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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAlydvxagEQI
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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1hOuh3Vss
“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-” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAH3NaaReJgl
“Nothing’s going to happen.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAuQXRpChXit
Rose sighed trying to let his words sink in and then said, “How did Greg get the video anyway?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAuIiSHCPPUq
“I’m not sure. But we’ll get to the bottom of it.”288Please respect copyright.PENANA7cz91nNTxm
“Do you think I can walk around the hallways? I need some time to think and process.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAlXASgbQaLI
“You know the hospital staff won’t let you walk. I’ll try and get you a wheelchair.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAAURQop7QqY
Rose felt David’s hand squeeze hers as he left the room. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAWbAkfPqyfZ
****288Please respect copyright.PENANAJxq7tGpIrm
“How can you be so stupid?”288Please respect copyright.PENANACGhqwUfZ2P
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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAhDHuq1ak5P
“It should be obvious I don’t care about your job.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAKuIqPXrx9w
“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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAkQ0Z9fdSEx
“Wait! You’re breaking up with me?” Rose could smell the Scotch on his breath as he stood only inches away from her.288Please respect copyright.PENANAzFvkUWflKT
“I didn’t say that I-” Rose whispered.288Please respect copyright.PENANAChE4re9qQX
“You better get yourself in that bedroom. You remembered what happened last time?” her fiancé smirked. 288Please respect copyright.PENANALFKhBmpu3X
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.288Please respect copyright.PENANA6xltS4jGDo
****288Please respect copyright.PENANAIPit4r38de
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?” 288Please respect copyright.PENANACuOmUFWHt0
“She was just screaming. I tried to wake her, but nothing worked. She finally woke up on her own a moment ago.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAZOjBxWG0N2
“I’m fine. Just a bad dream.” Rose said as she shook her head. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAD9NCzhVXoI
“Are you sure you don’t need anything, Ms. Atwell?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAbulFBtyOHz
“I’m okay Judy. Thanks for checking in on me.”288Please respect copyright.PENANA4CmwusSaTE
“You’re welcome.” The nurse then left the room and softly shut the door behind her. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAxLQhbBmvEW
“Are you sure it was just a bad dream?” David said. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAyj19E0O6gu
Rose didn’t dare look at David. She could hear a chair scrape against the floor as he sat down near her bed. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAiBUWQQuqRA
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.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAdoJ3SmAniX
“I promise you, Rose. I will do all that I can to make sure he never hurts you again.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAgx7bzh4Hnn
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAgl8t8scYv5
****288Please respect copyright.PENANAbAT8ISTItv
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.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAYc2iFxegM0
“It’s not for me is it?” Rose said sheepishly. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAW6V7gdcNZJ
“No. It’s for David’s sister.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAVhELnEIBDQ
“Why didn’t you just give it to her?” David said standing up and walking towards the Captain. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAXQ9q3WwEd9
“Greg wrote it and it has some interesting information.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAe7r4UhrrBz
Rose frowned and said, “So what does it say?”288Please respect copyright.PENANA4hkZcXZLel
“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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAyku5G2YaYC
“She’s the victim. I don’t understand.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAeyGZkzjeEY
“Neither do I. What’s going on?” Rose said confused.288Please respect copyright.PENANAZiWr6az7SN
“Did you know that Greg and Sarah have a history?” Captain said as she handed David the letter.288Please respect copyright.PENANAeCmhvWvfUG
“She doesn’t even know him. You don’t believe that monster do you?” David said in disbelief.288Please respect copyright.PENANAEVASw8KPW9
“No. We just have to cover all our bases. I would hate for the case to fall apart.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAAcgQMi8aMX
“We’re not even at trial yet.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAEfmfvTESGL
“Give your sister a heads up. Maybe see what she says.”288Please respect copyright.PENANASMjTijcTo3
David’s head was swimming with the possibility of what the letter contained. He needed to uncover the truth. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAFsBwaL8Lnz
****288Please respect copyright.PENANAFEOqtVT5HJ
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAoO8ctRBJk4
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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAVRG8NGokWa
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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAUjdJJkPq9w
David turned around as the man rushed towards him. “Can we talk?” the man said looking nervous.288Please respect copyright.PENANAIbF6Q1Ydwo
“Who are you?” David said taking a step back unsure of the man. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAMcoe4Zej2x
“I’m Henry Croswell. One of your coworkers I believe his name was Jake told me I would find you here.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAMq1DOvhxoF
“What do you need?” David questioned as he placed his hands into his coat pockets. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAd96ZaZdom1
“I know something about Dr. Victor Waterstein.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAJwCiXTts6j
“Let’s talk then. We can grab a coffee.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAggSUs3daDa
“Sure.”288Please respect copyright.PENANABLns4cZATl
****288Please respect copyright.PENANAb0YDgBFo7n
After sitting down at a table near the end of the hospital cafeteria David asked Henry “So how long have you known Dr. Waterstein?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAcaT9AhICeM
“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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAbi3qmi744L
“Why are you still talking to him?” David questioning taking a long sip of his coffee. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAmzYiKzIyle
“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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAADNd783Yk9
David cleared his throat and censored his words as he replied, “So you just listened to him?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAiHH4fhxWsv
“He was going to hurt my family. I can’t let someone take them away from me.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAtGuoI5JT9b
“Why didn’t you call the police?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAdcYNfjUj37
“I have a record. I was unsure if they would even believe me.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAJiLggpUV0V
“Do you know what was in the envelope?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAJWR2bDu4aB
“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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANATJtvua51UV
David pondered for a moment then said, “Has he threatened you before?”288Please respect copyright.PENANA1j7Bkp3g6F
“Umm…” David could see Henry was nervous as he fiddle with his coffee cup. “I can’t say anything.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAyroFxAaNMC
“But you’ve already told me Dr. Waterstein has threatened you for the second time.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8SlirmcyS
“I’m done talking with you.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAt2CjSfBamo
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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAZEbwDogQyD
“I won’t. Goodbye detective.”288Please respect copyright.PENANA4tjUMKTVsM
David sighed, drank the rest of his coffee and then headed back to Rose’s room. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAokkk2gYjso
****288Please respect copyright.PENANAacsQDgTXY2
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANA7gyigJNZgi
“Dear my love Sarah, 288Please respect copyright.PENANAx994bkCsut
288Please respect copyright.PENANARoPwUBOaSl
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAYThLjWhyiz
288Please respect copyright.PENANARIK9Ugytad
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANA693BXlxXwC
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANA2XGSZrZVuR
Then the next year I saw you wal-”288Please respect copyright.PENANACGj3d47bVy
Rose was interrupted by David coming into her hospital room. He smiled at her and said, “I brought you some coffee.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAZAIV7trVPI
“Thanks,” Rose replied as her voice, was raspy and dry. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAiZKTUTZFom
“How are you feeling?” David sat as he sat the coffee cup on the bedside table.288Please respect copyright.PENANAA8qFGTjLYg
“I’ve been better. I do feel rested which is nice.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAHZQGTr8ovQ
“Yes, it is. I also see you’ve read the letter.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAL1bajX1oLV
“I’m not finished yet. Do you mind if I read the rest out loud?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAOZrtaL35jL
“No, I don’t.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAifJt9UG5nx
“Alright.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAOTVaDffYpO
288Please respect copyright.PENANAMq5q0kIoFu
“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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAFnAYqEwFcr
288Please respect copyright.PENANAlQ7TeXP9uy
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAiGnEEAR8P4
288Please respect copyright.PENANAVnATOOsR8g
Sarah, my beautiful sweetheart. You’re an author, a writer. You describe the world through smilies, metaphors, complex characters and relatable themes. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAozHTikqWmy
288Please respect copyright.PENANAldm1FbrsKk
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAPOKRj0Ns97
288Please respect copyright.PENANA2XVOxMp6Pw
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANA02AOCtQIA8
288Please respect copyright.PENANARFvN6KhLmx
Sarah, I’m so happy I’ve found you in person once again. I can’t wait for you to be mine. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAx6MrxRrGs9
288Please respect copyright.PENANA0fsqo5mEvZ
From the one who loves you more than anyone,288Please respect copyright.PENANABm4yU8q0HQ
Greg Finch.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAb9NuIGPYvZ
Rose threw the letter back onto the bedside table. She frowned and said, “What’s up with him?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAtcqG1p64so
“I don’t know Rose. He definitely needs help.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAshmRn9ob5B
“Did you call the Captain?” Rose said glancing at the letter.288Please respect copyright.PENANAdeUdr9EIC0
“She didn’t pick up. I know the case is getting to her. Plus she’s dealing with a divorce, so it’s understandable.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAZ92spC40oL
“How’s her custody battle?”288Please respect copyright.PENANAP6d89usWru
“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.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANAQWjjNAzdsb
“What should we do about Greg?” Rose questioned as her mind raced with finding justice for Sarah. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAjQCHRE5s0M
“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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANA16whxFTdFz
“It’s a shame the DNA evidence was compromised.”288Please respect copyright.PENANASLgdlqUo51
“I know, but things will work out. And Rose? If you ever need to talk about earlier-”288Please respect copyright.PENANAzUVNMTNdmO
“What do you mean?” Rose said sitting up in bed. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAp7pnpmj9Cq
“The video. I understand if you don’t want to, but I know it will help.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAxxKoNHlRI5
“I will when I’m ready.”288Please respect copyright.PENANABtnXZQ615I
“Okay then. I think I’m going to head out.”288Please respect copyright.PENANAA0AJACyApf
“I thought you were staying?” Rose frowned.288Please respect copyright.PENANA67Cdw3fSG0
“It just hurts me to see you like this. I still can’t believe you went in and took the place of a hostage.”288Please respect copyright.PENANA6owIyXJhlE
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.”288Please respect copyright.PENANA2EO8o2GOQw
“That’s why I’ve grown to love you. Always putting others before yourself.” 288Please respect copyright.PENANA8YjKPncLQp
Rose smiled and said, “All I can say is that I love you too.”
ns 172.69.58.110da2