CHAPTER 21- Now what Ecco?

I remained in the small room for some time, growing more and more impatient.

Finally, the police officer returned, and stood at the door. I looked at him.

"Well, you're story and the little girls match sir." He said calmly. "This case shouldn't require much further investigation. As for you, you acted in self defense and to protect the child, so you won't face any charges. You're free to go. However…"

"However?" I looked at him skeptically.

"However, You can't return back to that house, as it's been marked off as a crime scene. We've set up a hotel for you to stay in, until which time the investigation is over and you may return to the house.

"All I want is to see Ember." I stated.

"Ah yes…the little girl. Unfortunately sir, she has requested you not visit her."

"What!?" I rose to my feet and demanded. "Why not!?" His expression turned downcast and his voice softened.

"Sir you must understand, this is an extremely traumatic experience for a twelve year old girl. She will need some time to sort this out in her mind, and reminders of it, like you, will only hinder it."

"But I must see her! I promised…" He cut me off.

"Sir, it would be best for you to go and get some rest. You can visit her tomorrow, how does that sound? I assure you, she's in a safe place, with some very nice people who will care for her until she's ready to see you again."

I fell silent. She does not wish to see me…? By the Almighty… what have I done…

"Please sir, we've called you a taxi to take you to your hotel. Just go and get a good nights rest. We'll have a taxi pick you up tomorrow afternoon to see her."

"…on your word?" I whispered.

"Yes sir." He replied as he held the door open. "After you sir." I quietly walked out and looked around.

"You'll be staying at the Best Night Hotel, here you are sir." He handed me a small ring with keys on it. "Room 129." I didn't answer him, just looked around.  He led me back outside, where a taxi was waiting. I quietly got inside and sat down. He told the driver where to take me, and the taxi took off. I sat quietly for a moment, and then leaned up closer to the driver.

"Can you take me somewhere else? I do not wish to go to this... hotel." I asked quietly.

"Sure pal, long as you got the money, I'll take you anywhere." He replied.

"Take me… to the ocean." I replied.

"Gotta be more specific there pal, there's a lotta places I can drop ya near the ocean." He answered.

"Somewhere… somewhere I can watch at the Dolphins. Somewhere quiet and where not many hu-people… are." The human driver stayed quiet for a moment before speaking up.

"I think I know a good place." He answered finally, and then turned off the current path. He drove for awhile, and the ocean came into view. It was dark, but the moon shimmered off the water. He stopped the taxi.

"Here you are pal. There's a restaurant and a bar near here. Enjoy yourself." I nodded, and stepped out. I pulled the wallet form my pocket, and gave him some of the money from it. The taxi sped away, and I looked around. Looking out over the calm ocean, my mind began to calm.

I began to walk for some time, gazing out over the calm ocean. The moon shimmered off the quiet waters. This relaxed me, and I kept walking silently. I noticed a small wooden walkway, leading out a short ways into the ocean, so I decided to follow it. I walked to the end of it, and sat down. Slowly, I dipped my hand in the water. It was warm. Looking out over the water, I smiled as I saw the moons soft glow shimmer upon it. I sighed to myself.

Oh Ecco… what shall you do now? Does Ember blame me for Mr. Fredricks death? He got what he deserved, nothing more, and nothing less. Even still… was his death really necessary? I could not foresee it… therefore; I could not stop it…I looked at the sky, and spoke to myself.

"What shall I do now?"

A voice suddenly spoke behind me.

"How about getting off my dock?"