Free Rising by Kassanna

put the car in gear and checked the clock. There was still time to pick up some Chinese food from the place she saw downtown.
    Savannah drove into the light traffic. Street lights flashed on and the cool evening air whipped at her hair. What did Charlotte mean, it was all Ronald’s fault? She lifted her face into the night air. Thinking about what her family was doing would only make her as crazy as they were.
    She drove past the restaurant. There was a package of ramen noodles in her pantry, and her sister’s call had rattled her calm. She needed to be alone to think.
    Calling Della was not an option, but she needed to know what they were up to. She parked her car and grabbed her briefcase. Stop worrying about people hundreds of miles away. They can’t do anything to you here. She made sure the top was secured before exiting the vehicle and locking it as she walked toward the lobby. The elevator seemed slower than normal as she tapped her toe on the tile floor. Her mind kept going back to what Charlotte said.
    Doors opened and she stepped back to allow two men out of the elevator. They hesitated, blocking her way. She glanced up at them.
    “Excuse me, ma’am.” One guy stepped back.
    “Sorry.” She lowered her gaze and eased past them. In the elevator, she pressed her floor.
    The men hopped back in the cab before the door closed. Savannah shuffled back into the corner and drew her case in front of her. She swallowed and gazed up. They were looking at the panel.
    “Sorry to bother you, ma’am; do you live on the ninth floor?”
    She met one man’s stare. “Why?” She wasn’t going to be the meek girl anymore. New city, new life, brave new start.
    “I’m Detective Daniels, this is Detective Lewis.” He pulled out his wallet and held up his badge before returning it in his pocket. “We are trying to locate a missing person. Do you know Savannah Regis?”
    This couldn’t be good. Savannah smiled wide, the inviting, innocent smile she practiced in the mirror to impress juries. “I’m Savannah Regis. May I ask what this is about?”
    The men exchanged confused expressions, shaking their heads and using slight hand signals, communicating without words. As a criminal attorney, she’d seen cops with longtime partners do that a few times before.
    They arrived at her floor and Detective Lewis waved an arm for her to move ahead of him. She entered the hall and walked toward her place. Briefly, she glanced behind her.
    Savannah slipped the key into her door and eased the barrier open. “Please come in.” She flicked on the light switch. Overhead lights illuminated the tiny foyer. She kicked off her heels, and set down her portfolio before turning to face the officers. “You didn’t answer my question. Why are you looking for me?” If Trenton did something else stupid, she would hurt him.
    “When Mr. Bishop reported his attack, he also reported your kidnapping, but we found no signs of a struggle at the scene.” Detective Daniels gazed at her with an unwavering stare.
    “It’s obvious no one has touched me.” She touched her arm, thankful for the long-sleeved blouse that covered the bruises Trenton left when he grabbed her. “Is Trenton okay? We had an argument and I left him at the courthouse.” She was going to hell for lying. Stop kidding yourself. You’ve been through hell—this is a cakewalk.
    “What time did you leave?” Detective Lewis pulled out a small notebook.
    “I filed some documents at the Clerk of Courts office, and that was close to closing. Everyone was leaving when I left.” She shrugged. “Aren’t there cameras at the courthouse? Was he attacked on the grounds? Wouldn’t you have video if he was?”
    Detective Lewis shook his head. “Mr. Bishop says you and he had an altercation with a racist before he was hurt. He also said that you know the man in question.”
    “Trenton was hurt?” She widened her eyes. “Is he okay? I ran into an associate. I’m new to the area so I