The Child's Plan by Audrey Walker (books to read this summer .TXT) 📗

so many drunk women around, ruined and abused, that no one would bat an eye. She had painted bruises on her body so they would think she is some low-life prostitute. If any of the men did approach her asking for some sort of sex act, she scared them off by asking if they would still do it if she has syphilis.

Robin knew the police were hunting for her, and she also knew what methods they would use to trace her. She knew all the places they thought she might go to would be under observation, like Abby’s house, her apartment, and Kyle’s place. She had to blend in perfectly so no one would even think of giving her a second look. Right now, her hideout was perfect. But it wouldn’t last for long. She would have to find another place soon. She had to keep on moving, never staying in a place long enough for anyone to predict your movements. Moving around from place to place was key, and she planned on finding a new hideout fast.

She walked toward the end of a very dark alley and hid behind a dumpster. Then Robin pulled out her hoodie and her wig, took off her makeup, and disguised herself as a man. Pulling out the backpack she had hidden, Robin put on her hoodie and walked out. From here, she made her way to a small convenience store and bought some food.

This was her life now – the life of a fugitive. The life of a criminal, even though she had done nothing – a life not worth living.

Chapter Two

“The police are still on the lookout for Robin Matthews, a detective at the task force who was recently arrested for the serial murders of multiple women. The police are stating that the detective is mentally ill and did all of this because of split personality disorder. Let us review what we know about the defamed detective. She was kidnapped by the Butcher ten years ago when she got close to catching him. She was kept captive for over five months, where she was subjected to all kinds of torture and abuse. The police believe this trauma caused her personality to split, and a dark one emerged. They claim this personality has been committing the murders and that Robin Matthews is mentally defective,” the reporter said.

“The detective is still at large, and the lives of everyone are in danger. We don’t know what this detective may do in a fit of rage or in one of her delusions. If you see this woman anywhere, contact the police immediately!” Robin’s picture flashed on the TV, and Robin frowned. They could have taken a nicer one; she looked horrible in this.

“We have with us a doctor who will explain to us about this particular mental condition and tell us what the detective might be going through, but before we do that, we would like to show you an interview with Abby Matthews, recently married and the sister of the dishonored detective.”

The scene cut to Abby standing in a sea of reporters with microphones shoved in her face. Jim stood next to her, his arm around her, silently supporting her. The moment Robin saw her sister, her heartbeat sped up, and she shivered.

“Abby,” she whispered. “I am so sorry. I am so sorry I did this to you. I will make it up to you, I promise.”

“Abby!” The reporters shouted. “Have you been in touch with your sister?”

“No, I have not,” Abby said, trying to push her way through. Tears were falling down her cheeks, and Robin could only imagine what she must be going through. And yet, Abby looked so brave. Despite her tears, she stood tall, her head held high and her body confident.

“What would you like to say about your sister’s actions? Do you think she has done something like this before?”

Abby, who had been trying to make her way out of there, suddenly stopped. She looked straight into the camera and said, “My sister is not well. She did what she did because of what that horrible serial killer did to her! My sister would never hurt anyone intentionally! She deserves to be looked after and helped, not treated like a fugitive! And as for you all, stop spreading rumors and lies about her! Stop it! Just stop it!”

“Do you know where she might be?”

“Of course not,” Abby said curtly.

“Do you have anything to say to her? Any message? In case she is watching this?”

This question made her pause, and she turned around and shared an unsure look with Jim, and then she said, “Robin, if you are watching this, please come back. Please. We all love you – all of us. We will help you get better. I know you didn’t commit those murders. You are innocent! It was just your illness! Please, come back to me and let us all help you. Please.”

Tears were falling down her sister’s cheeks again, and Robin swallowed hard. She wanted to reach through the screen and just hug her sister, pulling her into her arms like she did when Abby was little.

“Abby, do you think Robin will…?” The reporters continued to shower questions, but Abby turned around and tried to walk away.

“Please!” Jim shouted. “That’s enough! No more questions!”

He pushed the reporters aside, grabbing Abby’s hand, and pulled her away. The screen shifted back to the reporter at the desk, and she said, “That was the interview with the murderer’s sister. As you can see, she is obviously distressed. Which begs the question, why did no one see this coming? Why were the police not aware of the mental condition of one of their own? Is this even true, or is it a ruse used by police to prevent backlash and save one of their own? Should regular mental health checks be compulsory? How much of the fault rests on the head of Captain Roy, who leads the task force? Should he