 |
| Obadiah: The Wing Clipped Chronicles |
After days of disappearance, Colin Mercer finally returns home. But his unexpected homecoming raises more questions than answers. As his parents struggle to understand what happened to their son, an unexpected knock at the door changes everything.
Dr. Cassandra Gregory gave the dispatcher the street name and explained that she'd spotted Colin walking between two houses.
"Are you certain it was him?"
"Yes. I've seen his photograph on the news."
"Is he still in sight?"
Cassandra glanced toward the passageway. "No, but he was heading toward Lime Street."
"Please don't approach him, ma'am. Officers will be notified."
"I understand."
Cassandra hurried to her car. As she pulled away from the curb, she spotted Colin farther down the street.
"Wait. I see him again," she told the dispatcher.
"Where is he now?"
"He's turned onto Oakwood Drive," Cassandra told the dispatcher. "He's approaching a house."
Cassandra slowed, keeping her distance.
She watched as Colin glanced toward the street, then moved along the side of the house. A large overgrown shrub partially concealed the side entrance. A moment later, he disappeared through the door.
"He just went inside through a side door.”
"Can you give me the address?"
Cassandra read the house number from the mailbox.
"Thank you, Doctor. Officers are on their way. Please don't approach the residence."
"I won't."
She glanced once more at the house before driving away.
___
Mrs. Mercer stood at the kitchen counter, putting away the dishes from dinner. She had barely slept in days, and the constant worry over Colin had left her exhausted.
She heard the side door open.
"Who's there?" she called, turning toward the doorway.
Colin stepped into the kitchen.
For a moment, she couldn't move. She stared at him, scarcely believing what she was seeing.
"Colin?"
"Hi, Mom."
"Oh, my goodness! Colin!"
She let out a startled squeal and hurried across the kitchen, throwing her arms around him.
"Colin! Oh, thank God! Where have you been?"
"I'm okay, Mom."
She held him tightly before pulling back to look at his face.
"Sweetheart, we've been worried sick about you!" She gently cupped his chin. "Are you hurt? Have you eaten?"
"I'm fine."
"What's going on in here?"
Mr. Mercer appeared around the corner from the living room. He stopped when he saw his son.
"Colin?"
"Hi, Dad."
His father stood motionless, taking in the sight of the boy who had been missing for days.
Something was different. Colin's hair was neatly groomed, his clothes were clean, and he carried himself with an unfamiliar confidence. Even the way he looked at his father seemed different.
"Well, look at you," his father said. "You look different."
Colin glanced down at himself. "Different how?"
"Your clothes, your attitude. Everything." His father studied him. "Where have you been staying, Colin?”
"I've been staying with a friend."
"What friend?"
"Someone I met."
His father frowned. "Someone you met? Does this person have a name?"
"He's been helping me, Dad."
"Helping you do what?"
Colin didn't answer.
His father's expression hardened.
"Do you have any idea what we've been going through?"
Colin looked at him. "I'm sorry, Dad."
"Sorry?" His father shook his head. "The sheriff's department has been here more times than I can count. They've questioned us, talked to the neighbors, and had officers watching the house. Your picture has been all over the news."
"I know."
"You know?" His father's voice rose. "Then you know they're looking for you!"
"Please," his mother said. "He's home. Can't we just—"
"No, we can't." His father turned back to Colin. "I need you to look me in the eye and tell me the truth.”
Colin waited.
“Colin, what do you know about those fires?”
His mother went quiet.
Colin met his father's gaze without flinching.
"Why would you ask me that?"
"Because the police are asking! Because people have lost their homes, and your name keeps coming up!" His father stepped closer. "Colin. If you're in some kind of trouble, we need to know."
For the first time, his mother looked uncertain.
"Colin, honey," she said softly, "please tell us what's going on."
"Answer me, Colin. Did you start those fires?" his father demanded.
"No, Dad."
His father stared at him. "Don't lie to me, Colin."
"I'm not lying."
"What about the fire right here in our own home? You were standing in that room when the curtains caught fire. While the rest of us were running for our lives, you disappeared!”
"I didn't start it.”
"Then tell me what happened!"
Colin said nothing.
His mother stepped closer. "Honey, we nearly lost our home. We could've been killed. And now the police think you're connected to other fires around the city."
"I know what they're saying."
"Then help us understand!" his father pleaded. "You were never like this. You used to talk to us. Now you disappear for days, come home without telling us where you've been, and expect us not to ask questions?"
"Dad, I told you. I didn't start those fires."
His father shook his head.
"I want to believe you, son. God knows I do. But I was there that night. I saw what happened, and I know you're keeping something from us."
Colin lowered his head.
“Tell me, Dad. Are you going to turn me in? Call the police?”
His parents glanced at each other. They went silent.
Before either parent could answer, someone knocked at the front door.
Mrs. Mercer turned toward the sound. "Who could that be at this hour?"
Another knock followed. "Baylor City Sheriff's Department!"
Colin's father looked at his son.
"Did you call them?" Colin asked.
"No."
Mr. Mercer walked toward the front door, his wife following a few steps behind.
When he opened it, two deputies stood on the porch.
"Good evening, sir. We're looking for Colin Mercer. We received a report that he was seen entering this residence."
Mr. Mercer glanced over his shoulder. "He's here."
"May we speak with him?"
His father hesitated before stepping aside.
Colin appeared in the hallway. "I'm Colin Mercer."
One of the deputies studied him. "Colin, we need you to come down to the station with us. We have some questions about the fires in Baylor City."
Colin looked toward his parents. “I know.”
His mother moved closer. "Does he have to go with you?"
"Ma'am, we need to question him about the investigation."
His father turned to Colin. "Son, I think you should cooperate."
Colin nodded. "All right."
Mrs. Mercer reached for his arm.
"Colin, we'll hire an attorney," Mrs. Mercer said. "Don't admit to anything."
His father watched as Colin stepped onto the porch with the deputies.
For the second time, his son was leaving home without giving them any answers.
Only this time, the police were taking him.
TO BE CONTINUED…
🔄 Previous Episode 29: The Plan Unfolds 🔙 Coming Soon, Episode 31:
As mysterious fires continue to trouble Baylor City, Antioch sets another plan in motion. Sheriff Spriggs struggles to uncover the truth, while Allen begins connecting disturbing clues.
No comments:
Post a Comment