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.

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

your mom seemed

gazed at

utter a reply. After a brief silence,

her words, thinking at least there was someone willing to offer help, Sylvia recounted everything, emphasizing Julian's modified car, a clear sign

else you'd like to add?"

and then mentioned, "Rupert and Bridget, they saw

off guard, her

there a

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

the glass of

silent. Clasping the blanket, she felt

What was she expecting?

Both of them had achieved what they expected; what a perfect match. The officer patted her shoulder, "Rest up. I'll head back to the station and follow up. We'll

door closed, the room fell into a

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