PRIEST

THE STORY OF ANNETTE

Someone they trusted. Someone they know might be Amanda's accomplice. Who could it be? The thought ran through George's mind as he scanned the faces of everyone in the division. 

It made no sense doubting your teammates. People you'd see everyday with a smile on your face, you'd just wake up one morning to find out that they are someone else. A killer. 

"George!" Tony called out bringing George back to earth. "Aren't you supposed to be with Griffin?"

"Griffin had something to do this morning"

"Yes but you two are partners. What's the point in being partners if he's going to do it alone?"

"It's personal"

"I see. Anyways, good work". Tiny said before taking his leave. 

George watched Tony's retreating back. Could it be Tony? He always asked questions regarding the case. 

George geunted out with frustration "I don't know anymore"

As George battled with frustration, Griffin drove to the station to look for Martins. 

"Any news on Amanda or Annette?"

"Other than she being dead, nothing. I can send you her parents address so that you can do more check up"

"I appreciate that man and on Amanda?"

"An APB was set up but we can't even say if she's dead or alive. Her phone hasn't been turned on, credit card hasn't been used. She just up and poofed"

"Alright. Send me Annette's parents address."

"Done". 

"Later man". Griffin drove off to the location sent to him. He checked the details once more to clarify that he was in the right house. 

He rapped lightly on the door and got a response."Who is it?"

"Detective Griffin, ma'am". The door was opened by a middle aged woman with blonde hair. 

"How may I help you?"

"I'm here because I have some questions about your daughter, Annette"

"Oh, please do come in". Griffin walked in as he took in the serene of the house. 

It looked needed a lot of repainting and alot of things seemed.. untouched. 

"Are you home alone?"

"My husband is working on something upstairs. I'll go call him down for you"

"I appreciate that"

"Before I go, do you need anything. Maybe water?"

"No, I'm good. Thank you"

"Alright then". After the woman had taken her leave, Griffin stared at a family portrait on the wall. 

They looked very happy. He heard footsteps descending and watched as the husband and wife approached. 

"A pleasure to meet you detective, I'm Harrison and my wife here is Abigail"Harrison said over a handshake

"A pleasure to meet you both". Soon after, the friendly mood turned sour as they couples were made to remember their loss. 

"Annette passed away three years ago. When she didn't come home one night, we immediately reported her missing" Abigail narrated. 

"The cops said someone can't be reported missing until they've been gone for three days."

"You know Annette loved to go church. Maybe she picked up that attitude from us"Abigail said with a shaky voice but stilled herself as she continued. 

"She'd always go to pastor Nicholas church to pray and read the bible with him."

"Pastor Nicholas was of great help to us when Annette went missing. He had sleepless night looking for her. We can never repay his kindness."

"It wasn't until much later that we were called to identify her body and it was her. Our daughter was lying on the silver tray with her eyes closed."

"She must have been so scared and cried out for us. God knows what they even did to her". 

"It's okay, honey"Harrison said comforting his weeping wife. "Please detective is there any reason why you brought up this case?"

"Well, for one thing it might help us find her killer"

"Find her killer?"Abigail questioned in awe. "It's been three freaking years, if y'all wanted to do so, you would have done it by now!"

Harrison tried to calm his wife down "Abigail, relax-"

"No, don't tell me to relax!" she faced Griffin. "I heard the killer is back on the loose again. Many more young girls are dying. This town isn't even safe anymore. It wasn't even safe enough for a little girl"

"Detective, please if you have acquired all you need, would you please excuse us?"

"Yeah, I'll be taking my leave now. Thank you for your time"

As Griffin stopped out of their house, he wondered what to do next. 

He decided to go wherever his legs take him too and ended up at Doug's place. 

"You need something, ain't it?" Doug questioned 

"Not this time, Doug". Griffin replied as he sank low onto a chair. "Everything's just going crazy"

Doug chuckled. "I KNOW crazy but thanks to the little kid at home,things been more peaceful"

"Little kid?" Griffin's eyes widened with terror. "Brittany has a child already?". The hell! Did she already move on?

Doug laughed out loud. "You should have seen the look on your face man, priceless!. Anyways, it's not hers but grandma's. She plans on taking in this cute little munchkin. They went to child services today though to look for his parents before taking any further action. You should come around someday to see the kid." Doug wore a sly smile "Hell, you can even use Aaron as an excuse to see Brittany"

Griffin jolted up at the name."Did you just say his name is Aaron?"

"Yeah, cool name for a kid right?"

"Right. I'll drop by someday. I gotta get back to work"

"Have fun"

"I know you don't mean that". Griffin stepped out of Doug's shop as he found himself smiling at the sun.

Well would you look at that, luck does drop on some people's lap! Griffin thought.