Chapter 119
The air shifts the moment the officers step inside.
“I hope we’re not interrupting anything,” Officer Mark says, his tone casual but the look in his eyes says otherwise.
Noah straightens in his seat, his entire demeanor changing. Shoulders squared and jaw set. The easy smirk from moments ago vanishes, replaced by that familiar guarded expression I know too well.
“Of course not,” he answers quickly.
I can feel his tension from where I sit, like a physical weight pressing into the room.
Officer Calton gives me a polite nod. “Miss Reed. It’s good to see you awake.” 3
“Thank you,” I manage, my voice softer than I’d like.
“How are you feeling? We were sad to hear about your accident,” Officer Mark says, giving me a gentle smile.
“Could be better,” I reply with a shrug. “But I’m just happy to be alive p>
He nods, as if he understands very well what I’m saying… and maybe he does, given his line of work. I’m sure he’s had his share of close calls with the angel of death.
Officer Calton takes a step closer to my bedside, while Mark lingers near the door, watching me, then Noah. His eyes keep skinning from me to Noah. It’s like he’s finding it to understand how we are together; after all, most people know that Noah and I don’t get along.
Well, he can join the club because I’m just as confused as he is about what Noah is doing here.
“I’m surprised to see you two together in the same room.” Calton remarks, voicing what Officer Mark was probably thinking p>
His eyes are tinged with what seems like surprise or is it Suspicion?
Noah growls, his eyes cutting at Calton. “That’s none of your business p>
They have what I can only describe as a staring contest before Officer Calton shrugs and turns to me.
I try to sit up a little straighter, aware of how disheveled I must look in this hospital gown with an IV–line dangling beside me. I hate how vulnerable I feel under their gaze, even though I know they’re not here for anything bad or at least I hope they’re not.
“We won’t take much of your time,” Officer Mark continues. “We just need to ask you a few questions about the accident, if you’re feeling up to it p>
My stomach tightens at the word accident. Because the truth is I don’t want to remember it or talk about it. If I could, I’d forget the whole thing altogether. 3
I nod slowly, glancing once at Noah, whose expression has hardened into stone.
The air feels heavier the moment they pull out their notepads. My heart starts beating so rapidly I feel like it’s going to jump out of my chest.
“Can you tell us what you remember from that day?” Calton asks gently, his tone cautious, like he’s walking on glass.
I hesitate. I don’t really want to think of that day.
“Not much,” I admit. “I was driving home… and there came a sharp bend. I tried slowing down but I couldn’t; the car kept speeding. I tried swerving, and that’s when the accident happened.” I swallow, forcing down the tremor in my voice. “And then it’s all blank p>
Noah’s gaze flicks toward me, his jaw tightening, but he doesn’t say anything. His silence feels loud in the small room. Almost like he’s holding himself back from reacting.
“Do you remember seeing anyone on the road? Any vehicles following you or coming toward you?” Officer Calton asks, his eyes intently focused on me.
I shake my head. “No. There wasn’t anyone p>
“You said you tried to slow down,” Officer Mark said.
I take in a deep breath “Yes, but the brake pad wasn’t working. No matter how I pressed on it, the care wouldn’t stop p>
Officer Mark exchanges a quick look with Calton but I catch it and it just drives my anxiety higher.
“Why?” I ask quietly. “Is there something wrong? I’ve been thinking about it, and I haven’t taken my car for servicing. Maybe my brake pads were worn out and I didn’t know p>
That was the only explanation that made any sense to me. I’ve been so busy with my work, and then with everything that happened after I found out I was pregnant, that I forgot that my car was due for servicing.
Neither of them answers right away. Calton clears his throat. “We’re still investigating. The preliminary report said your car swerved off but p>
My blood runs cold. “But what p>
A chill crawls down my spine. The air between us thickens, charged and uneasy.
My eyes switch between the two cops, and I know something isn’t right. They were they were talking, the way they were carrying themselves, and the tension in their shoulders… they found something out.
I glance at Noah, whose entire body has gone rigid. His knuckles are white against his knees, eyes dark and unreadable. I know well enough to know he’s not only pissed off; but as anxious as I am.
“What are you implying?” he asks, his eyes boring into them in a way that makes them squirm.
They remain quiet, pushing my anxiety off the roof. I hate the tension and suspense. It almost feels like I’m being pulled in different directions.
Finally, Officer Mark steps forward, his voice controlled. “We have reason to believe someone wanted you dead.” 2