Guarding Dior

Chapter 3

Noel sped to the hospital as soon as he heard the news about Charles. They had known each other since the academy, and Noel considered Charles to be like a brother. Charles had been incredibly proud of Noel when he was promoted to detective, and now, the thought of losing him was unbearable. As Noel rushed through the hospital corridors, all the nurses told him the same thing: Charles was still in surgery, fighting for his life. If they had waited for the ambulance, he probably wouldn't have made it.

Noel chatted with a few officers and learned that a young man and woman had brought Charles to the hospital in his own vehicle. They had been taken in for statements. Torn between the anxiety of not knowing Charles's fate and the need to find who did this, Noel made his way to the station.

When he arrived, he found officers arguing in front of one of the interrogation rooms.

"I don't know if she left. Maybe? She seemed fine when I led her to the bathroom," Officer Rains said.

"You mean to tell me that you don't know where the primary—and ONLY—witness to the crime is right now?" Officer Kim asked, barely containing his anger.

"The primary suspect on Charles's case?" Noel interjected, joining them. Their silence was answer enough.

"How long ago did she go to the bathroom?" Noel asked.

"I think it's getting closer to 40 minutes," Rains admitted.

"Jesus, she could be anywhere by now!" Kim exclaimed.

Noel walked toward the bathroom, a one-person private room, and noticed the light was still on. He knocked on the door but received no answer. Stepping inside, he found a young woman huddled on the ground with her back to the wall. Her messy brown hair was barely tied in a braid, and her cheeks were shiny from tears. She was hugging her knees, wearing academy sweats and no shoes.

He saw the three evidence bags on the floor and realized she must be in severe shock. He opened the door wider and knocked again. This time, she looked at him, confusion in her eyes.

"Hi, sorry to barge in. I didn't hear anyone when I knocked," Noel said calmly as he walked in. "I'm Noel. What's your name?"

"Dior," she replied, slowly coming back to her senses.

"Dior, are you okay? Would you like some coffee or water?" Noel asked gently. She shook her head.

"I'm sorry, I just needed a minute," she said softly. He knelt in front of her, noticing her tear-soaked eyelashes and the wet freckles on her cheeks, shining under the fluorescent light.

"Would you like to move to the break room? There's a comfy couch there," he offered. She nodded, and he helped her up. She seemed so small next to him, her 5'4" frame dwarfed by his 6'1" stature. They walked out, and Rains and Kim looked relieved to see her.

"Rains, the evidence bags are still in the bathroom. Could you please take them to get IDed?" Noel asked. Rains nodded and headed to the bathroom.

Noel led Dior to the break room, where she immediately sat on the couch, tucking her legs under her. Noel closed the door behind them and sat in a chair nearby.

"Is Charles alive?" she asked, her sad eyes searching his.

"I just got back from the ER. He's still in surgery," Noel replied, trying to keep his voice steady. He wondered how she had gotten wrapped up in all of this.

"Why don't you tell me what happened?" he suggested.

Dior described everything in perfect detail, which impressed Noel. The shock had worn off, and she seemed more relaxed now, absentmindedly playing with the strings of her sweatshirt. After she finished, Noel made sure she had some shoes and a ride home. He wanted to take her home himself but needed to check on Charles.

He assured her that he would do his best to keep her name out of the news, explaining that this seemed like a planned attack and she could be targeted next. He also made sure to tell her that if it weren't for her, Charles wouldn't have had a chance. She had a sad look on her face when they said goodbye, but Noel knew this wouldn't be the last time they spoke.

As he headed back to the hospital, Noel hoped he would see his friend alive again. The day's events had set a series of questions and emotions into motion, and Noel was determined to find answers.