27. Interference
Shadow — April 4, 2036, 11:01 P.M.
My phone rang as I was closing up my files and getting myself ready for bed. I picked it up and saw it was Land.
"What does he want at this time?" I tapped on the screen to answer the call. "What's going on, Land?"
"There's been a homicide at 23 Hemner Lane. The lieutenant wants you here right now." He said in a grim tone.
I raised my brow. "Who's the victim?"
"A red female fox, young adult. We're ID'ing her right now. Just get over here and we'll fill you in on the details."
"Alright, I'm on my way. See you there."
Tikal — April 4, 2036, 11:05 P.M.
As Knuckles slept on the couch, I sat in the armchair trying to read. But I was struggling to concentrate. All I could think about was the ritual Sonic and I did earlier this morning. I couldn't get the horrifying experience out of my mind. I couldn't believe what I had seen there.
I could never see Sonic the same way ever again.
I'm not saying Amy is justified in what she's doing to Sonic, but after witnessing what had happened back then I can fully understand why she felt that way towards him—why she was so vengeful. And if I'm the only one that knows about it, then it might explain why she went after other people close to him, too.
I should confront Sonic, after all, I decided. I stood up from my seat and walked towards Shadow's office. I knocked on his door, and Shadow answered from the other side, "Yes?"
I entered as he was putting on his jacket. "Shadow?"
He looked at me a bit surprised. "You're still awake? I thought you went to bed hours ago."
"I've been trying to but, uh, I just have some things on my mind that are making it hard to fall asleep, I guess," I told him. "Anyways, do you have a moment?"
"Not really. Land just called and told me there's been another homicide in town, and I'm needed at the crime scene right now."
"Oh my… another one?"
"Yeah. So whatever it is you want with me right now, it'll have to wait until tomorrow."
"No, wait! I just want to ask you a favor. It'll be quick, I promise." I stopped him from leaving immediately.
"Okay, what is it?" He turned back.
"Do you think you can come with me to Sonic tomorrow after you send Molly back home?" I asked.
He looked at me oddly. "What's going on?"
"I, um… it's hard to explain, but it's rather important. Will you accompany me there?"
"Fine, if you say so. But I want you to tell me what it's about before we do, okay?"
"Of course. Stay safe out there."
"Always." Shadow smirked as he left the house. I went back to the living room to find Knuckles had awakened from the commotion.
"Did Shadow just leave?" He yawned, sitting up from the couch.
"Yes, he did. He's been summoned to a crime scene." I answered.
"Geez… there's always something going on in this community, isn't there?" He rubbed his eyes. "Makes me wonder if Shadow's ever gonna get a break from it all."
"I hope he does. I do get worried he overworks himself sometimes."
"I wouldn't brood over it too much, though. Law enforcement is probably nothing to him compared to the stuff he's done back at GUN."
"I suppose you're right," I had never actually thought much about Shadow's career at GUN.
"By the way, I never got to ask you, but what exactly did Sonic want from you earlier today? I kinda heard you say something about going back to his place to Shadow back there," Knuckles questioned.
I struggled to give an answer, not sure if I should confide in him about the incident. "It's… complicated. Just some personal matters of his, you could say."
"He didn't mention anything about Molly, did he? Or about Sonia?"
I shook my head. "No. It doesn't seem like Sonic knows about what's happened."
"Okay. That's my only concern." He sighed lightly. "I'm glad I was able to get Molly to go back home. I can't imagine what Sonia must be going through right now."
The door to the basement creaked open, and a small voice let out, "Dad?"
We both turned our heads to see Molly slowly emerging from the basement. "What's the matter, kiddo? Can't get to sleep?" Knuckles asked.
"Yeah," She walked towards him.
"Why not?"
"I'm still nervous about tomorrow,"
Knuckles sat up and looked at her closely. "Come on now, Molly…"
"Mom will know I was with you, Dad, and she won't like that," She said. "I'm scared she'll do something that'll get you in trouble."
"I don't think she'll mind as long as you return to her," Knuckles assured.
"She still thinks you're a bad guy! She'll probably have you put back in jail so I can never see you again!" She quavered.
"No, she won't. She'll understand what happened when your Uncle Shadow explains everything to her."
"I don't know about that… it's hard to get her to change her mind about anything."
"I think you're worrying too much, Molly. Your mother isn't so unreasonable," I chimed in. "She'll hear from Shadow that your father is a much better person than she thinks he is."
"Do you really think so, Aunt Tikal?" She glanced at me curiously.
"I do. He's very persuasive," I beamed.
"You see? You don't have to worry about me," Knuckles continued. "What's more important is that you get home safely. Your mother would really kill me if something happened to you."
Molly stopped fidgeting and embraced her father. "Dad… I don't want to lose you. I want you to come back."
Knuckles softly hugged her back. "I wish I could, Molly, but I can't yet. You just need to wait a little longer."
"I'm tired of waiting!"
"I know you are, but I'm still serving my sentence. It'll only be a couple more years and then I can work something out with your mother. Okay?"
Molly peered up into his eyes. "You promise?"
"I promise," He nodded. "Now go back to sleep. It's gonna be a big day for you tomorrow."
Molly let go and gave a little smile. "Good night, Dad."
She was about to go back downstairs when we all heard the loud banging from the back entryway followed by the sound of the door breaking open.
