Unmasking

My mouth opened up in shock as soon as I opened the door. My eyes widened at seeing the person in front of me, and right away, my eyes welled up with tears and my hand flew to my mouth in shock.

"A-Aunt Jamie?"

I couldn't utter any further words other than the person's name. I stood rooted in my spot, unable to move my muscles. She looked older than I last saw her. Her hair displayed the greyness that she once used to hide by dyeing. She looked like she lost a tremendous amount of weight and almost looks unrecognizable.

"Karolia," She said, her voice breaking at the end. A tear fell from her left eye, and she gave me a sad smile, which for some reason, made my heart clenched tightly.

William, who was standing behind her, nodded his head looking at someone behind me, and took his leave. I soon felt Logan's hand wrap around my shoulder from behind. I released a sob that I didn't even realize I was holding in and ran towards Jamie.

"Jamie, I m-missed you," I tell her as I throw myself into the open arms of Jamie.

I hugged her tightly and stood there for a couple of minutes, crying into her arms, and seeing her brought all my memories back in flash. The days I cried in her arms, the times when she consoled me, and helped me to sleep at night after the terrible nightmares, the way she brought me out of my trauma and broke the hard shell that I had created around me after my parents' death. All these moments replayed in my head, and it felt so overwhelming.

"I missed you too, sweetheart." She mumbled as she hugged me back tightly and smoothened my hair.

"I'm happy you are doing well now. I was worried about you all this time." She said and I pulled back from the hug to look at her. I was about to say something but was cut off by Logan's voice.

"Hello, Mrs. Wilson. I'm Logan Watson, Karolia's boyfriend. I'm the person who contacted you a few days back." Logan spoke with a warm smile while placing his hand on my shoulder.

"It's nice to meet you, Logan finally." Jamie looked at Logan and returned a smile.

We both welcomed Jamie inside the penthouse and I can already see that she became intimidated by the opulent ambiance. She stood a bit awkwardly, fiddling with her handbag before taking a seat on the comfortable warm couch. To put her at ease, I settled myself beside her and Logan sat opposite to us receiving the cue.

"Would you like hot coffee?" Logan asked Jamie as soon as she seemed comfortably seated.

"I would love it." She replied with a small smile and Logan got up to head to the kitchen.

"How are you doing now?" She asked as soon as Logan disappeared. I smile at her question.

"I'm doing well now, Jamie, thanks to Logan. Nothing was easy when I came here. I wasn't able to sleep peacefully at night and I was always yearning to call you for your comforting words" I sighed heavily.

"It broke me as I couldn't even contact you for anything. But eventually, everything fell into place. It took a lot of time and effort. It was a long ride but I guess I overcame it well with the help of some amazing people I met here." Smiling reassuringly, I said

"Have you… told about us to anyone else other than Logan?" She asked a bit cautiously.

"No. Only Logan knows all the details. I have mentioned you guys to his mom as well but very vaguely, other than that no one knows. I didn't break the promise." I said and stressed the last part to make it clear for her.

"Well, I'm glad you kept the promise. I'm so happy for you." She said and a sad smile grazed her face. Logan came in with a cup of coffee and Jamie thanked him with a sweet smile. She took a sip from the hot brewing beverage and immediately appreciated Logan for how good it tastes.

"You need something, love?" Logan asked me with a caring look to which I just shook my head no with a small smile. Logan sat on the single-seat next to me but kept a distance.

"I'm glad she found someone like you. I can see she is really happy with you. I haven't seen her smile like this for a long time." Jamie said while rubbing my hands which was placed on her lap.

"It's my pleasure. We didn't have a good start off, but now I love her with my whole heart. Although it was very difficult to find you, I did it for her. I know you mean a lot to her and she missed you a lot" Logan said genuinely. I gazed at him lovingly before I turned my attention back to Jamie. I have a lot of time left to thank him properly for this surprise that he pulled.

"I would love to hear about all the stories someday. I feel a bit relieved now knowing that you have someone for you." She said while looking at me. "And I'm sorry for troubling you. You must have had a hard time finding me. I have been staying with my sister for some months now due to.. some reasons." She confessed to Logan.

Jamie's eyes suddenly turned glassy as she studied me. Her hand caressed my face before she uttered the words that crushed me.

"Wil would have been extremely pleased to see you now." Her voice was throaty as she uttered Sherif Wilson's name. Her tears that she held before flowed freely after she said that.

"I-I heard about everything. Forgive me, I wasn't even able to come and give him my farewell. It was late when I came to know about it." She broke down as we talked about her husband.

"I always wanted to find your contact number but I didn't want to break the promise I gave to you. There wasn't a day that went by ever since I heard the news that made me regret not doing it. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you." I said and cried with her. Logan scooted closer and wrapped his hands around me tightly in the hope of consoling me. Jamie wept and rubbed her unstoppable tears away before looking at me.

"It's a good thing you didn't, Karolia. I'm sure he wouldn't have wanted you to call either of us or come to Worcester for that matter. All he wanted was for you to stay safe and well hidden. That's why he did everything." She said and I frowned at her words.

"What are you talking about? What exactly did happen to him? Why did he want me to hide?" I asked her all the questions that came to my mind with confusion written on my face. Jamie's face contorted in pain as she bit her lip to stifle her sobs.

"He died trying to protect you, Karolia." I inhaled sharply at her words.

"W-What?" I asked her since I couldn't process her words. She nodded her head slowly as if to confirm my thoughts.

"F-From what?" I stuttered and I was able to feel my heart beating with loud thuds.

"He was protecting you from the people who were targeting you. The people who wanted you." Her answer made something dawn in me.

"So, it.. it was true that he was m-murdered?" I asked, afraid to hear her answer. She covered her mouth and a loud sob escaped her as she nodded her head faintly. I watched her as silent tears escaped my eyes.

Something told me that the woman sitting in front of me went through a lot in these past months. Anyone who would look at her can guess it. But little did I know that it was all because of me. It's because of me she lost her husband, the love of her life.

"Who?" Logan asked with gritted teeth. It was the first time he spoke and he just asked the one question which might solve all of these puzzles. Just one question for everything. And I'm not sure what I would do once I get the answer.

Jamie gave us a hard and intense look before she looked down. Her eyes were wary trying to look for something.

"It's safe here. This is my place, no one will come here." Logan said, answering Jamie's unasked question.

She nodded her head in understanding before she took her handbag. She pulled out a big file that had CASE 1306 printed on a slip of paper glued to the front. My eyebrows frowned in confusion as she handed it over to the both of us. I looked at her questioningly.

"This is your parents' case file." My eyes widened at what she said. I took the file from her carefully and looked at Logan who was staring at the file with an unreadable expression.

"Ever since Wil found you that night in the street and brought you home, he didn't take even a single rest as he kept on trying to find the culprits. Since he was part of the team investigating the crime, he happened to find some clues that could potentially point out who was behind all of it. But his efforts were made to stop as soon as some random men surrendered at the court claiming to have killed your parents. Wil told me that he felt suspicious about it and he said he even tried to talk with those two men. He understood they didn't have any role in the case."

"Since the case was officially closed at the court he didn't have any permission to further investigate the case to prove the court wrong. He took everything into his own hands and in a way, he was even defying the court orders. He was doing a highly punishable offense there but he said he couldn't stop himself. He told me he wouldn't be able to rest without finding the real culprits as he felt they would come after you when everything is over. That's one of the reasons why we never wanted you to go to your relatives or contact anyone from the outside." My heart broke hearing all the things that the sheriff had gone through to protect me. I felt terrible especially now since I know I can never thank him anymore for his efforts.

I looked at the file on my lap and opened it with my shaky hands. Logan was keenly watching it. As soon as I opened the front page, some detailed documents and police reports came into view. Pictures of dead and burnt bodies of my parents came into view as I flipped the pages. I released a loud sob and buried my face into Logan's chest as I couldn't look at it for more than two seconds.

It felt horrible. I could not even imagine what their bodies might have gone through. I sob uncontrollably as disturbing scenarios of my parents' dead body flashed through my mind. I twisted Logan's shirt and I felt his hand grab the back of my head. His hand rubbed my back up and down in a repeated motion and I heard Jamie's sobs from near.

"Lia," Logan's throaty voice called me and he tapped my back to get my attention. I turn my head and look at the file to notice something that stopped my breathing for a second.

"Isn't that the torn pages of your mom's diary?" Logan asked me as soon as he spotted it. I recognized mom's handwriting at once and nodded my head feebly. The papers were stapled together and were placed inside a clear punched pocket. Logan cautiously took the papers out and examined it.

"Wil found the diary from your dad's office room when he went there by himself to investigate. Since it wasn't the crime spot the police didn't do a thorough check-up and rather locked the place under the name of the case. The diary was kept inside your dad's cash safe. Since he came to know who was behind your parents' death after reading the whole book, he started looking for more solid evidence. To reopen the case in court he needed evidence which will be far more powerful than a simple handwritten diary note."

"As he was investigating it on his own, he never revealed the name or the identity of the person to anyone, not even me. He didn't even mention that he was doing all this until one day. That day he came to me and revealed all this new information including the person behind this. He said he found answers to every question regarding the case but one question remained unanswered"

"He wanted to know why they took you and not killed you then and there along with your parents. He understood there was another motive behind all their actions. He was sure they would come looking after you again and that's why we decided to send you to one of the crowded places that we found. This happened two days before we decided to send you to NYC hoping you would be safe in this populated city before we solve your case successfully."

"Even though he wanted to warn you so badly he couldn't bring himself to do it without knowing all the reasons. That's why he gave the diary to you but tore the last few pages so that you wouldn't know anything."

Logan took the papers out of the file carefully and scanned them. Logan sensed my desperation and turned to me with an unknown expression. He thrust the papers into my hand and nodded his head slightly. I didn't have any other option than to take it from him and read it by myself.

July 18, 2019

Today we had an unexpected guest. Benjamin's old DEA colleagues came to visit him after so many years since he quit the job. Karolia was out with Allie so we didn't have to sweat explaining about Benjamin's old job that we hid from her all these years. Benjamin was so happy to see and hear from them, but the happiness soon disappeared as they told us their reason for visiting. They came to ask for help. To again investigate a drug-dealing case. They said only he could catch the person. They promised they would never come back in his life for another work once this mission was over. Even though Benjamin didn't want to accept it, he did as it will be his last and the very last job he takes.

I quickly turned the pages and again read the words written on the crinkled page.

September 10, 2019

Today was one of the gloomiest days in our life. We never thought by agreeing to investigate a case that looked like a regular drug dealing would turn into a life-changing one to us. I witnessed the breakdown Benjamin went through and I also felt the same when he opened up to me. Turns out the person whom we thought we knew like the back of our hand wasn't the same at all. I can't believe what Benjamin had found out. I remember the fear I felt as soon as he told me who it is.

My perusal was cut short when Jamie cleared her throat and I looked up into her glassy eyes.

"He showed me this file and asked me to keep it safe in our home locker since this had all the necessary proof which indicates the killer. It took him a few more months to gather enough evidence but it was during that time he went missing. When he didn't return for almost a week, I knew there was something wrong. I remembered his words to protect the file."

"I took it and moved away from there to my sister's place and gave the house up for sale. I tried to remain hidden all this time until the people found his body." Jamie's eyes held so much pain when she said the last line. I tried to console her by squeezing her tightly clenched fists.

"So is that reason why you weren't there in the house when we visited you? Because you were hiding?" I asked her all in one go.

"Yes, Wil told me not to wait for him if something happens to him. I knew taking this case would turn out very fatal. But I also saw the determination in his eyes and I knew that how much ever I asked him not to go deep into this, he would. Trust me Karolia, at one point I even begged him to stop but he was strong on his feet. Unfortunately, things happened just like I thought it would." Jamie said while looking down, silent tears fell from her eyes and I couldn't do anything other than to watch her cry her heart out. I turned to Logan and saw him frozen near me with the paper in his hand.

"F***ing bastard *****" Logan sputtered out profanities.

"Log," I called him and he turned to me with wide eyes, shock evident in his face.

"It's Micah," Logan whispered. My brows furrowed in confusion.

"W-What?" I asked him.

"It was all him, Lia. The Boss. F***ing backstabber." I looked at him incredulously as I couldn't process his words. I snatched the paper away from him and checked the contents of mom's notes.

Turns out the person whom we thought we knew like the back of our hand wasn't the same at all. I can't believe what Benjamin had found out. I remember the fear I felt as soon as he told me who it is. Never thought the person who has been our friend for all these years would be such a corrupted person from inside. How did we go blind to all his charms? Were we that stupid? I realized that Micah out of all the people in the world will be the most two-faced man. The monster that he is hiding behind his mask is so much ugly and I can't believe we have been close friends with him all these years. I feel so disgusted now.

Can't believe we have been allowing a drug dealer, a mafia who would do anything to get what he wants, into our house so obliviously. When Benjamin told me about all the crimes that Micah had committed, I couldn't even believe it. How can someone be this cruel?

My hands shook as I read the lines two to three times repeatedly. I don't know how to process this information. My mind felt blank as I stared at the paper in my hand. I looked over at Logan who had already got up from his seat in pure frustration and anger. So many questions ran through my head. How? Why did he kill my parents? My questions were answered as I read the remaining notes.

September 15, 2019

Micah paid us an unexpected visit today. Thank goodness, Benjamin was here, or else I wouldn't know what to do. Even though we tried to remain nonchalant about his real identity and acted normal, as per Benjamin's advice, I couldn't help but to feel scared whenever Karrie went and sat near Micah and conversed with him. She didn't know about a single thing and we decided not to tell her until Benjamin makes sure that he will be behind bars. I stare at my daughter with fear in my eyes for her safety. What if Micah comes to know we know everything about him? Or even worse, that Benjamin is planning to catch him with all evidence. Although everyone acted normal to Micah's visit, I could feel the thick air that had settled around us. Micah's eyes seemed to watch our every movement carefully. Whenever he smiled I was only able to see the beast in him and not the Micah that we know who was harmless and a genuine enthusiast. Now everything about him screams fake. How did it all come to this?

October 9, 2019

I just argued with Benjamin and I'm not sure what to do now. Day by day it's getting really scary to know all the secrets and hide it as if we don't know anything. Benjamin almost got all the details and evidence but I don't get his point on delaying the arrest. He says he has to get permission from the higher authorities before he makes a move. But how long does it take? It's highly unsafe having a criminal next to us who we don't even know what he would do once he gets to know the truth. The tension of carrying this information was getting overwhelming and I finally exploded today. I would say this was one of your greatest fights so far. But this wasn't just a silly husband and wife fight we usually have but rather a fight for our lives. My anger doubled when Benjamin revealed that there is a high possibility of Micah already knowing about us. As a mother, my first instinct is to protect and safeguard my child. But Benjamin says that it will look highly suspicious if we do something now. I honestly feel so drained now and I just wish for Benjamin to arrest Micah soon so that we will be relieved of this constant fear for life.

"I-I can't believe t-this," I uttered in utmost shock. My lips were trembling as all the information sunk to me all at once.

Micah? Out of all the people?

"Yes, it's him." Jamie confirmed my thoughts. I didn't even know I was talking out loud. A sudden crashing sound jerked me up in surprise. I looked up to Logan who stood there seething in front of the broken glass vase.

"L-Log?" I called out in concern and I gasped as his red angry eyes came in view once he turned around.

"He was so close to us, Lia. Dammit!!" He said and buried his head in his hands.

"I guess Wil knew how cunning Micah was and that he was dealing with a very dangerous situation. That's why he warned me to take the documents to the police if something happened to him. After the funeral, I did the first thing Wil asked me to do. It was to hand over the file to his fellow best friend at the police station. But when I reached there I was shocked to see the same person who Wil trusted with giving the evidence, talking to Micah very friendly" she released a shaky breath. My fist clenched.

"I backed out at once. I soon heard that the same person got promoted to be the sheriff in place of Wil. That's when I understood that the whole system was corrupted, Karolia. They were all just mere dogs nodding to Micah's orders. He was controlling them. I was scared out of my mind and I didn't know what to do after that. I couldn't trust any other police officers after that. So I decided not to submit the files, afraid that they will destroy all this evidence and proof that Wil worked hard to find."

Ohh goodness, how much damage had Micah done? How many lives are lost because of him? To think it was just yesterday that I met him and been close to him made me clench my teeth in anger. How dare he act all innocent and highly when all he had done was stab everyone at the back?

"I'm so sorry you had to go through everything like that all alone. I wish we took much more effort in searching for you that day after stopping by your old house." I said. "It would have been so much easier if we had met you from Worcester itself. We could have found him earlier. He wouldn't have come here and instead, he could have already been behind the bars by this time. Bastard." I uttered while regretting all the choices. We could have stopped everything if he had just known this. Ugghhh.

"Y-You,... How come you came to Worcester?" Jamie asked with wide eyes.

"I came to Worcester on the day of my mom and dad's funeral. We saw Micah there. He even invited the both of us for dinner the next day. It was after that we came in search of you. After knowing that you moved away we were determined to get your new address and meet you but it was then we got a call saying Logan's mom met with an accident. Therefore we had to fly back immediately." I said which made Jamie's face widen in surprise.

"You met Micah?" I nodded my head.

"Karolia, if he is already near then it's better if you don't take any chances. We don't know what he is up to. You guys can submit this file at the court here. We have all the solid evidence now. If the police can get the guy who has been following you then there will be two real witnesses. If it helps then even I can come and give my word to the court. You should act fast as time is running." Jamie said in a bit of a frenzy.

Reporting him to the police is the only way to stop this. We can't take any more risks. I can slowly find myself agreeing to her suggestion. But there was one thought that kept me from agreeing with it completely. It's a very selfish reason but I think it's the only way to put a stop on this never-ending torment that I have been experiencing ever since that day in my life.

I can see that Logan wasn't completely agreeing to this either. He has something on his mind now. I just hope we share the same views regarding this. I only want his opinion. No one else matters.

We send Jamie off in an emotional way. I was thankful that she was staying at a hotel with protection from Logan's guards. I understood she felt more scared now knowing that Micah's is here. But we somehow managed to make her agree in staying here for one more day before she can fly back to Worcester.

I take a seat on the living room couch with the case file placed in front of me on the coffee table. I stared at it for so long that I didn't even notice Logan coming and sitting beside me.

"Now it's in your hand, Lia. What's your decision?" His deep voice asked me, interrupting my train of thoughts. He was looking straight in my face but my eyes never wavered from glaring at the case file in front of us.

My answer was simple and just a word. But it held so much strong and intense emotions behind it.

"I want to avenge for my parents' death," I said, clenching my teeth.

"Now we know why he killed my parents. He felt threatened that my dad would expose him and put him behind bars and that's why he killed dad. My mom and I witnessed it but he only killed my mom and not me. He kept me hostage for a week. For what was that then? Don't you think there is a reason behind all of this?" Logan remained silent as he watched me ramble my thoughts in pure anger.

"And putting him in jail will never be enough to bring justice for my parents' death. For the sheriff's death. It will be just stupid to put him behind the bars where he will just live for the rest of his life. He deserves far more punishment than just prison life. He doesn't deserve to live anymore, Log. He should be eradicated from this world for doing such ugly things." I say and my hands turn white with the force I was fisting my hands.

I can never be able to sleep peacefully at night knowing that the person who took my parents' life is casually living and eating in a prison. No, the last thing I want is for him to breathe in this world. The burning fire inside me will never be cooled until I make sure he is dead for good.

"So what do you suggest we do, Lia?" Logan just asked me one question which will decide everything. But the best part is that I already knew the answer.

"This case shouldn't reach the court now, Logan. I want to solve this on our own."

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