Bear In The Rough: Book 1: Treasure Hunt (BBW Bear Shifter Romance) (47 page)

CHAPTER 12

“Where have you been?” Chelsea asked Cecilia in a furious tone. “Calm down girl! I thought you were going to spend more time with Michael”. “No, not anymore... I will rather be home in my bed” Chelsea replied. Chelsea and Cecilia biked home and though Cecilia presses her for details, Chelsea remained silent about what she and Michael talked about. You know you can always talk to me about anything, Cecilia said. Yeah, I know Cecil. It was dark now by the time they got home. Chelsea got down from the bike while Cecilia drove into the garage. When Chelsea entered the house, she went straight into the kitchen to pour herself a glass of cold juice. As she sipped the juice, she heard her sister's voice calling out to her. Immediately, she ran out of the kitchen following the voice of her sister. She found Cecilia in Antonia's room. Antonia was found pale and shaken. Chelsea asked, what happened to Mum? I really don't know. I found her this way, Cecilia said in a concerned tone. Chelsea turned to her mother now, asking why she was in that state. She was hesitant to speak so Chelsea asked her sister to get her a glass of water to help calm her nerves. Mum, please sit up and have this, Chelsea insisted!! After a while, she narrated what she encountered to her daughters, she told them she just heard from Wendy that Georgina Yardley had been found dead in the park. It seems to be a case of suspected drug overdose. It was around 6 pm in the evening when I received a telephone call from Wendy this afternoon, she sounded angry and devastated when she told me to meet her at the park. I left the house hurriedly to see what had happened. There was already a crowd when I drove into the park. Thank God, the police were there on time to control the adverse reaction of the crowd. I was able to spot out Wendy in an instant because of her distinct glasses and curly hair. We exchanged greetings and she quickly took me to the spot where Georgy's body was found. I felt terrified at the sight of her body which prompts me to leave the place hurriedly. I could not help but think of the crowd and all the side talks. Some people were even worried it might be the killer again; they said they were no longer safe in Hatton. Chelsea was shaken by the news; she's got an eerie feeling that there’s more to the death than a drug overdose. She was somehow convinced that it was connected to Emily’s murder. Colin and Bobby got in few minutes after Antonia was calm. Cecilia explained all that's happened to them and they were also taken aback by the news. To Chelsea's surprise, she couldn't help but notice that Bobby seems especially broken up about the news and wonders why, since she doesn’t think he knew Georgina that well. Bobby panicked and ran to his room. When he got to his room, he couldn't stop thinking about the last time he had met with Georgina. She was really confident about leaving the job at the foundation soon, as she had plans on starting up her own business. He remembered asking where she was going to get such huge amounts from, but she dispersed the conversation by starting another. They met at one of the functions held by the foundation. They got along and they've been intimate since then. Bobby never told anyone about them. I just hope no one will find out about us because this might complicate matters for me. Colin was still with his girls in the room, the atmosphere was calmer now. He decided he was going to see the manager of the foundation tomorrow. He was one of their major contributors. He needed to understand fully the reason for the murder of one of their staffs. Also, he wanted to meet with the detective in charge of the case. They all agreed with the decision before leaving for their rooms. The next morning, Colin was out like he said he would. He got to the foundation and met with Sadie, the lady in charge. They discussed for a while before he stood up to take his leave. I give you my word that such won't occur again. We would love to maintain the long built prestige of this honourable foundation, Sadie said. I will love it no other way, thanks for your time. Colin extended his hands, they shook and he said "Goodbye".

CHAPTER 13

When Michael and Matthew returned home, they also got the news about Georgina’s murder. Michael was surprised and felt sad, but the rest of his family seemed to brush it aside, even though the Yardley's’ are good friends of theirs. Michael recalled they were both interns at the foundation and he wondered what could have led to their murder. Could it be that it has something to do with the foundation? He got embedded in the thought, why had they not thought of Emily's murder that way. He snapped out of it when Joseph and Lawrence start discussing their political plans. They plan to work with their political advisors to minimize the connection as a mere coincidence. Michael’s thoughts drift back to Chelsea, knowing once she finds out about Georgina; she’ll probably distance herself even further from him. He picked up the phone to call her in order to confirm if she's heard the news or not. Chelsea was already in bed when she heard her phone ring. She picked up the phone. “Hello, how are u?” Michael asked. “I'm good,” Chelsea said. “Can we meet up at cafe delight by 3 pm tomorrow? I have something to share with you” Michael asked. “Ok! I will try to make it over”, she replied. “Please do, I really need to see you”, Michael pleaded. As Chelsea dressed up to head out, she got a call from her mother who wanted them to meet at her office. Antonia had overheard Chelsea when she was telling Cecilia about meeting with Michael. Antonia who has always contradicted the relationship they had decided she won't let it happen. And of course, she knew Chelsea would be stubborn if she told her plainly not to go. Mum! Do we have to meet now? Yes, my dear, I've got a terrible headache. Please, I need you to drive me to the hospital. Alright mum, I'd be right there. She got into her car and drove off to her mum's office. She forgot in the midst of all that she didn't call to cancel with Michael. Antonia was attended to by the doctor while Chelsea sat in the waiting room. When she got out, she told her daughter she needed to get to the pharmacy. The doctor has prescribed a drug I need to use, Antonia said. Alright mother, how do you feel now? Still the same. She drove straight down to the pharmacy, got down to purchase the drug. She still didn't realize that her phone had been on silent. Her mother heard the vibration of the phone in the car. Chelsea must have left her phone. She picked it up, saw the caller ID, it was Michael. She switched off the phone to prevent her daughter from receiving the phone call. Mum, here is your drug. She got in the car and drove straight home. Michael was impatiently waiting for Chelsea at their rendezvous. He ordered a cold bottle of drink while he waited. She was running extremely late when he concluded she wasn't going to come or else she would have already done that. He tried calling her to understand her reason for not being there, but she wasn't picking up before he noticed that her line was now switched off. He left eventually but with a troubled mind. When Chelsea got home with her mum, she took her into her bedroom so she could rest. She suddenly realized afterwards that she hasn't checked her phone or called Michael to explain the reason for the delay. She started searching for her phone in her bag but couldn't find it. Mum, have you seen my phone? Asked Chelsea. Not at all my dear, her mother replied. It was with me before I got your call. Let me check the car, it's probably dropped in there, said Chelsea. She dashed out of the house, went straight into the garage where she had parked the car. She was able to find it, but she was surprised to see her phone switched off. She switched it back on, saw a couple of calls she got from Michael. Oh! He must be mad at me or think that I probably did this on purpose. She tried calling him and the call went through. Hello Michael, how are you? I'm sorry I was unable to make it down. She explained all that happened to him. You should have called me up at least once to let me know, Michael said. I guess it skipped my mind in the middle of all the rush. I'm really sorry. We can fix up another time to meet, she said finally. It's fine, I will let you know. Bye, Michael replied. Chelsea went back into the house, checked on her mother to see how she's faring. Not long after, Colin got back from work. He went straight to the bedroom to see his wife. He loves her so much, he'd given everything and more, Chelsea thought. He has never made her feel like a stepdaughter or an abandoned child. Chelsea's father had abandoned her and Antonia when she was 3 years old. Her thought got interrupted when Cecilia got in and told her sister she had applied for a job as an intern at the foundation. Father said he will call in to ask as a special favour for me. That's good sister, I'm glad. The experience will make you all better. You are growing up really fast uh. She moved closer to her now and they started tickling each other. When Colin got down, he asked after Bobby but no one seemed to know his whereabouts. Bobby got in late that night. It was unlike him. He had gone to the foundation to look around for something that might help him understand why Georgina she was killed. He's convinced she was involved in something shady. While going through her space, he found one of the drawers locked. He tried all he could to open it but all to no avail. While he was at it, Sadie who is always at the foundation walked in. What are you doing there? She asked. Now that I see your face well, I've seen you before. You must be Mr. Colin’s son, aren't you? Yes, I am, he replied. And you are Georgy's secret lover. I would appreciate if you don't come back here because I'm sure you won't like anyone finding out about your little secret. I'm sure you will be the main suspect for the police, who knows you could be the killer!! She said in an aggravated and sarcastic tone. I'm not a murderer ma'am, Bobby said. You can take your leave now, Sadie ordered. After Bobby left, she went to check the drawer. She also found it locked. She got an extra key since she has access to all the keys. She found the evidence Georgina had against her and kept it to herself. To hell with that chic!! No one threatens me!! Now I've got it.

CHAPTER 14

Chelsea decided to attend Georgina’s funeral at her mother’s insistence although she feels like a hypocrite because she didn’t even like Georgina. She had always felt like Georgina wasn't what everyone believed she was. Her experience with her back in their high school days helped to see her for what she truly was. She remembered her funny ways of trying to separate her and Michael. Most girls back then wanted him for themselves because of his strong elegant physique and pretty blue eyes that could make any girl's knee grow weak. Michael had always been the love of her life, she knew it then, but now she's not certain their love could weather the storm around them. Chelsea dear, Antonia called out to her. We are almost set to leave. Dress up quickly so we don't get there late. Alright mum, I'd be right down. She put on the black dress she had picked out earlier, packed her hair in a doughnut style, kept on a burgundy lipstick and was down and out the door where she found the whole family waiting. To her amazement, she saw Bobby all dressed up in his black suits sitting with Colin in the front. Bobby, I thought you hate attending funerals. What's changed? He dismissed her comment and continued to stare out the window. Cecilia murmured, we were more shocked than you are when he told us he'd be coming along. They arrived at the service as they were about to start. Colin's and the rest of his family went on to join the people that were there to bid farewell to Georgy. As soon as the funeral service was over, Colin and Antonia went to pay their condolences to Georgy's parents. Michael seized the chance to corner Chelsea at the funeral and insisted they had to talk. Before they could, a policeman, "Detective Jack" interrupted. Hello there, I'm detective Jack; I'm in charge of the two murder case that's recently occurred. I will like to speak with both of you. I've got questions about Georgina’s activities in the days leading up to her death. Do you mind if I speak with you first and alone please? He was facing Chelsea now. Ok detective, you got it. He took Chelsea aside and talked to her first. Chelsea explained that she and Georgina weren’t friends and she doesn’t know anything about Georgina’s activities. Jack asked, when was the last time you saw Georgina. Chelsea told him about running into her at the restaurant. She remembered vividly how they bumped into each other. Georgina even rubbed it in her face that she was only a spoilt brat, that she and her mother were only taking advantage of her stepdads money. It was so bad that they got into a fight that night; they were separated by people at the restaurant. Are you sure that her constant provocative ways did not somehow push you into anything like murder? Jack asked. What are you trying to say, detective? Do I look like I could kill someone? She said angrily. Well, young lady, I've learnt in the course of my job that anyone could do anything. No one can truly be trusted. Not even a pretty face like yours. And who's the young man to you? He won't stop staring at you. It seems to me like you two are involved or in love. Chelsea was alarmed when it seemed Jack took extra interest in the fact that Michael was there. That's no concern of yours, I'd appreciate it if you keep your focus on the task you have at hand. I think we are done talking, said Chelsea finally

CHAPTER 15

Jack spoke to Michael and it turned into a hostile conversation when Jack questions him about knowing both Georgina and Emily. What are you implying detective? That I murdered both victims, Michael said. They were both my friend and I could never think of doing that to them. Is that so? Why were you out of town after Emily's death? Now that you are also back in town, we have another case of murder in our hands. That looks rather suspicious to me. Michael's countenance changed after the comment he just heard. His tone became defensive and evasive when he realized Jack really considers him a suspect. You need to learn to do your work well detective and stop making silly insinuations. And you need to watch your tone with me, boy, said Jack as he moved closer to him. They seized the action that was about to sprout when they heard Chelsea's voice asking if everything was alright with them. I shall be in touch with both of you. I hope you won't contend with the law, rather we will be provided with your utmost cooperation. Chelsea replied, of course, we shall detective. Michael looked away while Chelsea watched as the detective walked away. Have you been waiting for me? Michael asked. Yes, I thought I should wait so we can finally discuss our pending issue. I also wanted to know what Jack talked about. After a pause, Michael told Chelsea the truth. How Jack likely considers him a suspect. I'm just tired of everyone's strange looks and comments like I killed Georgina. My brother needed me and I chose to be there. How have I done any wrong? He asked. Michael's words touched her. She couldn't help but worry about him. She hates the sadness she could see lurking behind those pretty eyes. Everything is going to be alright, she said. The detective thinks the same of me too. Since we got nothing to lose or hide, we've got nothing to fear. He could tell Chelsea appreciates his candour. He leaned over towards her to kiss her. They kissed for a while before she broke off the kiss. Please let's keep things simple between us. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he’s making progress in getting back together with her. She still kissed him like she always has, Michael thought. Chelsea wanted to leave now, so he thought to drive her home since everyone had left but them. They hardly spoke on their way home. When they got to her house, she wanted to get down from the car but Michael stopped her. I'm sorry I was out of control. I shouldn't have kissed you. It's ok Michael. Let's forget about it. I will see you around. Thanks for the ride. When she got in, everyone wanted to know what the detective wanted with her. She explained to them before heading for her room. As she was leaving, her mother asked, I hope you are not thinking of seeing that boy again? I don't think you should be asking me that now mother, Chelsea replied.