Beep, beep, beep. The rhythmic sounding of a heart monitor drummed away. Echoing slightly from wall to wall of a white sterile and dimly lit room. Quiet conversation and tapping of shoes on title mixed from outside. The door knob slowly twisting to unlatch the door so it may swing open. Slowly and carefully allowing two people to enter. One being a man in a long white lab coat. Easily pushing his fifties, but showing the signs of his many years on the job. Followed closely by a women looking to not be too knee to be there. This woman being no other than Detective Nikki. Seeming to also feature the effects of hard work and not much sleep. Eyes glued to the floor with the inability to look up, even for a second.

  The doctor took hold of a clipboard hanging on the foot rest of a bed. The light shuffle and flipping of paper as he looked through the notes. Nikki situating herself in the far corner. Arms crossed in front of her chest. Every once in a while, flashing a look up to the man. Not daring to look elsewhere beyond him. For the unsettling feeling of possibly locking eyes with who occupied the bed.

  “So, how are feeling today, Miss Maplewood?” The pure mention of the name making the cop flinch. Causing the brunet to look away no longer. Taking in the view of Astrid starring out the window with a blank almost lifeless stair. For which she did not reply, whether from not hearing him or not wanting to. Silence over taking the room, while the machine beeped away.

  “Um, Doctor. Its Von Rose not Maplewood.” Nikki was quick to correct him.

  “Thats right my apologies. They haven't updated the chart yet. After so many years doing this, you find yourself on auto pilot. Reading just whatever is on the page.” He chuckled in hopes to lighten the mood a bit. Flashing a smile at Nikki before turning back to his patient. “Miss Von Rose, how are you feeling today?” yet once again being met with silence from the women. “Thats fine if you are still not up for talking. I can ensure you that this is a safe place.” Finally, Astrid head turned to face them. The once shining blues dolled to a cool grey. Her expressionless face not changing. Still as a statue, peering almost directly into their very souls. Nikki looked away almost immediately. A small wave of uneasiness, with a hint of pity. Seeing the once vibrate and strong woman looking utterly devoid of life.

  “What can I do for you both? The nurse already took my vitals this morning.” Finally, speaking up with a flat tone. No signs of any emotions, or a sense of well anything. The physician kept the same generic smile he would give all those under his care.

  “Yes, the detective wishes to speaking with you. She has been wanting to for a few days now. I told her you needed more rest after such a traumatic experience. But according to Nurse Dee. You seem to be in higher spirits today. So, only if you are okay with it. I’ll allow her to do so.” The blonde’s eyes moved to her former employee. Lingering for a few seconds before back to the only male in the room.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “That is fine. If you wouldn’t mind giving us some privacy doctor.” He nodded to Astrid then to Nikki. Making his way out the room. Stopping half way through just to let them know to buzz the front desk when they are done. With that he took his leave as the door clicked back shut. Astrid’s gaze moving back out the window. While Nikki’s returned to the floor. Only to steel herself before approaching the side of the bed. Pulling up a nearby chair. Sitting slowly down, as it creaked under her. What felt like entirety passed as neither of them spoke.

  “So, Miss Ast... Miss Von Rose. I...”

  “What do you want Nikki?” Her voice firm and voided of any friendliness. Nikki flinched; her face contorted as if just stabbed with a knife. No part of her expected this to be an easy conversation to have. So much had transpired in so little time. Truths revealed, emotions turned sour, and lives lost. If not for her job, this was something she wished to never speak of again. She pleaded and begged the chief to allow this matter to be dead and buried. Unfortunately, rules are rules, and procedures were there for a reason. Taking a breath that Nikki didn’t know she was holding in. She spoke once again the best professional tone she could muster.

  “Miss Von Rose, I need to go over with you everything that transpired. I hate to bring up bad memories, but to finally close out this case. I need to know everything from your release, to Mr. Maplewood kidnapping you, to the final shoot out, and everything in between.” Taking a pause before continuing. “He can’t hurt, or manipulate you anymore. That monster is.”

  “Michael... His name is Michael.” Nikki let out a soft sigh. This for sure wasn’t going to be easy. If she wasn’t carful, her chance to get the full story would be lost.

  “Yes, Michael. My bad... I need to know everything that happened with Michael and you. As much detail as you can remember. Do this not for me, but for those who want closure. Those who are waiting to know what happened to their loved ones.” Leaning forward in her chair. If only Astrid would turn around once more. Their eyes would meet and she could see to their seriousness. Deep down she wanted to know as well. Her own selfish wanting for closure.

  “Fine, but just know it won’t change anything. It won’t change my mind, and how I feel. The things that happened, and the things done up to now. They are cemented in history, in our history. You and I will go on living knowing that there was nothing no one could have done to change it all.” facing forward to the white wall before her. Astrid’s dimmed blue eyes. Matching that of an ocean reflecting the storm clouds that floated above. “This won’t make the lies, heart aches, nor deaths go away.” snapping her sight to the other female. Locking deeply into Nikki’s like a tight chain that connected them. “So, I'll tell you everything. Every last detail as you want... Don’t pussy out when you can’t handle the truth.”

  The young detective nodded returning the sturdy look. She knew all this without the reminder. The webs they weaved could not be swept away. A constant reminder of failed actions that should have been taken. “I know Astrid. I came to terms with that the moment we picked you up from the airport.” A day still so vivid in her own mind, but only from her point of view. Now it was Astrid's turn to help her see that there are two sides to every story. That though we may think we are the main characters of said story. We are all just parts and pieces to the fucked thing called life.

  “Then buckle up detective. Cause here exactly how my love became the death of me...”