Cursed By Fate

Carl and Laura arrived along with Caroline at the station. They went inside and Carl asked the officer at the clerk desk if they could see detective Walter.

“Just a minute please” she said as she picked up the desk phone to call him. Caroline was biting her nails in anticipation while they waited. “He’s conducting an interrogation right now, but you’re welcome to wait for him.” She said as she pointed to a long wooden seat at the edge of the room.

“Well the thing is, he brought in my friend about an hour ago and we would just like to know if he’s okay and if we can see him.” Carl said trying to pacify her and possibly get some insight on the matter.

“I cannot divulge any information without a direct go-ahead from my supervisor, so like in said earlier, you’re welcome to wait” the officer replied this time sounding sterner than she was previously.

The three of them obliged and took their seats as they waited impatiently for the detective and hopefully John. While they waited, Carl looked around observing the station lobby and tapping his feet against the floor incessantly.

After about an hour of waiting they had finally arrived, John walking behind the detective with his head faced down.

“John!” Caroline screamed as she got up and ran towards him. She hugged him for what seemed like an entire minute before letting go and asked how he was. Walter stood aside but his eyes were now focused squarely on Carl.

He walked up to him confidently and stretched out his hand offering a hand shake. “I don’t believe we have met. I am detective Walter with the state police.” Carl accepted his handshake but was met with a fierce grip, it was almost as if the detective wanted to crush his hand.

If he were a mere human, he could have shown a form of discomfort. But he was brimming with testosterone and so was the man in front of him. Carl looked him in the eye and replied “Nice to meet you. I hope there’s no problem and John will be free to come home with us.”

Laura observed the tension between these two men and decided to cut in. “Yes please, Caroline and the rest of us are really worried.”

Walter turned to her finally letting go of Carl’s hand. “Of course he’s free to go home with you, but if it turns out I have more questions, I might need his assistance once more.” Walter said with a grin on his face.

“And what questions could that be?” Carl asked not expecting an answer. He was trying to get a feel of what kind of man Detective Walter was. But Walter smiled and walked away whistling.

Carl turned to John “Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?” John shook his head but remained silent. Caroline suggested they went home and they all obliged.

But as the left detective Walter was taking a smoke in the parking lot and still managed to make eye contact with Carl as they left. In reality, He went out there to get the plate number of the vehicle.

“John, you’re scaring me.” Caroline said as they approached the high way turn. He still had not said a word since they left the station and his demeanor was clearly not normal.

Carl parked by the roadside and got out. He asked john to step out the car, which he refused vehemently. He gave him a dirty slap across the face. And grabbed him by the collar.

“What the hell happened in that station that’s got you so damn shook?” he let go after a stern look of disapproval from Laura.

“I’m so sorry. He threatened Caroline, I had no choice” John finally voiced out as he began to sob. “What do you mean? What did you do John?” Carl said starting to sound aggressive.

His first move worked so why not go all the way since John was too scared to speak anyways. “He’s a hunter! And I tried so hard to deny and act dumb but he saw right through me. I gave up your name when he threatened to shoot Caroline.”

Laura looked at Carl immediately. They both knew at that instant, staying was no longer an option.

Caroline tried to comfort her crying husband while also pacifying Carl who was clearly enraged. She thought his anger was directed at John when it fact it was at Walter.

How dare he? Carl got back into the car and drove back to John’s cabin without so much as a single word. Laura understanding the delicacy of the situation did not utter a word either, but she wiped the tears that began to flow from her eyes knowing it would serve no good purpose.

Upon arrival, Carl went upstairs and began to pack whatever he deemed essential. He had just began to settle in here, it was actually starting to feel like a home and now he would have to uproot all of it and start over again.

He was packing hastily while Laura sat with Caroline and John, trying to comfort him. “It’s not your fault. He does not blame you, neither is his anger directed at you.” Laura explained

John recollected himself as Carl came out with a duffel bag hanging on his shoulder. He was obviously still upset but more calm and level headed.

He walked up to him “I’m so sorry I betrayed your trust, I cannot even face you as a man.” John said trying to apologize.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. My anger was never directed at you, and I am genuinely sorry for hitting you earlier. You did not betray me, you simply tried to protect the woman you love. And I can never be angry at you for that.”

He paused, looked at Laura and continued “It’s time for Laura and I to move on, but know that we’re eternally grateful for everything.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Where will you go?” John asked as he watched his wife embrace Laura. “I believe the time has come for me to return home to my pack.” Carl replied.