Believe Me

2 I Perfect Life

  Even the next day, Jason was haunted by the cryptic note left by the killer. There was no evidence to speak of, just unsettling implications that gnawed at his mind like a relentless predator.

  He decided to go home. The drive home from the precinct was a familiar blur of city lights and the low hum of traffic. Jason navigated the streets with practiced ease, his mind still reeling from the day's events. The image of Lisa Harris's lifeless body haunted him, a stark reminder of the brutality that lurked just beneath the surface of Neimers City.

  As he pulled into the driveway of their modest two-story house, Jason exhaled deeply, grateful for the familiar sight of home. The porch light flickered on as he approached the front door, casting a warm glow across the neatly trimmed lawn. Emily must have been waiting up for him, he realized with a pang of guilt.

  He pushed open the door, stepping into the cozy foyer. The soft strains of jazz drifted from the living room, mingling with the comforting scent of Emily's favorite vanilla candle. Jason hung up his coat and walked down the hall, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet.

  In the living room, Emily sat curled up on the couch, a book open in her lap. Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her glasses perched on the tip of her nose as she read intently. She looked up as Jason entered, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Hey, you're home," she said, setting her book aside and rising to greet him.

"How was your day?"

Jason wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "Long," he admitted, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"There's no evidence."

Emily's eyes widened with concern. "Oh, Jason. Are you okay?"

He nodded, squeezing her gently. "I'm fine. It's just... It was a rough one."

She nodded understandingly, her fingers tracing soothing circles on his back. "I'm sorry, love. I made your favorite—spaghetti and meatballs. It's in the kitchen, still warm."

Jason smiled gratefully, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "You're the best, you know that?"

Emily chuckled softly. "I try."

  They walked hand in hand to the kitchen, where plates of steaming food awaited them on the table. The room was bathed in the soft glow of overhead lights, casting shadows across the walls. Jason took a seat, and Emily served up generous portions of pasta, topping them with a hearty scoop of sauce.

  They ate in companionable silence, the only sound the clink of silverware against ceramic plates. Jason found himself stealing glances at Emily, marveling at how she managed to maintain an air of calm amid the chaos of his job. She was his rock, his anchor, and he couldn't imagine navigating life without her.

  After dinner, they retreated to the living room, where Emily insisted on brewing a fresh pot of coffee. They settled on the couch together, their legs entwined as they sipped their drinks in contented silence. The jazz music played softly in the background, creating a cocoon of peace around them.

"I missed you today," Emily said softly, breaking the quiet.

Jason smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "I missed you too. It was... It was tough out there."

Emily nodded sympathetically, her fingers brushing against his.

"You do such important work, Jason. I'm proud of you."

He looked at her, his heart swelling with love. "I couldn't do it without you, Em. You keep me sane."

She chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling. "Someone has to."