Rose slammed the laptop shut and sobbed. She listened to David as he said comforting words, but she didn’t care. All the memories of her past rushed back into her mind like a flood. “I thought I was over it?” Rose questioned out loud. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAZ9FtM6sEGN
She felt David’s hand on top of hers. “Hey Rose look at me.” Rose slowly opened her eyes as David continued “He won’t ever come back.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAy7ghQTTw3Z
“But…he’s due for parole in a few years. I don’t know if I can deal with that. I mean what if he comes into the precinct and-” 291Please respect copyright.PENANAmXBPlR4Y1T
“Nothing’s going to happen.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANAUOgdut8Dbu
Rose sighed trying to let his words sink in and then said, “How did Greg get the video anyway?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAtqfcPE6bbm
“I’m not sure. But we’ll get to the bottom of it.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAes6pCla9wC
“Do you think I can walk around the hallways? I need some time to think and process.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA69ziSpyFEQ
“You know the hospital staff won’t let you walk. I’ll try and get you a wheelchair.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANAzWysmzNFOj
Rose felt David’s hand squeeze hers as he left the room. 291Please respect copyright.PENANA6i4VtNx99Y
****291Please respect copyright.PENANAT2KKF6ZCYE
“How can you be so stupid?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAcbmgrD4DCa
Rose was backed up against the wall near a hallway that led to their bedroom and she said “look I don’t know what in the world you’re talking about, but I have to go before I’m late for work.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA8EBneAx5Zl
“It should be obvious I don’t care about your job.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAIxdT0G0XPU
“Well, you apparently don’t contribute anything. I don’t know what happened to you, but you’ve changed. You reek of alcohol and cigarettes. You’re not the man I love or the man I’m going to marry.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA3mFSdySgbc
“Wait! You’re breaking up with me?” Rose could smell the Scotch on his breath as he stood only inches away from her.291Please respect copyright.PENANAx6qRC05Dky
“I didn’t say that I-” Rose whispered.291Please respect copyright.PENANAvOUCjAwv1K
“You better get yourself in that bedroom. You remembered what happened last time?” her fiancé smirked. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAWTLs3ylPhk
Rose inhaled before placing her hands on his chest and pushing him. Rose glanced back as he stumbled backward and she sprinted past him. She snatched her car keys off the kitchen table. Rose ran toward the front door as she felt a sharp pain on the back of her head. “Stop!” Rose screamed before darkness consumed her.291Please respect copyright.PENANAUhSBUVZ8W8
****291Please respect copyright.PENANAq3O2mcH8vS
Rose’s eyes shot open as she noticed David leaning against the side of her hospital bed. A nurse rushed into the room and said, “What’s wrong?” 291Please respect copyright.PENANANfOxfUsSBx
“She was just screaming. I tried to wake her, but nothing worked. She finally woke up on her own a moment ago.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAQfaA3iAIAC
“I’m fine. Just a bad dream.” Rose said as she shook her head. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAUd7cG7mLvR
“Are you sure you don’t need anything, Ms. Atwell?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAjsOhfZ84x8
“I’m okay Judy. Thanks for checking in on me.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAPewl4qCf9d
“You’re welcome.” The nurse then left the room and softly shut the door behind her. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAKQ0PXp42oS
“Are you sure it was just a bad dream?” David said. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAC2xu6bKLam
Rose didn’t dare look at David. She could hear a chair scrape against the floor as he sat down near her bed. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAHo9e1r3nem
In a quiet voice, Rose replied “Maybe. I don’t know. I mean it was all so real. His hands all over me. I told him no. I told him to stop, but he didn’t care.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANABPjVnz3sRi
“I promise you, Rose. I will do all that I can to make sure he never hurts you again.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANAfoAG45RAgg
Rose turned to David as tears fell down her cheeks. She was scared and frantic. Afraid of love and to put her heart out there once again. 291Please respect copyright.PENANApaHVxdkdtQ
****291Please respect copyright.PENANAYSAE4kRQzz
A knock on the door startled David as Captain Arie Weston walked in. “Sorry to disturb you both, but this letter was just dropped off at the station by the warden.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANA7Yo2nafVRC
“It’s not for me is it?” Rose said sheepishly. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAvBcRq2r1ZQ
“No. It’s for David’s sister.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANA9ITMapB59r
“Why didn’t you just give it to her?” David said standing up and walking towards the Captain. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAjy55s537sW
“Greg wrote it and it has some interesting information.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAL0Swg319R3
Rose frowned and said, “So what does it say?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAKN1b3JjuFs
“I’ll have David read it. I just wanted to let you know that Sarah may have to be brought back to the station for more questioning.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAWexfGVe5yN
“She’s the victim. I don’t understand.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAkAPwZaNaVV
“Neither do I. What’s going on?” Rose said confused.291Please respect copyright.PENANAmtqIawwc6D
“Did you know that Greg and Sarah have a history?” Captain said as she handed David the letter.291Please respect copyright.PENANAecAADSwdnT
“She doesn’t even know him. You don’t believe that monster do you?” David said in disbelief.291Please respect copyright.PENANAHSl41w4Dkg
“No. We just have to cover all our bases. I would hate for the case to fall apart.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAqKeU6DPikL
“We’re not even at trial yet.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAia0IXbtwe8
“Give your sister a heads up. Maybe see what she says.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAUwyK2JSD9O
David’s head was swimming with the possibility of what the letter contained. He needed to uncover the truth. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAuzhaDJPsWq
****291Please respect copyright.PENANAyEZOuGjdyg
David read the letter once more as Rose quietly slept. Captain Arie Weston had left a few hours ago. The moonlight was peaking through a crack in the window curtain. Staring out into the night sky David wondered why Sarah wouldn’t tell him everything. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAHMKa1P2tI4
He sent a quick text and typed “We just got some new information on your case. Please give me a call as soon as you can. Thanks.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA59o350iAJ0
David set his phone to vibrate then quietly slipped out of the hospital room. He walked passed the nurses station and through the many hallways. Right before he entered the main lobby a man called out to him “Detective Buckman.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA1WrVxuI4LH
David turned around as the man rushed towards him. “Can we talk?” the man said looking nervous.291Please respect copyright.PENANAboJ0Gyx6XD
“Who are you?” David said taking a step back unsure of the man. 291Please respect copyright.PENANA6zblsbZc6y
“I’m Henry Croswell. One of your coworkers I believe his name was Jake told me I would find you here.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAEBkxZ1LUSJ
“What do you need?” David questioned as he placed his hands into his coat pockets. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAt9iQwe4qrK
“I know something about Dr. Victor Waterstein.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAkqJ9cey5WR
“Let’s talk then. We can grab a coffee.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAKXBaX76HVC
“Sure.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAys6kbVBMIf
****291Please respect copyright.PENANAboakgbenB1
After sitting down at a table near the end of the hospital cafeteria David asked Henry “So how long have you known Dr. Waterstein?”291Please respect copyright.PENANArRzBbawYS5
“Well for about nine years. I don’t know what Jake has told you. I was once in a cult of sorts. It’s called AO2050 and a lot of crazy things happened. Dr. Waterstein was a member of the group. I’ve been friends with him off and on since then.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAQr1ZuKjXNE
“Why are you still talking to him?” David questioning taking a long sip of his coffee. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAFG34E8ndEG
“I was just about to get their Detective. Anyway, Dr. Waterstein told me to give this envelope to a woman named Sarah Matthews. He told me he was her therapist. I know I’m stupid for listening to him. I did it because he threatened me.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAmTwj2ENjJB
David cleared his throat and censored his words as he replied, “So you just listened to him?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAxLZoiBgdTQ
“He was going to hurt my family. I can’t let someone take them away from me.”291Please respect copyright.PENANARRoVGYS0hk
“Why didn’t you call the police?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAfMe15dXiM4
“I have a record. I was unsure if they would even believe me.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAEmCu00ZWeN
“Do you know what was in the envelope?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAavsgOdWzEo
“No, he didn’t tell me. He just instructed me to deliver the envelope to where Sarah was at and to make sure at least someone was home.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAy0fGLgCGHq
David pondered for a moment then said, “Has he threatened you before?”291Please respect copyright.PENANA6Wo7cFfYdK
“Umm…” David could see Henry was nervous as he fiddle with his coffee cup. “I can’t say anything.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAZsuJcpnQp0
“But you’ve already told me Dr. Waterstein has threatened you for the second time.”291Please respect copyright.PENANANRR0prXHYR
“I’m done talking with you.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANAnO9xnjvoWh
Henry stood up and threw away his cup. David followed behind Henry and said, “If you need or want to talk more please don’t hesitate to give me a call.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA7MtsApMbjB
“I won’t. Goodbye detective.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAJR51EeSz3o
David sighed, drank the rest of his coffee and then headed back to Rose’s room. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAn5ySGU5Gj9
****291Please respect copyright.PENANAoJeX2t4qRS
Rose awoke to only a dim light. A lamp on the bedside table illuminated the tiny space. She glanced around the room not seeing David anywhere. The letter addressed to Sarah from Greg was unfolded on the table. She brought the letter closer to her eyes so she could read it better. Rose took a quick sip of water before reading the letter aloud. 291Please respect copyright.PENANA71sMoLWaH3
“Dear my love Sarah, 291Please respect copyright.PENANAtBULivlLsA
291Please respect copyright.PENANAv55aQgAtGs
I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I didn’t mean to terrify you at the diner. I’m so surprised you didn’t recognize me. 291Please respect copyright.PENANACgAt1CwkxB
291Please respect copyright.PENANASzSJSLb4Zz
Throughout the years you’ve gotten more and more beautiful. Remember how we first met? I sat behind you in our literature class. I think I only said a few words to you that semester. The day Chris first began talking to you I was so angry and so hurt. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAyHXvnr1BHp
I love you better than that man ever could. From borrowing a pencil to joining you on a group project. He weaved his way into your life. 291Please respect copyright.PENANA1dlssJcaiu
Then the next year I saw you wal-”291Please respect copyright.PENANAH7qV8UOmY1
Rose was interrupted by David coming into her hospital room. He smiled at her and said, “I brought you some coffee.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAcUMDnx1tVx
“Thanks,” Rose replied as her voice, was raspy and dry. 291Please respect copyright.PENANARMDEUwqFyx
“How are you feeling?” David sat as he sat the coffee cup on the bedside table.291Please respect copyright.PENANAspHuII9P8z
“I’ve been better. I do feel rested which is nice.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAIAefpsbuox
“Yes, it is. I also see you’ve read the letter.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAsmTdVwvY7f
“I’m not finished yet. Do you mind if I read the rest out loud?”291Please respect copyright.PENANADJEfGawxAv
“No, I don’t.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAk7W7qXHWhe
“Alright.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAeUaV86o8ib
291Please respect copyright.PENANAOaOwuBs73E
“Then the next year I saw you walking hand and hand with him. You were meant to be mine. We’re so similar. I’m a painter. I love to describe and show the beauty of the world through my paintings. In fact, I’ve been working on paintings of you. 291Please respect copyright.PENANA2vUKibOUkN
291Please respect copyright.PENANASgFnvlkzMp
I see your face when I fall asleep at night. I’m alone in this prison cell and there’s no one here to talk to so my thoughts are consumed on you. 291Please respect copyright.PENANA0FrFVBzdSU
291Please respect copyright.PENANAyEPUfQnzGg
Sarah, my beautiful sweetheart. You’re an author, a writer. You describe the world through smilies, metaphors, complex characters and relatable themes. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAw5321yuU80
291Please respect copyright.PENANAqurNVEhDfL
Back to when I saw you in college. I heard from a friend of a friend that you were engaged to Chris. I then ran into you at the dining hall one evening. You said hello to me even though my eyes couldn’t stop watching you. As you stood in line for dinner I could see your tiny diamond engagement ring shine as it sat delicately on your finger. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAnRvUHy6vMy
291Please respect copyright.PENANAzOVpBprcSA
From that time on I’ve followed you in the shadows. I’ve seen your career rise. Social media is an interesting place. I could decipher your every move. 291Please respect copyright.PENANA9mbYlIpttc
291Please respect copyright.PENANAdWk88xZScN
Sarah, I’m so happy I’ve found you in person once again. I can’t wait for you to be mine. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAMjw2iSQNmT
291Please respect copyright.PENANAw9FfI5D1ZR
From the one who loves you more than anyone,291Please respect copyright.PENANAKLp7jX0nT8
Greg Finch.”291Please respect copyright.PENANASCI3Yn4b6r
Rose threw the letter back onto the bedside table. She frowned and said, “What’s up with him?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAwVY8epzYMP
“I don’t know Rose. He definitely needs help.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAoVCeDinnPt
“Did you call the Captain?” Rose said glancing at the letter.291Please respect copyright.PENANAnS41DW0uix
“She didn’t pick up. I know the case is getting to her. Plus she’s dealing with a divorce, so it’s understandable.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA9I6PMG3XBb
“How’s her custody battle?”291Please respect copyright.PENANAXyjwtRNnF6
“I don’t think it’s going well. I stopped into her office the other day to ask her a quick question about another case. She was in tears. So I questioned her wanting to know if she was okay and she just nodded her head yes. I told her I would stop by later.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANARdQ1a1VCSd
“What should we do about Greg?” Rose questioned as her mind raced with finding justice for Sarah. 291Please respect copyright.PENANAHvISx71TK0
“Our hands are tied. At least he’s in prison while we’re still getting more information on Odilia’s murder. Our jobs are just to find more evidence so we can create a stronger case when connecting him to Sarah’s assault.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAQnXnnaF28Q
“It’s a shame the DNA evidence was compromised.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA4FQvtZShPO
“I know, but things will work out. And Rose? If you ever need to talk about earlier-”291Please respect copyright.PENANAdECnUJKF98
“What do you mean?” Rose said sitting up in bed. 291Please respect copyright.PENANApXUH4x4fOr
“The video. I understand if you don’t want to, but I know it will help.”291Please respect copyright.PENANA2jZVVTaXvr
“I will when I’m ready.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAhLexKnpx4S
“Okay then. I think I’m going to head out.”291Please respect copyright.PENANARZoDzcQsNl
“I thought you were staying?” Rose frowned.291Please respect copyright.PENANA8xf4c1WeB3
“It just hurts me to see you like this. I still can’t believe you went in and took the place of a hostage.”291Please respect copyright.PENANANq29esnVo0
Rose felt her eyes well up with tears and then she said, “I couldn’t let a civilian be possibly injured when I could do something about it.”291Please respect copyright.PENANAWSdBQYWTsc
“That’s why I’ve grown to love you. Always putting others before yourself.” 291Please respect copyright.PENANAAqlLl6JIXw
Rose smiled and said, “All I can say is that I love you too.”
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