No Strings Attached

Heidi was roused from her slumber by a cacophony of noise. She dragged herself out of bed, rubbed her aching head and stumbled downstairs. Just as she reached the top of the stairway, her father Paolo's voice cut through the commotion.

"You've got it all wrong. My daughter's been home the whole time. She wouldn't harm a fly. Besides, she's as timid as a rabbit. How could she be capable of such a sinister plot? This has got to be Clara, slinging mud to cover her own tracks. I'll sue her for defamation!"

The voice of the police officer was stern and unyielding. "Mr. Paolo, we have both eyewitnesses and physical evidence. Ms. Heidi is suspected of inciting assault, resulting in serious injury to another party. If you don't hand her over, we'll have to issue a warrant for her arrest." Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Heidi collapsed in a heap on the floor upon hearing this. She had been so careful; how could she have been exposed? Even her phone calls were made with a burner phone. How could they possibly have any evidence against her?

Her movements caught the attention of the officers below. One of the junior cops, quick on his feet, dashed up the stairs, grabbed her wrist and slapped the handcuffs on her in one smooth motion. Heidi was dumbfounded. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she cried out to Paolo, "Dad, help me! I didn't do anything. I don't want to go to jail!"

him. "Mr. Paolo, if you interfere, we'll charge you with obstruction of justice. We're taking Ms. Heidi into custody.

her to the

He immediately whipped out his cell phone and called Edwin. "Eddie, where are you? The cops took your sister. You've got to do something!" Edwin's voice was flat. "If she's innocent, they'll let her go. If she's guilty, there's nothing we

blood just like us. She's your

my sister's rightful place as the daughter of the Campbell

are, abandoning Heidi for the sake of

felt a surge of anger. If Clara heard these words, how much more would she despise their

for his lost sister, but fretting over the well-being of this girl with an unclear identity. Edwin's heart ached, not for

sister that way again. You have no right. As for Heidi, I'm done with her," Edwin said icily before hanging up. On