Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 25

When Sylvia woke up, a uniformed female officer was sitting by her bed, her gentle smile offering a sense of security that was almost tangible. "You're awake? Need some water?" The officer stood up, pouring a glass of water with a considerate gesture, "You've got some bruises, but nothing serious."

"Thank

you."

Sylvia propped herself up to take the glass. Until now she was still trembling from the shock, her nerves not yet calmed.

The officer watched her, waiting until Sylvia seemed a bit more settled before she began to speak, "Julian's fine, too, but since there's a discrepancy in your stories, I need to hear your side."

Sylvia paused mid-sip, "Discrepancy? What do you mean?"

The fact was laid bare; how come there was a discrepancy?

The officer explained honestly, "Julian claims he was drunk and that's why he got aggressive. He even showed us a psychiatric evaluation from abroad, insisting...that you were willing to go out with him for dinner and a movie, so he thought you were consenting to more." Sylvia felt her breath hitch, her chest tightening with anger.

I consented to everything else? Where's that rule written? I said no to

Julian mentioned your mom seemed on board with

gazed at

a brief silence, the officer

least there was someone willing to offer help, Sylvia recounted everything, emphasizing Julian's modified car, a clear sign this wasn't his first

else you'd like to add?" the

while, and then mentioned, "Rupert and Bridget, they saw t

was caught off guard, her

a

officer frowned, "I've asked them. Bridget claims she saw nothing,

her voice trailed off, the glass of water

she remained silent. Clasping the

What was she expecting?

had achieved what they expected; what a perfect match. The officer patted her shoulder, "Rest up. I'll

the door closed, the room fell

Realizing how