AMELIA
When life doesn't get any more stressful, it throws in more work to make it even more interesting, to say the very least. I've been working non-stop ever since I got back to Hayvenhurst. It's harder to manage my task since I'm not in my usual workspace. That worn-up drafting table at the office keeps my creativity going.
But yesterday, I have been summoned by Ace and Jaz to come back to the office because they needed a pair of extra hands for their next project. Since I am the head architect and the senior designer, it's natural for them to ask for my opinion on matters that they're unsure of.
Everything is so sudden that's why I haven't told Michael yet that I was leaving this afternoon. I am glad that we've been able to spend some quality time since I got back, but I have this hunch that he's not telling me something. I've caught him spacing out multiple times, always thinking about something serious I assume. If not that, I would see him discussing something with Bill secretively. Even if it's none of my business, I can't seem to shake off this worry for him.
As we finish our lovely lunch courtesy of Katherine and the desserts of Janet, Michael and I walked outside the garden to get some fresh air. Then I decided to tell him about my errands today.
"Michael?" I called out.
"Hm?" he hummed.
"I know this is last minute, but I have to go somewhere this afternoon," I relayed.
"Really? Where?" he asked curiously.
"Just at the office. Jaz and Ace needed a hand for the latest project they're handling. While I'm there, I figured I could finish some work for the ranch as well," I explained but he stayed silent, seemingly thinking about something.
"I'll ask Steven to drive you there," he told me straightforwardly.
"I can drive myself there, Michael," I told him and held his hand, which made me shiver because it's cold.
"Mia, please. Steven will be there so you'll be safer. You'll never know when the paparazzi will swarm you,"
"But Michael-"
"Just do as I say, Mia. Please!" he slightly raised his voice that shocked me. He never yelled when he's angry or frustrated, so I was startled when I witnessed this new demeanor of his.
"I'm sorry, my angel. I didn't mean to scream at you," he said as he pinches the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. "There's just been a lot of things in my mind lately," he further explains.
"I understand, Michael," was all I can say as I offer him my embrace to ease his troubled mind. He gladly accepts and his arms snaked around my waist and pull me in tighter.
"I'll let Steven drive me. I'll be okay, I promise," I whispered in his ear and kissed his temple as he buries his face on the crook of my neck. Maybe guilt enveloped him that he had to apologized multiple times.
"I'm so sorry, Mia,"
"Don't worry about it, I totally get it where you're coming from," I rubbed his back in assurance.
"Are you going home late?" he asked.
"I'm still not sure. But I'll let you know once I get there,"
"Alright. Just be safe, okay?"
"I will," I said and broke off the embrace.
"Well, I don't have much to do so I'll probably spend the day in the studio," he quietly said.
"Okay, but don't tire yourself too much. Take breaks please?" I replied and he just nodded.
"I'm going to pack some plans upstairs-"
"Want me to join you?" he chirped in.
"Oh sure, if you want to," I said and we went upstairs straightaway to pack the plans and tools that I needed to bring. As he helped me roll the paper, I noticed that he spaces out most of the time, absentmindedly rolling the empty plans that I don't need.
I tried to be calm on the outside, but I'm already worried about him. I'm not sure what's going on, but I don't want to pry. If he's not ready to tell, then I don't want to force him to tell me anything he doesn't want to.
I'll just be gone for the whole afternoon and hopefully, be home around dinner time. I just hope that he already let out his frustrations in recordings by the time I get back.
He escorted me outside, gentlemanly carried my things, and loaded them inside the car. He instructed Steven something about safety, as I overhead, as I wait for him to finish.
"I'll be home hopefully before dinner time," I said to him when he approached me.
"Be safe, alright?" he said and held my hand.
"You know I will," I replied and he weakly smiled as he closes the space in between and kissed me lovingly that made my heart flutter. The kiss only happened in seconds but it is more than enough to give me energy for the tedious work waiting for me.
I loaded the car and rolled down the windows. His slim figure graced the porch of Hayvenhurst and stood there with one hand on his pocket and the other waving at me as the car drives away. I waved back until his figure disappeared when we took a turn.
I rolled up the window and put my head on the headrest, closing my eyes in an attempt to relax. I've been concerned about him recently, but I feel helpless knowing that I can't somewhat relieve his frustration. All that I can do is be there for him, lending him my heart and a shoulder to cry on.
"Steven?" I called out to him.
"Yes, Ms. Johnson?"
"Please, just call me Amelia," I said and he just chuckled.
"Uhm-do you know what's going on with Michael? Is he troubled at work?" I asked him and he cleared his throat before he answers.
"I-uhm-Mr. Jackson has a lot of business deals that he's weighing on according to Sir Bill, Ms. Johnson. That's all I know," he said but he didn't exactly convince me by the way his demeanor changed, and suddenly needing to mask the truth behind his answer.
"Oh, okay. Thank you, Steven. And also for driving me to work,"
"No worries, Ms. Johnson,"
I guess I'll just wait for the right time for Michael to tell me what's bothering him.
---
MICHAEL
As the sun rose this morning, I knew that I have to face this day with tenacity. I dreaded for this day to come because I was never fond of confrontations. Although I would just seat behind the two-way mirror in the interrogation, I knew that I won't be enjoying the things that will transpire in those four corners.
When I started my day, I stared into the bathroom mirror and looked at the dark circles that decorated the perimeter of my eyes. I owe these bags to the slumber I had trouble with last night. I felt anxious as I'm putting on concealers and foundation on the uneven spots on my face. My mind keeps drifting off to the agenda I have to accomplish today; to face Mia's attacker.
I tried to mask the worry but I guess I'm awful at hiding it. I wasn't aware that I was already spacing out, and the worse part is that I raised my voice at Mia, which was totally unnecessary. The amount of guilt that I felt had doubled when she hugged and assured me that there's nothing to worry about.
As her partner, I promised myself that I will do anything for Mia. She's like the diamond in the rough that took my breath away, and it's now my responsibility to protect her. This is just a tiny fraction of how much she has given me. She's everything to me now, and I'm not going to let anyone stand in our way.
To somehow ease the guilt I'm feeling, I offered my hand to help pack her things for her errands this afternoon. I already know that she's going out today so I told Bill to schedule the interrogation this afternoon. She'll definitely question me if I go on another day, so I opted to arrange it on a day when she won't even know I'm gone.
As soon as Mia and Steven's car were out of sight, I called Bill to ready ours and head to the police station. I dressed as casually as I could, minimizing all the things that would look too distinct. I tied my hair down neatly, wore sunglasses, and drape over a coat with a scarf over my neck since it's already breezy outside.
I didn't know what to expect to be quite honest. I was convinced about this guy's first confession and I'm determined to know more. I just hope that he'll be true this time as well, 'cause if not, then I might have to go in and question him myself.
The nerves were becoming unbearable that I had to whip out my notepad to write some lyrics that would help me to calm down. I scribbled down random words that made no sense while still trying to find that tranquil place.
All of a sudden, I remembered that time when we went all silly at the ranch. I splashed her and she splashed me and my stomach was instantly filled with butterflies. These are the kind of moments that gives me the drive to give her justice because she didn't deserve what happened to her.
Then I thought about what I said to her, Do you remember the time when you gave me that apple pie for my birthday? The same dessert that made me appreciate her even more.
"Mhm, remember the time..." I whispered to myself and proceeded in writing it down.
I felt the car halt and I instinctively peered outside the window. We parked on the back entrance once again, as security surrounded the perimeter of the entrance.
Bill knocked on my side and motioned me that it's already safe to get out and so I did. I fixed the scarf around my neck and my sunglasses because I never felt safe even in a heavily guarded place. Eyes are always lurking and people are always interested in scouting where Michael Jackson is going.
We rushed inside as I buried my face deep into the scarf and bowed my head down. Some personnel escorted us with Bill on my side to the right room. Once the door is closed, I took off my coat and my scarf since it's already warm inside.
A few people were inside the room, some are doing their respective duties. I greeted them a good afternoon and they acknowledge my presence when they greeted me back.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Jackson. I'm Daryl Gates, chief of the Los Angeles Police Department," the chief stuck his hand out for a handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Gates," I took his hand in respect.
"I was notified that you're coming today so I'm here to guide you and to foresee everything," he announced.
"This is Howard Davis, he's the one who did the first round of the interrogation and he will also be the one conducting today's session,"
"Hello, good afternoon, and nice to meet you as well, Mr. Davis,"
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Jackson," I also shook his hand and bowed slightly in respect.
"We're going to start in a few minutes. But in the meantime, make yourselves comfortable," he motioned to the chairs facing the big mirror.
Bill and I sat down as Mr. Davis hands me the police record of Mia's ex-boyfriend. I nodded to him as a thank you and he exited the room.
My eyes were glued at the empty room across ours. The still life of the table and the chairs, with incandescent lighting casting over it made me even tenser.
"Joker, you okay?" Bill whispered over my shoulder.
"Yeah, of course. I'm just little..."
"Anxious?" he finished my sentence for me.
"Yes," I said as I deeply exhaled.
"Don't worry, I think everything will be fine," Bill said and continues to flip the folder that I passed to him.
I crossed my arms as I patiently wait for the man who would be convicted after this investigation. On cue, the door from the other side of the room opened and an officer first walks in while holding an arm of a person. The fear that I once felt immediately turned into wrath, as I saw the spiteful eyes of the person whose voice I still hear as he tries to take advantage of my angel.
His demeanor surprised me, as his conviction when he entered the room was evident. His stance was already telling the story of a guilty man, all he needed to do was to tell the whole truth. He was seated down by the officer and Mr. Davis entered, carrying a manila folder on his left hand and sat across the suspect.
"Good afternoon," Mr. Davis spoke as a start for the interrogation process.
"Good afternoon," the suspect replied as he calmly placed his handcuffed wrist on the table.
"I just want to inform you that this session is being recorded, and anything you say or confess will be used against you. I've read to you the Miranda rights in the first session of the interrogation and it will still be valid for today," Mr. Davis reminded him and he just nodded.
"Shall we start?" he questions as he turned around to face the two-way mirror and raise his hand, an indication to start filming the session.
"Can you state your full name?" he first questions and my hands began to ran cold as my head replay the voice of my lady's assaulter.
"My name is Drake S. Carter..."
***
a/n: Sorry for the cliffhanger!
But I wanna thank you guys for the 9k read! ❤️ We have come so far! I love you all! ✨