Evan Billings. That's the man's name. He's 32 yrs old and lives near my parents. That was a big shock to my system. How could he live two blocks away from my parents and I didn't even know it. WTF? Passing him by at the grocery store, or maybe the gas station was a possibility. This information would have been helpful weeks ago. I could have stayed with my parents instead of living in the shed. He must have been following my sister and plotting for a while. Thanks to Laura, I actually have a shot at completing my mission to kill him.
Am I worried about going to prison? No, at this point I could care less. Living as a homeless person, I've learned how to take care of myself. My desire to kill this man has intensified. I take a deep breath and smile at Laura. "Thank you, Laura." I smile and stand to leave the RV.
"Wait! Where are you going?" Chaney asks.
"I think we both know, Chaney," Laura states.
"But, why?"
"He lives near my parents;like two blocks away."
Laura gasps, without saying anything. "So you're just going to leave us?" Chaney cries..
"No," I shake my head. I'm not leaving you. I just thought I would pay my parents a visit. It's been over a month since I've spoken to my mom. I also want to inconspicuously go by his house."
"Well, that's a fine idea. How about we all go?" Laura asks.
"No, I need to do this alone. After I get a good look at his house and survey the area, I will come get you girls."
"Okay. Can we keep Happy with us?" chaney asks.
"Yes, I was going to ask you to take care of her until I get back."
"We can do that," Laura nods.
"Would you girls mind giving me a ride?"
"Sure," Laura says.
"Okay, thank you." My eyes start to water. I'm going to miss Happy. The thought of leaving her is hard, even if it's only a day or two. She's protective though, so I know she will keep them safe.
When we pull up in front of my house, I see my mom out front watering the flowers. My parents live in an affluent neighborhood, with huge brick houses and beautiful green lawns that wrap around the house like a gold blanket, even the yards are rich.
I step out of the RV and wave goodbye to Laura and Chaney, with Happy staring out the window. They drive off and my mom finally turns around. Her posture has changed significantly since I saw her last. She still has a beautiful, regal way about her, but she seems different. The stress of me leaving and Solia being gone has taken a toll on her. She smiles and walks over to give me a hug.
"My god, honey! I missed you." She stands back to examine me. She frowns when she sees my head. "What have you done to your hair?"
"I, uh...I shaved it," I stammer.
"I see that. Why? She's appalled.
"Because I got lice." I take a deep breath and my cheeks turn bright red, from embarrassment.
"Tibby, what is going on? I haven't seen or heard from you in over a month."
"I know, mom. I thought I could stay here for a couple days. Is that okay?"
Her eyes light up and she nods enthusiastically. "Yes, honey. Of course you can. Your father is away on business, so it will be the two of us."
I smile and say, "sounds great." I'm relieved he's not here to see my hair, or lack thereof.
"Come on in. Are you hungry? You look skinny."
"No, mom I just ate."
"Who dropped you off?" My mom asks, as I follow her inside.
"My friends. I've been staying with them." I tell her, without mentioning the shed or the abandoned building. I don't want my mom knowing that I've been homeless. My shaved head is embarrassing enough.
"Oh, what are their names?"
"Laura and Chaney." I tell her, glancing around the house. Nothing has changed in the decor. Everything is still elegant, from the dark, oak floors to the satin curtains and leather furniture. The smell is even the same. Apple cinnamon. The atmosphere of the house is quite different though. Like a dark cloud in a bright sky. Without Solia, the aura doesn't match the appearance.
"Well, that's nice. I'm glad you've made some friends."
I walk over to the couch in the family room and sit, as mom brings out two cups of tea. "Thank you. So, mom...how have you been?" I ask awkwardly, drinking my tea. I already know the answer. Not well.
"I'm okay." I can tell she's lying. The dark circles and her hunched back say otherwise. I feel responsible for her being this way, but I've come too far to give up. "Tibby, when are you coming home? I need you here. Your father is always gone and I'm all by myself.
A tear rolls down my cheek. I shake my head and tell her, " I can't come home right now."It breaks my heart to see her this way.
"You are coming home soon? Right?"
"I honestly don't know."
"You're not in some kind of trouble are you?"
"No, mom. I just need to be alone for now, okay?"
"But, you came to stay with me?"
"Yeah, for a few days. Nothing more."
"Okay," she drops the subject. "Have you heard they're thinking about reopening your sister's case?"
"What?!" I spit. "When did this happen?"
"It hasn't happened yet. Tibby, this is good news. Maybe we can finally bring her home and be a family again."
I stare at her incredulously. How can she think that Solia is still alive? She's dead. The only way we're bringing her home is in a body bag. If we find her. "Why are they considering reopening her case now?"
"There are other girls that have gone missing since Solia. Several girls in fact."
"Mom! Open your eyes. Solia's dead. Okay? She's not coming back!" I leave my mom on the couch, without looking at her. I take the stairs two at a time, eager to be in my childhood bedroom. I sigh, instantly regretting yelling at her. I know she's hurt and I made it worse, but it's time for her to face the music. Solia was killed along with all the other girls that were taken by Evan Billings.
If the cops reopen the investigation, then my plans to kill this man will be foiled. I can't let that happen. I walk over and lay on my familiar red and white patterned quilt, closing my eyes. "Solia," I say, out loud. I need your help. "Please, tell me what to do next."