Chapter 88
Chapter 88
A strong, elegant hand suddenly reached over and snatched her phone away. Without a word, Michael grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the door. "I'll drive you."
"No need! I can take a cab—"
"One more word and you're not going anywhere today." Before she could protest further, he'd already bundled her into the passenger seat. The door slammed shut with finality.
Michael's driving was impeccable, weaving through congested traffic with practiced ease. Jessica clutched the seatbelt, her heart hammering so violently she thought it might leap from her throat.
The car came to a smooth stop in front of Autumnleaf District Precinct with exactly one minute to spare before clock-in.
"Thanks." Jessica shoved the door open, desperate to escape.
"Wait." Michael stopped her, his expression strained as he patted his pockets and frowned. "I think I left my pen at your place. It's custom-made. Expensive."
Jessica paused, and fished her keys from her bag. "It's on the hallway console table. Just grab it yourself."
Michael accepted the keys, the corner of his mouth twitching into an almost imperceptible smirk. "See you this afternoon."
Jessica didn't have time to question his unusual behavior. She spun around and bolted into the building, sprinting through the corridors, breathless, and barely made it to the review unit before submissions closed.
On her way out, passing through the precinct's break room, a melodious laugh caught her attention.
It was Calliope.
The Chief sat on the sofa, coffee cup in hand, surrounded by several officers. Nestled against her was a young woman in a pink coat—Isolde.
"Mom, this cake's too sweet. I don't like it." Isolde pouted, snuggling into Calliope's shoulder with practiced ease.
Far from scolding her, Calliope set down her cup, and gently wiped the cream from her daughter's lips. Her voice was honey-sweet. "All right, all right. Next time Mom won't buy from that bakery."
Jessica's footsteps halted. She'd grown up in an orphanage. She'd never known what it felt like to be held so tenderly in a mother's embrace.
The scene radiated warmth—a warmth that stirred something painful, deep in her chest. But almost immediately, a chill crept up from her feet.
If Isolde recognized her as the "new recruit" who'd nearly confronted her on the street weeks ago, her peaceful days here would be over. Jessica instinctively lowered her head, using the file folder in her hands to shield her face as she quickened her pace.
"Hey, why's that person walking around all sneaky like that?" Isolde's sharp eyes caught Jessica's retreating figure, her voice ringing out, shrill and cutting.
Jessica's heart lurched. She sped up, practically fleeing, and ducked into the patrol unit's locker room, leaning against a metal locker, heart still pounding wildly.
Jessica took a moment to steady herself, then quickly changed into her uniform, grabbed her gear, and headed out on patrol.
---------
Autumnleaf District's streets were far more chaotic than those around City Police Headquarters.
Jessica drove the patrol car slowly along her assigned route. The early winter wind bit harshly at exposed skin, and the trees lining the streets were bare, lending the landscape a bleak, desolate air.
As she rounded a corner, traffic ahead came to a standstill. A silver minivan sat stalled in the middle of the road, white smoke billowing from under the hood. Beside it stood a middle-aged woman, phone pressed anxiously to her ear.
Jessica's eyes widened.
It was Calliope.
What was she doing out here alone? Where was Isolde? Jessica's first instinct was to turn around, but her training wouldn't allow her to ignore a traffic obstruction.
With a resigned sigh, she pulled over, adjusted her cap, and stepped out of the car.
"Chief Bishop?" Jessica approached, keeping her voice steady and devoid of any personal emotion. "Is everything all right?"
Calliope turned at the sound. She clearly didn't recognize the young officer in uniform, but the sight of the badge brought visible relief to her expression. "My car just died. I have an important meeting to get to, and…"
Jessica crouched down and inspected the vehicle, her brow furrowing slightly. "Looks like a fuel line issue. Nothing major."
She retrieved a toolbox from the patrol car's trunk and popped the hood with practiced efficiency. Her slender fingers moved deftly through the engine compartment—precise, confident, without hesitation.
Calliope stood to the side, watching the young officer work with growing interest. She looked unfamiliar, but her mechanical skill was clearly that of a seasoned hand.
Within minutes, the engine roared back to life with a steady hum. Jessica closed the hood, dusted off her hands, and straightened, offering Calliope a crisp salute. "Chief Bishop, you're all set."
Calliope studied her, eyes lighting with recognition. "You're… Jessica, right? From the interview the other day?"
Jessica's stomach dropped. She hadn't expected the Chief to remember her name. She forced down her nerves and nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Jessica. Criminal investigation consultant with Autumnleaf District Precinct."
Calliope nodded approvingly. "Good work. Cool under pressure. You're a solid recruit. Which unit are you with?"
"Patrol division."
Calliope regarded her thoughtfully but said nothing more. "Appreciate the help. Carry on."
As the silver minivan pulled away, Jessica exhaled slowly. She didn't know it yet, but this small, seemingly inconsequential encounter had just planted a seed—one that would soon grow into something far more complicated than she could imagine.
Back in the patrol car, Jessica was about to start the engine when her phone buzzed. A message from Michael.
[I'll pick you up after your shift. Dinner together.]
Jessica stared at the screen, a headache already forming. She turned off her phone and started the car. Whatever happened next, life had to go on. As for that man—she'd just have to take it one step at a time.
--------
Inside the silver minivan, Calliope's gaze lingered in the rearview mirror, fixed on the uniformed figure with the straight posture and capable hands.
She didn't look away for a long time.