Seventy Three

CHAPTER 73

The midday sun streamed through the windows of the health room at the police station, bringing a warm touch to a space that was usually cold and sterile. Alexander and Cassandra sat across from each other in the room, with steaming cups of hot chocolate in their hands. The atmosphere was silent, interrupted only by the occasional ticking of the wall clock.

Alexander observed Cassandra sitting in front of him, her eyes gazing out the window. The silence between them felt odd, yet not entirely uncomfortable. He knew Cassandra needed time to think, but he couldn't let her remain trapped in her own worries indefinitely.

“Cass,” Alexander called softly, breaking the silence. “I just wanted to say, if you feel this case is too much, I wouldn’t blame you if you decided to step away.”

Cassandra turned to him, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and doubt. She offered a faint smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ve been waiting for ten years, Alex. I can’t stop now.”

Alexander nodded, trying to understand. “I know how important this is to you, Cass. But… you also need to think about yourself. This case isn’t just about finding the truth. It’s also about how you’ll face the reality of what you uncover.”

Cassandra sighed deeply. “I understand what you mean. But this is my only chance to find out what really happened to my parents. I can’t give up now, Alex. I have to do this, no matter the risk.”

Alexander looked at her with attentive eyes. He wanted to convince Cassandra to stop, but he knew the woman before him had a resolve that was not easily shaken. “Then I’ll support you,” he said finally. “But promise me one thing. If it ever gets too much, you’ll let me know.”

Cassandra smiled, this time more sincerely. “Thank you, Alex. You’re always there for me.”

They fell silent again, but this time, the quiet felt warmer. Alexander sipped his hot chocolate, trying to enjoy the moment of togetherness even as his mind remained filled with concerns about Cassandra.

After a few minutes, Cassandra broke the silence. “I have to go,” she said softly, stirring the remnants of her hot chocolate. “Jessica is picking me up. You don’t have to worry.”

Alexander hesitated, looking at her for a moment. “I could take you home if you’d like.”

Cassandra shook her head. “No need, Alex. I know you have plenty of work to finish. Besides, I already promised Jessica I’d meet her.”

Alexander sighed, then nodded. “Alright. But if you need anything, you know you can call me anytime, right?”

“Of course,” Cassandra replied with a small smile. She stood up, grabbing her coat and scarf. Alexander also rose, watching her with an unreadable expression.

“Be careful out there, Cass. The roads might be slippery,” Alexander said as they walked toward the door of the health room.

“I’ll be fine. Thanks for the hot chocolate, Alex. It really helped,” Cassandra replied before stepping outside toward the parking area. Alexander stood in the doorway, watching her retreating figure. There was something in the way she walked—a mix of determination and vulnerability—that made him feel the urge to protect her more than anything else.

After a moment, Alexander returned to the room, taking his previous seat. Cassandra’s cup of hot chocolate was still on the table, with a little left at the bottom. He stared at it for a long time, as though trying to understand the thoughts of the woman who had been sitting there.

“Cass, I hope you know how valuable you are,” Alexander murmured softly, more to himself than to anyone else.

Outside, Cassandra walked carefully along the snow-covered pavement of the police station. Her mind was still filled with her conversation with Alexander. She knew he was sincere, and she appreciated all the care he had shown her. However, this was a path she had to take alone. Nothing could replace the sense of loss she had felt for the past ten years. Only the truth could provide closure.

As she approached the street corner where Jessica had promised to pick her up, memories of the past resurfaced. Her parents’ faces, their smiles, their laughter—it all felt like a dream slowly fading away. But Cassandra was determined to keep those memories alive, no matter what.

The headlights of Jessica’s car came into view in the distance, offering a small sense of relief to her heart. This day might have ended, but her fight was just beginning.

When Jessica’s car pulled up at the curb, Cassandra stepped in slowly. Jessica greeted her with a warm smile, but her gaze quickly landed on Cassandra’s weary face.

“Cass, are you okay? You look like you haven’t been sleeping,” Jessica asked while turning on the car heater.

“I’m fine, just a lot on my mind,” Cassandra replied, trying to mask the uncertainty in her voice.

Jessica nodded, though she wasn’t entirely convinced. They drove slowly along snow-covered streets. During the ride, Cassandra began recounting her conversation with Alexander. Her tone sounded calmer than before, but there was still an underlying tension.

“Alex said I could stop if it became too much,” Cassandra repeated Alexander’s words softly. “But I can’t, Jess. This has already become part of my life. I have to find the answers.”

Jessica glanced at Cassandra briefly before focusing back on the road. “I know, Cass. I know how important this is to you. But you also need to take care of yourself. Don’t let this obsession destroy you.”

Cassandra offered a faint smile, turning her gaze to the window. “I’ll be fine. As long as I have you all by my side, I’m sure I can get through this.”

Their journey was filled with light conversation that gradually eased the tension. When they arrived at Jessica’s apartment, Cassandra felt slightly more at peace. However, her mind remained occupied with plans for her next steps.

Meanwhile, back at the police station, Alexander returned to his desk with thoughts no less burdened. He opened Cassandra’s case file and began reviewing it again. Something continued to bother him—a pattern seemingly hidden within the facts. He was convinced this case was bigger than they had realized.

Alexander decided to call Martinez. “Martinez, I need your help. There’s something I want to re-examine about our key witness,” he said firmly over the phone.

Martinez agreed to meet him in the archive room. They spent the next several hours digging through old documents, searching for clues that might have been overlooked. Alexander didn’t want to take any chances. If Cassandra was truly going to pursue this case, he had to make sure she had everything needed to keep her safe.

By the time night fell, Alexander was still in the office, staring at the whiteboard filled with notes and photos related to the case. He thought about Cassandra, about her courage and determination. He knew she wouldn’t back down, and for that reason, he was determined to always stand by her side, no matter what.