The Love From Vengeance

168 REPORT

LUKE’S POV

I made my way into the police station, the heavy wooden door swinging shut behind me with a thud. The faint smell of stale coffee mixed with the sharp tang of disinfectant assaulted my senses as I entered the bustling lobby.

The room was a hive of activity, with officers in crisp uniforms moving purposefully around. A large bulletin board covered in wanted posters and missing person flyers loomed on one wall, while a row of hard plastic chairs lined the opposite wall, occupied by a mix of anxious individuals and stern- faced officers taking statements.

The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed incessantly, casting a harsh glare over the room and highlighting the scuff marks on the linoleum floor. The sound of ringing phones, clacking keyboards, and hushed conversations filled the air, creating a low hum of activity that seemed to vibrate through

the room.

I approached the front desk, where a tired–looking officer sat behind a computer screen, typing away with practiced efficiency. The officer glanced up as I cleared my throat, his expression shifting from concentration to polite inquiry.

“Can I help you?” the officer asked, his tone professional but not unkind.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. “I’m here to speak with Detective Hernandez,” I replied. Yup, Detective Hernandez; that was his name. I didn’t know we would become friends, but that’s just it. And when it came to things like this, he was definitely the one I should

inform about them.

–

The officer nodded, tapping a few keys on his computer before gesturing towards a row of closed doors at the back of the room. “Down the hall, last door on the left,” he said, his attention already shifting back to the screen in front of him.

I offered a brief nod of thanks before making my way down the narrow hallway, the dull light flickering overhead as I walked. The walls were lined with framed certificates and commendations, a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the officers who worked there.

Reaching the last door on the left, I knocked lightly before pushing it open and stepping into a cramped office. Detective Hernandez sat behind a cluttered desk, a mountain of case files and paperwork piled haphazardly in front of him. The detective looked up at me as I moved in his direction.

“Luke Reynold,” Hernandez said, standing up from his chair. “It’s an honor to see you here. Can I please know the reason you’ve come to the station

“I believe you know,” I told him, as we’ve both gotten closer now. “It’s about…”

Pas

he cut me off.

+

168 REPORT

2/3

so you know, huh? Why ask me

just something I do often.”

know how

don’t put the blame on me.

guys need to improve your security just in case

you. Do not put the blame on me or my

things

to tell the fucking department of New Haven to start

Why are you talking like Harriet’s such a big

to understand that I’m not comfortable with her

eyebrow. “She

that’s exactly why I’m here. I came to inform the cops

thanks for

better make sure you find her.‘

okay?” Hernandez tapped me on the shoulder. “Don’t get

hope so,” I told him before

ARIEL’S POV

Opening my eyes, a warm smile crept across my face, and I saw Luke peacefully asleep beside me. The rhythmic sound of his breathing filled the room, creating

my senses. 1 tiptoed towards the bathroom, glancing back at Luk, a surge of love swelling in my chest. The tranquil sight of him sleeping peacefully was just a reminder of how we had spent such a

echoed in the tiled space. I stepped into the warm cascade, allowing it to wash away the remnants of sleep. The water droplets

ahead. A contented sigh escaped my lips as I cherished the simple joy of starting my morning

168 REPORT

3/3

“Please don’t sing, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle

stepping out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body. “I don’t need you to be the judge around here, okay? I know

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