Visitation

CHAPTER 12

Emily sighs, running a hand through her hair. She needs to clear her head. The case with Clara and Sarah is definitely getting to her. All the evidence is pointing to Sarah, but Emily can't just dismiss her.

"I need to rest," Emily murmurs. "Can't do much good exhausted."

Emily turns on the faucet in the old-fashioned shower, letting the water run until it warms. "At least the water pressure is decent," she mutters. Stripping off her clothes, she steps into the shower, letting the hot water beat down on her tense muscles. As the grime and sweat wash away, Emily tries to clear her mind.Emily steps out of the shower, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. After drying off and dressing in clean clothes.

Exhaustion pulls Emily under almost immediately. She closes her eyes, the images of Clara and Sarah swirling in her mind, then darkness.

She sleeps soundly for several hours

A shaft of sunlight cuts through the gap in the curtains, landing directly on Emily's face. She groans, turning over and burying her head in the pillow, but the light persists.

"Ugh, morning already?" Emily mumbles. She lies there for a moment, gathering her thoughts and steeling herself for another day of uncertainty.The day began with the usual ritual - a lukewarm shower and a quick call to room service. The chipped porcelain sink, the threadbare towels, they were a reminder that she was a guest and passing through. Food arrived, Emily devoured.Emily finished the last of her coffee, the bitter taste a needed jolt to her system. "Time to pay a visit to Elm Street," she muttered to herself, grabbing her purse and heading out the door. She needs to see Clara and Sarah again, to trust her gut and to get to the bottom of this.

Emily stepped out of the hotel. "To Elm Street," Emily tells the driver, sliding into the back seat. As the car pulls away from the curb, Emily steels herself, preparing for whatever she might find at Sarah's apartment. This time, she's determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

The car ride is a jarring mix of potholes and quiet observation. She could feel the air in the South with her skin. Emily glanced out the window, taking in the details of the passing houses, the overgrown yards, and the wary faces of the people on the streets.

The Uber pulls to a stop in front of the familiar apartment building on Elm Street. Emily pays the driver, her eyes already scanning the scene. She steps out of the car and onto the cracked sidewalk, a sense of foreboding washing over her. Something feels different today.

Emily shakes her head, trying to dispel the nagging feeling of unease. "Don't jump to conclusions," she tells herself. "Sarah might just be a good friend, and Clara might just be adjusting to a new life." But the doubt lingers.

Emily approaches the apartment door and raps her knuckles firmly against the wood. She waits, listening intently for any sounds from within. "Hello?" she calls out, her voice clear and calm. "It's Emily. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by to say hello." The silence stretches on, broken only by the distant sounds of the city.The door creaks open, revealing Sarah standing in the doorway with a smile. Behind her, Emily can see Clara sitting at a small table, picking at a plate of what looks like day-old donuts.

"Emily! What a surprise," Sarah says, her voice warm and welcoming. "Come on in, we were just having breakfast."

Emily steps into the apartment, her eyes taking in every detail. "Thanks for having me," she says, offering Sarah a polite smile. "Clara, it's good to see you again."Oh, please, sit down," Clara says, gesturing to an empty chair at the table. "We were just having breakfast." Emily smiles, her eyes flicking between Clara and Sarah, assessing their body language, their expressions. "I wouldn't want to intrude,Thanks, but I'll just sit here on the couch," Emily says, settling down on the worn cushions. From this vantage point, she has a clear view of both Clara and Sarah, and she can observe their interactions more closely