Eating For Two

Chapter 10.

Angela wrapped her arms around Zoe, holding her close as they both tried to come to terms with what was happening. They had to be strong for Lucy - for each other - but it was a struggle. All they could do now was wait, pray, and hope for the best.

The doctor approached angela and zoe. "Okay so, the surgery should take around 4 hours but i do have to warn you there may be complications with the surgery and if it comes down to it, we may have to terminate the pregnancy if complications arise."

The doctor's words hung heavy in the air, like a storm cloud threatening to burst. Angela and Zoe exchanged a horrified glance, their hearts sinking at the mention of Lucy's unborn child. They had almost forgotten about the baby in the midst of all this chaos.

"What does that mean?" Zoe asked, her voice hoarse with unshed tears. The doctor hesitated, clearly choosing her words carefully. "It means that we have to prioritize Lucy's health first," she said gently. "If there are complications during surgery, we may not be able to save the baby."

Angela felt Zoe stiffen beside her, and she knew her sister was barely holding it together. They both took a deep breath, trying to absorb the enormity of the situation.

Zoe's mind raced with anger and determination as she stormed out of the hospital, leaving Angela behind to continue waiting. She needed answers, and she wasn't going to wait for them to come to her.

Her badge flashed in the dim evening light as she strode towards her car, her thoughts consumed with finding whoever had done this to Lucy. At the police station, she threw herself into work, combing through reports and witness statements until she found the lead she needed - the address of the party where Lucy had been attacked.

Adrenaline pumping through her veins, Zoe drove straight there, her tires screeching as she pulled up outside the imposing mansion. She marched up to the front door and pounded on it with all her strength, her nerves stretched taut.

When Mr. Winston answered, surprise registered on his face before quickly being replaced with a polite mask. "Hello, can I help you?" he asked, clearly taken aback by Zoe's appearance.

Without hesitation, she held up her badge. "Police captain, zoe anderson here," she introduced herself, her tone brisk and businesslike. "I need to speak with you about a party that was hosted here a few months ago, with a bunch of teenagers. A girl was assaulted, and she is severely hurt, and I believe you might have information that can help us find the perpetrator."

Mr. Winston's expression grew grave, but Zoe didn't miss the flicker of unease in his eyes.

Mr. Winston's eyes widened in shock as he registered Zoe's words, and he nodded slowly, looking genuinely upset. "Please, come in," he said, stepping aside to allow her entry. His voice was heavy with shame as he explained, "I had no idea what was happening here. My daughter Celina... she's 15 and just i can't control her behaviour lately. I was out of town." He trailed off, running a hand through his graying hair.

As he spoke, Celina appeared behind him, her expression one of concern and confusion. "Wait..." she breathed, her eyes growing wide. "Lucy's hurt?" Zoe's heart ached at the sight of the young girl's distress. She softened her tone slightly, trying to remain professional while still offering some reassurance.

"We're doing everything we can for her," she said. "But we really need your help to find out who did this." Celina nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Of course," she whispered. "Anything.. Lucy is my friend.."

Mr. Winston led Zoe into a grand sitting room, where he offered her a seat. As they began to discuss the party and potential witnesses, Zoe couldn't help but think about Lucy, lying in a hospital bed somewhere, fighting for her life - and the baby she carried.

She steeled herself, pushing aside her emotions for the moment. She had a job to do, and she wouldn't rest until Lucy's attacker was brought to justice.

As Zoe continued her questioning, Celina suddenly spoke up, her voice small but clear. "There's something you should know," she said, biting her lip nervously. "What's that, Celina?" Zoe asked, turning to face her fully.

The young girl glanced at her father before continuing. "The halls...they have CCTV. We installed it a few months ago, after some things went missing." Zoe's pulse quickened at the revelation - this could be the break she needed in the case.

"Do you think it might have caught anything?" she pressed, trying to keep her excitement in check. Celina nodded, her eyes wide. "I'll show you," she said, leading Zoe towards a concealed panel in the wall.

As she flipped through the footage, Zoe's mind raced with possibilities.

If they could find evidence of Lucy's attacker on camera, it would make all the difference. She watched as Celina's

fingers worked the controls, skipping through hours of video until they finally reached the night in question.

They scanned through the footage, both of them holding their breath.

Bile rose in Zoe's throat as the footage revealed the horrifying truth - two boys, laughing and joking, half-dragging Lucy's limp form down the hallway. They were so casual, so nonchalant, as if they weren't about to just destroy someone's life.

906 words - please vote x