The Girl From the Woods

08

Rachel had been missing for several weeks, and I never knew anything about it until I found her bruised and beaten outside my door.

Now that was all I thought about.

"You look like you had a rough night," she said as she poured me another shot of vodka.

"Yes," I answered, taking the glass.

The alcohol burned going down but I didn't care. I needed to forget about her face.

"The girl who died, did you know her?"

I shook my head. "No, I didn't. Did you?"

"I saw her a few times out in town, but never spoke to her. She was a runaway, wasn't she?"

"That's what the police said when they questioned me."

Her blue eyes widened. "You're the one they talked about on the news? But I know you. You would never hurt anyone."

"Well, I know that."

Bridget frowned and poured me another shot. "I think you need this."

What I needed was to prove I did not kill anyone.