2: 2
2
The officer couldn't decide either, just kept staring at us, grim-faced.
Then he gave us another warning.
"If you want to fight, take it outside. What do you think this place is?"
"I'm telling you one last time. You're tying up public resources, and I have the authority to detain you both."
Before I could get a word out, Lester's mother yanked me out the station doors.
"Mom, will you stop making a scene? Every minute we waste, the killer gets further away."
"Shut your mouth!"
She raised her hand to hit me.
The officer rushed out and caught her wrist.
"Ma'am, whatever's going on, you can't go hitting people."
She jabbed a finger at me, seething. "Officer, arrest her, hurry! Who curses her own man like this? Men go out and chase after some pretty face, it's just for fun. He, he's going to come home in the end!"
Talking to them was like talking to a wall.
"I already told you, it's not that simple. Lester died three days ago! Do you understand that?"
"Where's your proof? It's obvious you're just wishing death on my son!"
I pulled up a recording on my phone.
"Lester said if there ever came a day he cheated, there was only one explanation. That he was dead."
That recording was the vow we made at our wedding.
Either he was dead, or he'd run into some danger he couldn't get out of.
Either way, I had to call the police.
Lester's mother laughed in fury, and the crowd gathered at the station doors laughed too, soaking up the show.
They all thought I'd lost my mind.
"Young lady, listen to me, go on home. Your man will be back in a few days."
"Yeah, there are still people this naive these days. A man's only faithful once he's a picture on the wall. Show me a man who never slips up. That vow doesn't prove a thing."
"I've watched her carry on here all morning. Rigid, mule-headed. No wonder her man cheated."
I gripped my phone, already at the end of my rope.
I grabbed at the officer, pleading. "Please, send someone out, catch the killer. My husband is dead, I know it. If this is a false report, I'll take on every legal consequence there is!"
With my sworn guarantee behind it, the officer finally agreed to act.
The lights came on, and I hurried to climb into the car.
Behind me, Lester's mother pointed and cursed. "You, you're nothing but a curse. Even if my son is dead, it's you who killed him! Dear God!"
I only gave her a flat glance. "Once they catch the one who murdered your son, you'll understand your own foolishness soon enough."
She sat in the front seat, muttering under her breath.
I didn't bother with her anymore. I closed my eyes and leaned against the window, worn out.
I don't know how much time passed before a ringtone played, some soft love song.
Then came Lester's mother's voice, warm and tender. "Hello? Son!"
My eyes snapped open.
