The detective gave a firm knock before entering Celine's hospital room. He had a no-nonsense air about him as he addressed us."Mr. Hernandez, Ms. McDermott. I’m Detective Rogers, in charge of investigating the assault on Ms. Roberts. Let's get down to it - fill me in on what you know."Rogers pulled out a notebook, pen ready to jot down details. He fixed his gaze on me intently. "Ms. McDermott, walk me through your connection to the victim and how you became aware of this incident."I took a steadying breath. "Celine and I only recently became friends through working together at Mr. Hernandez's company."The detective gave a curt nod for me to proceed as he made some initial notes."A few days ago, I saw the first real signs of trouble," I went on carefully. "It was her boyfriend, Louis. I know it."Rogers' eyes sharpened at this, his jaw tensing slightly. "Did you directly witness him acting violently towards her?"Throat tightening, I pulled out my phone and queued up the unsettli
I repeatedly called my mom but there was no answer. I considered going to the hospital, but it was late, and leaving Dawson home alone wasn't a smart move.I decided to text her, urging her not to leave Celine alone with the visitor and to confirm who that person was by showing the video evidence I had. Still, no response came through.Growing increasingly anxious, I began pacing back and forth, trying to reach her. Then a thought struck me - why not call the hospital directly? I quickly dialed their number."Hello, I need to check on the status of Celine Roberts," I stated urgently after the call connected."Alright, let me transfer you to her room," the person replied.I waited several minutes, tapping my foot impatiently but the call never went through to Celine's room. My worry went through the roof."What's going on? Hello?" I prompted when there was no update."It seems she may be out of her room at the moment," the voice said hesitantly."Out of her room? Are you kidding me? B
I gently approached my mom after what seemed like hours. “You should go home and try to get some rest,” I suggested. “You have been through so much already.My mom shook her head adamantly. “I can’t leave. Not until we know Celine is fine.”I persisted. “But you will be no good to anyone if you’re exhausted. “I’ll stay here and they can update me on any developments. Reluctantly, my mom finally agreed. “Alright, but you have to promise to call the second you hear any news.”“Of course, Mom. I swear it,” I assured her giving her a hug. “Now please, go home and at least try to sleep for a couple hours.”I watched as my mom dragged her feet and made her way to the hospital exit. Now alone in the hospital waiting area, I tried to stay awake and alert for any updates. But my head began nodding despite my best efforts, jet-lagged from the emotional whiplash. I jerked awake with a start each time, silently cursing myself for succumbing to exhaustion.I didn't even realize when a new figu
It was almost time to head into the office, so I had to drag myself away from the hospital to go home and get ready. I was completely drained - my whole body screaming from not getting any real sleep, but I didn’t have a choiceWhen I got in the shower, I caught myself nodding off while just standing there. It took everything I had to shake myself awake and quickly wash up. I threw on some clothes in a daze, then went downstairs where Mom was tidying up the kitchen while Dawson had finished his breakfast."Morning, honey. You look like you could sleep for a week straight," Mom said sympathetically."Tell me about it," I mumbled, forcing down a few bites since I was running late.As I was about to leave, I kissed Dawson goodbye, but Mom stopped me. "Oh, you'll need to take him to school today. I've got to get back to the hospital to be with Celine.""Sure thing. Why would I forget about my kid?" I said with a tired smile, stretching out my hand. "Come on, baby, let's get going."The us
Time just kept dragging by painfully slow as I couldn't concentrate on anything. Not knowing what was going to happen to me was making me crazy. My eyes were fixed on the entrance, jumping to my feet every time I heard a sound, and totally wishing he would finally show up.As closing time was approaching and he still wasn't there, I felt completely torn - should I just go home and risk looking like I didn't care at all, or stick around despite my rising anxiety levels? After battling with myself, I ultimately decided waiting was the smartest choice.At exactly 8 pm I received a call from him asking me to come drive him home so I hurried there. When I got there I couldn’t find him right away so I began searching the bar and calling his number until his ringtone led me to where he was. He was completely wasted"Alex?" I said cautiously as I approached where he sat all slumped over."Well if it isn't daughter of Eve herself. What are you doing here?” he slurred, swatting my hand away whe
The next day was still a regular workday, so as usual, I went to Alex's house. I was hoping and praying he didn't remember how I had fallen asleep and missed those important meetings yesterday.When I arrived, I unexpectedly found Alex in the living room - a first since starting this job."Did you see something startling?" He asked upon noticing my surprised reaction."Good morning, Mr. Hernandez," I greeted, choosing to ignore his remark."Do I have anything important on my schedule today?""No sir, just a dinner meeting with the Cox family scheduled," I replied after checking my notes."Cancel that engagement."I paused, a bit taken aback. "I should...cancel the Cox dinner?""Did I stutter or speak in another language?" He said bluntly."No sir, I'll cancel it right away," I confirmed."Then that means I have an open schedule for the full day, correct?""Yes, that's correct.""We'll be leaving the house in 30 minutes then," he said before going to his bedroom. As I waited, I became
Alex finally came out, giving me a nod to indicate we were leaving. I hurried behind him, and we boarded our boat. I stole sidelong glances at him, trying to read his inscrutable expression, but he refused to meet my inquisitive looks - no doubt aware of the questions burning in my mind that he didn't want to address.We hadn't gone far when the skies opened up in a furious downpour, the waters becoming dangerously choppy as powerful gusts of wind lashed the small boat. I thought I was going to die, so I began saying silent prayers, making my peace in case the worst happened. When I managed to lift my eyes, I saw Alex looking remarkably composed. How could he not feel any fear? Did he have such little regard for his own life?"We're gonna have to pull in somewhere and wait this one out!" the boat captain yelled over the roar of the tempest. "There's a little village up ahead - best chance we've got!"Sure enough, we soon arrived at a rundown, isolated village miles away from any city.
THE PAST Alex arranged a little date for just the two of us in his car; we were sharing a kiss and spending time with each other. The music was simply in my soul, and his spontaneity had just caught me off guard. "I have a surprise for you, something exciting," he uttered.What is it this time, babe?" I asked, teasing him a little."It’s a surprise, and I can only show, not tell," he replied playfully."Don't you ever run out of surprises?" I asked with a laugh."Nope, never," he said, reaching back to grab a blindfold."What's this for?" I asked."Cover your eyes, sunshine," he said smiling."I can't, I'm too curious! I'll go crazy not knowing!" I protested."Do you trust me though?" He asked in a softer voice."Of course I do," I told him, looking right into his eyes."Then please," he said, offering me the blindfold.So I turned around and let him gently put it on. "Too tight?" he checked."No, it's just right," I said, getting excited and curious.I swear I must have asked a mil