Chapter 4

The aftermath of the explosion was evident in the rubble that lay everywhere. The police officers worked tirelessly, combing through the debris, hoping to find some evidence that could lead them to the robbers.

As the paramedics tended to our injuries, a group of federal agents approached us with stern looks on their faces. They began firing questions at us, demanding to know what had happened and how the robbers had managed to escape. Elera and I did our best to answer their inquiries, but we were still reeling from the events that had just transpired.

One of the agents, a tall man with a stern demeanor, began drilling us with questions. “What did the robbers look like? What did they take? How did they manage to escape?” he demanded. Elera and I did our best to answer his questions, but our memories were still hazy from the chaos of the shootout.

As the agents continued to question us, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. Something about their line of questioning seemed off as if they were trying to catch us in a lie. I glanced over at Elera, hoping to catch a glimpse of her thoughts, but her face was unreadable.

The agents continued to question us for what felt like hours, taking notes on everything we said. Finally, they seemed to be satisfied with our answers, and they left us alone. Elera and I sat in silence for a few moments, still processing what had just happened.

As we made our way back to the police station, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration. We had worked hard to apprehend the robbers, but they had managed to slip away once again. And now, we were being questioned by federal agents who seemed more interested in catching us in a lie than in solving the case.

Despite my frustrations, I knew that we had to keep pushing forward. We were cops, after all, and it was our duty to protect and serve the people of our city. As we pulled up to the station, I took a deep breath and prepared myself for whatever challenges lay ahead.

As I sat in the station, I couldn’t help but stare at Elera. Her eyes were piercing, and her hair was styled perfectly. I tried to gather the courage to talk to her, but my mind was a jumbled mess.

Finally, I took a deep breath and turned to her. “Hey, Elera, have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”

Elera gave me a small smile. “Thanks, but I think we should focus on the case right now.”

I nodded. “Of course, of course. But after the case is over, would you like to go out with me sometime? Maybe we could grab a drink or something.”

Elera raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think that’s appropriate.”

I felt my heart sink. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

Elera sighed. “It’s not that; it’s just that we work together. It wouldn’t be professional.”

I nodded. “Right, right. I understand. But maybe we could still grab that drink as friends?”

Elera hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Sure, as friends.”

I grinned. “Great! I’ll take that as a yes.”

We fell into a comfortable silence, but I couldn’t resist the urge to flirt with her a little more. “So, have you always wanted to be a detective?”

Elera looked at me with a small smile. “Actually, no. I wanted to be a doctor, but things didn’t work out that way.”

I leaned in. “Well, you could still be my personal nurse if you wanted.”

Elera laughed lightly. “You’re incorrigible.”

I chuckled. “I’m just trying to brighten up this dreary police station.”

Elera shook her head, but I could tell that she was amused. “You definitely have a way with words.”

I leaned in closer, trying to catch her eye. “And with the ladies?”

Elera rolled her eyes, but I could see a hint of a smile on her lips. “We’ll see about that drink, and then maybe I’ll be able to answer that question.”

I felt my heart flutter at the thought of getting to know Elera better outside of work. Maybe there was hope for us after all.

The door opened, and in walked the federal agent with a stern look on his face. He pointed at me and said, “I have reason to believe that you had prior knowledge of the bank robbery and the bomb that was set off to cover the robbers’ tracks.”

I was taken aback by the accusation. “What? That’s not true!” I protested.

The detective in charge of the investigation leaned forward. “What witnesses have come forward?” he asked.

The federal agent pulled out a file and started reading out loud. “Several witnesses claim to have seen this man on a bus claiming to be a federal agent and chasing after a loose bomb.”

I shook my head, “I don’t remember being on a bus,” I said. “And even if I was, it doesn’t mean I had anything to do with the robbery or the bomb.”

Elera spoke up, defending me. “I was with him the entire day,” she said. “We were responding to a call about a domestic dispute.”

The federal agent raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?” he asked skeptically.

Elera nodded firmly. “Yes, and I have the paperwork to prove it.”

The detective looked over the paperwork and nodded in agreement. “It seems that they were on official duty that day,” he said.

The federal agent seemed unconvinced. “Well, we’ll see about that,” he said before storming out of the room.

I let out a deep sigh of relief and turned to Elera. “Thank you for having my back,” I said.

She smiled warmly at me. “Of course,” she said. “I know you’re innocent.”

I couldn’t help but feel grateful for her support and her unwavering belief in me. Maybe there was more to our relationship than just flirtatious banter.