56

The moment I try to go to him, Ravi takes a step back, but I catch a glimpse of his teary eyes. I look at Gael for some comfort, unable to decipher his gaze.

When the fact that I was a police officer was revealed, a flood of emotions came over me. It was like my world had been turned upside down, and I was struggling to find balance again. The feeling of vulnerability was overwhelming, as I knew that from that moment on my life would never be the same.

I always knew that being a police officer was a challenging profession, full of risks and secrets. But I could never have imagined that a secret as big as this would be revealed so abruptly. My mind became clouded and I felt exposed, as if all my weaknesses and fears were on display. Those I believed I loved in some way now knew the truth about me, and I couldn't help but wonder how this would affect me and that baby's life.

However, among all the worries that flooded my mind, one stood out and hit me hard: the drug dealer who was the father of the baby I was expecting. We had a complicated relationship, but a deep connection formed between us. He was part of my past, a person I never imagined I would be involved with, but with whom I ended up sharing an important part of my life. Now, with the revelation of my profession, I feared everything would fall apart.

I knew that my life as a police officer was already fraught with danger, but the presence of a drug dealer in my life brought a whole new dimension of threats. I was worried about his reaction when he discovered that I was infiltrated in his favela, but I ended up not worrying enough. He was a dangerous man, involved in a dark world of crime and violence. And now, with my identity revealed, I feared he might take this as a betrayal and become an even greater threat to me and our son.

The relationship we had built, although turbulent, was based on a kind of reluctant trust. He knew about my pregnancy, and in a way, we shared responsibility for bringing a new life into the world. But now, with my being a police officer on display, I feared that trust would be shattered. Would he believe I was on his side the whole time? Or would you consider that everything we experienced was just a farce?

These questions rattled around in my mind as I tried to stand firm in the face of the consequences of my revealed secret. I knew I would have to face the repercussions and face the consequences of my choices. But most of all, I feared for my baby's safety. Would I be able to protect him adequately? How could I guarantee his safety in the midst of this dangerous situation?

Despite all the uncertainties and fears, there was a flame of determination within me. I was determined to do whatever was necessary to protect my son, regardless of the circumstances. I knew I would have to confront my baby's drug dealer and deal with the consequences of my choices. The revelation of my police identity shook everything I knew, but I was willing to face the adversity and fight for a safe future for myself and my son.

As I looked at Ravi and Gael, I felt a mixture of fear and courage. I knew the journey would be difficult, but I was ready to face it. I couldn't predict what fate had in store for me, but one thing was certain: I would do anything to protect the one I loved and build a better future, even if it meant facing the darkest challenges.

- Before I forget - says Rubens, looking in Ravi's direction - You have to get out of here, the police are on the way.

Ravi stares at him in a mixture of disbelief and bewilderment, as if he's not completely there.

- What are you talking about?

- He paid a high price to get his hands on her, especially after having killed one of their own - I look at Ravi, waiting for him to make eye contact.

Before Rubens could even continue with his sarcasm mixed with irony, Gael decided to put an end to it, shooting him in the middle of the head. The sound of the shot, followed by the sound of Rubens' body falling to the ground, takes my breath away, not enough to realize what Rubens' words meant before he was silenced forever.

- You have to get out of here - I say hastily, forcing my legs to obey me, as I leave the room as quickly as possible.

The only person who thought I was dead in the last few weeks was Samuel, and now I was sure he was alive. Despite everything, I didn't want Ravi or Gael to pay the same price as me and it was exactly with that in mind that I passed them both, heading out of the house, while I heard the sounds of a siren in the distance, ordering me in. It was just the moment for the soldiers there to dissipate.

I shake in fear as I watch the police cruiser slowly approach the property. My heart races, and anxiety takes over my entire being.

Adrenaline rushes through my veins when the police car enters the property. My eyes widen in horror when I realize that it is Samuel, my deputy stepfather, who is leading this operation. The same man who abused me repeatedly over the years.

My limbs freeze with terror as I watch Samuel approach with a cold, calculating expression on his face. His eyes fixed on me, as if he was enjoying the power he now held over me. It is a cruel irony that it is he, the one responsible for enforcing the law, who is now imprisoning me.

- There's my little girl - he says as he approaches -, who rose from the dead just to make more mess - When he's close enough to me, I try to back away, but he's quicker and stops me, holding my hair with his hand. firmness - Where is the criminal you are protecting?

- He's not here - I say with a trembling voice. Samuel looks at the house in front, eyes wandering calmly.

-He's not lying to me, is he?

- He left me here - I try to reaffirm, hoping he would believe - He's not here.

He looks back at me with a strange smile on his face.

- Consider yourself arrested for the murder of Talita Medeiros Buarque - He turns me around suddenly - You have the right to remain silent and everything you say can be used against you - He pulls me against his body, placing his mouth on my ear - And pray that he takes you straight to the police station.

I feel the cold cuffs closing around my wrists, cutting into my delicate skin. A wave of helplessness invades me, causing tears to run down my face. I wanted to scream, fight, resist, but his physical strength is overwhelming compared to my fragility.

As he pushes me into the squad car, I feel my world crumble around me. I feel alone, betrayed and completely helpless. The police car starts to move, taking me away from that property, but also taking with it any hope of escaping this nightmare.

My mind is filled with painful memories and the feeling of despair is overwhelming. However, there is also a spark of courage and determination growing within me. I know that this physical prison cannot imprison my will to seek justice and freedom.