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.

of dinnering and seeing a movie means I consented to everything else? Where's that rule written?

Lloyd, Julian mentioned your mom seemed on

officer gazed at

choked on it, unable to utter a reply. After a brief silence, the

thinking at least there was someone willing to offer help, Sylvia recounted everything, emphasizing

you'd like to add?" the officer asked

then mentioned, "Rupert and

was caught off

there a problem?" Sylvia

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

glass of water

drooping, she remained silent. Clasping the blanket, she

What was she expecting?

him. Both of them had achieved what

door closed, the room fell into

opposite, Sylvia felt utterly drained, her face pale. Realizing how weak she was, she wondered how