My FRIEND

「 Chapter Two 」

"I went home and read a book before falling asleep. I woke up today around 3 a.m. cause I couldn't fall asleep and had some cookies and milk. Then I heard a noise behind me so I peeked through the curtains and I saw someone crouching in the bushes."

"What did they look like?"

"I think it was a girl. She had blonde curly hair, but other than that it was hard to tell."

"What nationality was she?"

I shrugged. "I'd guess Hispanic. But I can't really confirm that in any way." He nodded at me to go on. "Then I called the cops, and that's when Rodolfo and his partner knocked down my door."

Martin nods again. "Just to clarify, that was the only person you saw?" I shake my head. "No there was a man that also ran by who had a gun." "What kind of gun was it?" he asks. "I believe just a standard pistol. I don't know." I rub my temples, suddenly feeling very tired from this whole situation. Martin smiles softly and pats my knee lightly. "Alright, thank you for this. I'm gonna check in with our detective and see if he needs anything else. I'll let you know if we do. Do you need anything though? The bathroom? Coffee?" "I'll take a coffee please. Black." "Alright, I'll be back in a moment." I thank him and he leaves the room, shutting the door behind him.

I glance over to Rodolfo and he seems to be lost in thought. "You're sure you only saw two people?" he questions. I nod. "Yeah, I'm pretty positive about that. It was very dark though, and I left the window the moment I saw the gun. There was no way I was about to have to deal with that situation. You never know in this neighborhood. We are very close to the border." I grin slightly and he chuckles. He sits there for a minute contemplating. "Alright, I'm gonna go grab that coffee for you," he finally says. Rodolfo takes his leave as well, leaving me to sit alone in the silence.

It's not completely quiet though, as I can kind of hear the sounds of the office and people moving around. I also catch the sound of a telephone ringing before someone picks it up. I pulled out my phone to text my boss.

Hey something came up because of a situation this morning. 

Is there any way you could work for me this evening?

I sigh and browse Instagram before, finally, Rodolfo returns with a hot steaming cup of coffee. "Thanks," I smile at him, taking the cup. He nods and takes a seat on the couch again. The room is suffocatingly quiet for a while. I take very light sips of the very hot coffee, glancing at my feet. After what feels like forever, Martin returns to the room. "Alright, you are all set to go for the most part. Your statement will be a big help, so I appreciate you coming in. I'll take you to one of my officers who can take your personal information and then you'll be all set to leave. Do you need a ride back?"

"Yes please," I said. "I can give her a ride," Rodolfo says quickly. "Awesome. Alright if you'll just follow me, we'll finally get you out of here. Hopefully, you can get some rest and not run into any more fugitives," Martin laughs. I laugh too and we all leave the room together. I down the rest of the coffee, and it burnt my tongue. I threw away the cup and followed them to a desk.

It doesn't take long for Officer Penny to take down my personal information and I'm back in the black SUV with Rodolfo. The ride to my apartment is quiet again, but I'm finally getting used to it. How does one even converse in this situation?

Suddenly I remembered my door. "What about my door?" I asked and turned to look at him. He glances at me slightly before turning back towards the road. "We sent someone already to grab one, it should only take a couple of hours." He hesitates. "Are you alright with that or would you prefer to wait somewhere else for it to be done." I shrug, even though he can't see me. "I don't know that I feel particularly safe not being able to close a door and lock it." "Of course, I can understand that senorita." He ponders this for a minute. "You could be with me back at the police station, but that's the best I can offer." "I'll take you up on that then!" I exclaim.