telling half-baked lies. So the rumor mill is definitely churning. Of course. Half of the stuff he's speculating about would never make it past an editor's desk. Hence, why Mitch is running his mouth to anyone who will listen. Including the Chief. Mitch is a sensationalist liar. No two ways about it. Melbourne wasn't a cheater. Francine and her fiancé Chuck...They were getting married next summer. Had the venue picked out and everything. Francine loved Chuck. And he loved her. They're gonna drag the river again tomorrow. I hope they find that poor girl...The hostage. I believe you, James. About everything. You've never given me any reason not to."

  Detective Mackey offers Sergeant Emerson a wistful smile.

  "Thanks, Phyllis. It means a lot to hear you say that."

  "Don't mention it," Phyllis says, returning Mackey's smile. "I hope everything works out, James. You're a great asset to this department. You deserve better than what--. You deserve better. But uh...I'll let you get back to finishing your report."

  Phyllis swiftly moves away from Mackey's desk. She strolls to her cluttered desk and sits down to work on her own incident reports. Only once does Sergeant Emerson glance upward. Her eyes meet James' from across the room. Smiling weakly, she lowers her gaze and refuses to look up again.

  -

  -

  Friday

  Rachel Corbin's Apartment

  Rachel allows the hot water streaming from the shower to run down her hair and face. She puts a hand against her left breast, attempting to rub away the throbbing there. Fresh hatred boils in her heart for Ned. Of a kind she had never thought possible.

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  While making love, the fool had slipped up and called her the name of his mistress. Rather than apologize for the error, the jerk had doubled down. He'd accused her of forcing him to seek pleasure elsewhere. Like he'd ever needed an excuse.

  More than ever, Rachel feels like a stupid idiot. How could she have stayed with Ned for so long? Why has she let him get away with so much? The bastard shows every sign of never wanting to change. So why can't she leave him? Money. That's what it all boils down to. Without a bit more money, trying to leave Ned will be utterly futile. Without Evelyn as a backup plan, she's got nothing. Rents are so high, she'd never be able to afford a place on her own. And Evelyn isn't answering her phone at the moment.

  Rachel finishes her shower and puts on her clothes. The teal jogging suit she has chosen is a bit snug, hugging her hips a bit more than Ned might like. Screw him.

  Exiting the master bathroom, Rachel goes to the bed and grabs her fanny pack. She shoves her phone inside the front compartment and snaps the pack on. After a quick glance in the mirror, Rachel tosses her hair back over both shoulders. She nabs a hair scrunchie from the dresser top and puts her hair up in a loose ponytail. Task completed, she strolls confidently out of the master bedroom.

  Strange voices waft to Rachel's ears as she makes her way up the hallway towards the living room. Slowing her locomotion, Rachel stops just shy of the entryway. The image splashed across the 65-inch television screen, mounted on the left wall, sends another wave of fury through her body.

  Seated on the couch is none other than Ned. And on the screen, Ned and an unknown woman are in the heat of passionate copulation. From the camera angle, the video was recorded from an upward position. Possibly from the ceiling or a well-placed tripod.

  Ned is completely absorbed in his viewing, the volume very low. He has no idea when Rachel steps to just behind his chair. Rachel watches with disgust as Ned pleasures himself to the images on the screen.

  "So...Is that her?" Rachel asks in a low, emotionless voice.

  Ned's eyes grow large and he pivots on the couch cushions, looking up at Rachel from the side. He quickly mutes the volume on the television using the remote. Rachel repeats her question in the same droll voice.

  "Is that her, Ned? The woman I heard on the phone? Is that the woman?"

  Ned's eyes narrow and he sneers up at Rachel from his position on the couch.

  "Yeah. So what? You gonna do something about it, Rachel?"

  Rachel's expression remains blank. She struggles to contain her growing anger. Now is not the time. She has planning to do. Perhaps, she'll go apartment hunting.

  "No. I'm not going to do a damn thing, Ned. What can I do? But I'll tell you what I will be doing tonight. I'm going to work. I'll see you later."

  Ned is taken back by Rachel's cool and calm demeanor. He zips his pants up and climbs from the couch. Going to where Rachel stands, Ned takes her chin in his right hand. He kisses her forcefully. Again, Ned does not get the response he is expecting. Where is her usual anger?

  Rachel is too busy watching what is displayed on the television screen to be angry. Outwardly anyway. Even without the volume turned up, Rachel's mind is able to fill in the blanks. Every forceful thrust, every breathless word, every elated sigh.

  "Rachel?" Ned says, suspicion in his tone. "You're not planning something...Stupid? Are you? I told you...She means nothing to me. It was just a little fun. A man has needs. I love you, Rachel. Only you."

  Rachel rolls her grayish-brown eyes back to Ned's pitiful face. She offers him a coy grin. Kissing Ned energetically, Rachel tries not to gag.

  "Sure, Ned. Don't wait up for me tonight, okay?" Rachel states, kissing him a second time. "Another home game. We're sure to be swamped at the lounge. Have fun watching...Whatever that is. Bye."

  "Rachel...Wait,"

  "Bye, Ned."

  Rachel walks bravely away from the stammering Ned. She half expects him to hit her or yank her back to him. When Ned does neither, Rachel quickly exits the apartment before her luck can run out.