Office Intertwined⚝

Chapter 37 - Showdown

(TW: This chapter and the following chapter contain a substantial amount of strong language, explicit cursing, along with vivid descriptions of graphic imagery and instances of mild violence. Skip if you don't want to read)

The next morning, Kass awoke with a pounding headache, the lingering effects of her feverish, restless night. The dim light filtering through the small window barely brightened the stuffy confines of her temporary room in the police station. It wasn't the most comfortable space, but Jason had arranged for her to move to more luxurious accommodation soon. For now, she decided to leave her room and explore the various facilities of the station.

Heading to the library, she found it quiet and cozy, with a comforting fireplace that beckoned her closer. Picking up a random book, she settled down near the hearth. The book, unfortunately, turned out to be dull, lulling her into a state of drowsiness until she succumbed to sleep.

After what seemed like a few minutes to her, she awoke to a gentle shake and the sound of someone calling her name. Opening her eyes, she was met with the calming sight of Jason, his smile warm and reassuring. "Did you fall asleep here?" he inquired, his eyes filled with gentle concern. She smiled in surprise, relieved to find him by her side.

After a tumultuous night, Jason's presence was a source of solace. He had kept his promise and come to visit her. "Did you sleep okay last night?" he asked, drawing her into his comforting embrace. Together, they settled on the floor in front of the fireplace, its dwindling flames casting a soft glow in the room.

"I slept terribly," she chuckled, her voice a blend of fatigue and relief. But she didn't mind that. Just having Jason there with her was a balm to her troubled spirit."I hate it here; it's boring and gloomy," Kass vented, her frustration evident in her voice. Jason, looking down at her, gently stroked her hair, understanding her feelings. "I know, I know. But it's for your own good," he reassured her.

"It's not good for me at all," she replied gloomily, her gaze meeting his with a knowing look. "You know I'd be happier if I were with you, in your home, in your bed." Her words made Jason blush momentarily, but he quickly composed himself. "It'll be over soon. And anyway, I came to tell you that we have news," he said, turning serious and facing her.

"Is it good or bad?" Kass asked nervously, seeking clarification. Jason began to explain, taking his time so Kass could process the information. 

"Your father broke into my house yesterday. It was a foolish mistake; we captured him immediately. The police had been strategically waiting in multiple locations, anticipating his move. He fell right into our trap. It seems he was convinced we were hiding you away somewhere. They want you to be present when they question him."

Kass listened attentively, her expression inscrutable. Jason worried about how she might react to this new development. After a few moments, she asked, "Will you be there with me when I'm in the room with him?" 

Nervous, she held onto his sleeve. Looking into her anxious eyes, Jason reassured her, "Of course. I'm not letting you go in without me."

A few days later, it was the day of the questioning. Kass's father was brought into the police office and placed in a heavily guarded room. He was fully aware of the serious trouble he was in yet he grinned smugly. 

The tension was palpable as Jason, Kass, Jess, and Juliet, accompanied by Jason's parents, awaited their turn outside the interrogation room. Jess and Juliet were the first to be called in for their statements. Moments later, as they emerged, their faces were etched with fear and apprehension, their bodies trembling involuntarily. Juliet reached out to Kass, her eyes expressing both concern and determination. "Stay strong. He's a monster... but we'll fight for you, okay?"

Following the departure of Jess and Juliet, escorted by police officers to a waiting room, it was Jason's parents' turn to enter the room. As the door swung open, Kass caught a glimpse inside, witnessing the ominous presence of her father, seated with a rigid posture, yet his head slightly stooped. For a brief moment, their eyes locked, and a faint smile curved his lips upon spotting her. Instantly unnerved, Kass withdrew from his sight, trembling with unease.

Jason inquired, noticing Kass's tremors and erratic movements. "My dad just saw me," she stammered, her anxiety apparent. His mere gaze was enough to unsettle her deeply. After around 10 minutes, Jason's parents emerged, their expressions ghostly but composed. "Good luck, son," one of them whispered to Jason, as a stern-faced woman opened the door for Kass and Jason to enter the room. Taking their seats, Kass and Jason sat opposite Kass's father and his lawyer, with an investigator and questioner positioned at the end of the table. Several police officers were present, seemingly inattentive, almost as if they weren't truly there. When Kass caught sight of her father, she shuddered. His presence was enough to send shivers down her spine, rendering her reluctant to meet his gaze or utter a word. Jason discreetly squeezed her hand under the table, a silent reassurance that all would be well.