"Now that you're both here let's get started." Said Detective Mallory rearranging papers on his desk. Looking down at his mountain of paperwork he continued,"Can one of you please tell me why Officer Hill has no written reports by any of you? Especially, since you, yourself Ms. Harris were subject to physical abuse by one of the suspects that's in our custody?"
Azell shook her head. She took in Detective Mallory's appearance. Short, black, glasses and a hint of louisianian accent. Azell answered,"I just wanted to get home. I told Hill if I could please just come another day."
Looking up Detective Mallory smiled slightly. "Yes. Thats fine but you took almost a month and a half to do so. Multiple phone calls and empty promises aren't going to help this situation." Looking down at her hands she apologized to Detective Mallory.
Turning to Carine his smile widened. "Mrs. Norris you're the heroine who ran for help. But it was said you didn't leave a report either. Granted Officer Hill will be questioned later as to why." Carine smiling back almost cooed her words. "I also asked to do it at a later date. I was too emotionally disturbed after the days events."
Detective Mallory's eyebrows shot up. "Mrs. Norris I understand that very well. But Ms. Harris was punched and knocked down with a disability. I understand you two are friends and as a friend you should of made a report the moment Officer Hill asked for it. Also, its come to my attention none of your phone numbers were working. I had to go through Ms. Harris for you."
Carine's almond shaped eyes narrowed at the detective. "First off Detective, Azell is not my friend. We are old classmates. Nothing more. The phone numbers are my old ones. They are no longer in service. I gave them to avoid being here today."
Detective Mallory's smile never left his face. "Then am I to suspect you are involved with the theft or the men associated?"
Shocked Carine looked at Azell for help. Finding this turn of events amusing she stared at Carine without emotion.
"Why would you even suggest that?" Gasped Carine
Leaning back into his oversized office chair he said, "No numbers. No contact. No reports. Sounds suspicious? Yes?"
Carine stuttered saying, "Well, y-yes but that's not the case!"
"Then what is the case? Why nothing?" He asked
" My husband! I couldn't give them my number or accept a report because if my husband finds out he'll beat me!" Exclaimed Carine looking at her fingers.
Azell felt a tinge of heartbroken sympathy for Carine. She watched as Detective Mallory wrote down a few lines on a paper and stood up. Clearing his throat he faced them.
"Ms. Harris and Mrs. Norris. I need to speak with each one of you separately. I need to know by mouth and in writing what happened on September the sixth. I need your cooperation and honesty. And Mrs. Norris I need to know if you're in danger and want to press charges against your husband. I am concerned for your welfare at this moment."
Looking at her fingers Carine just nodded.
"Ms. Harris, please sit outside. I'll call upon you momentarily." He said showing Azell the door. Looking back at Carine's slumped form she shut the door behind her.
Two and half hours later both Azell and Carine walked down the steps and onto the sidewalk in silence. Azell wanted to comfort her. She wanted to ask about her husband but Carine's depressed mood made her silence her concern. Looking down she noticed Carine's feet were starting to stomp. Feeling worse she knew Carine's feet were killing her.
Azell grabbed Carine's arm to face her. Carine resilient to her touch pulled back but Azell refused to let go.
"I'll take you up on that shopping spree you offered. I would like to stay friends if that's okay?" Said Azell releasing Carine.
"Why? We aren't friends and you already said no." Answered Carine.
Feeling exhausted Azell stared at her feet. "I need a friend. I really don't have any. I go to work, church and home every week. I hardly go out. After last month I feel I have a bond of some sort to link us. I'm not the best of friends but Im loyal to a fault."
Azell heard Carine sigh then after a long moment Carine said, "I need to change. I heard even Olivia Newton-John couldn't handle this outfit very long." Looking up at Carine's smiling face, a wave of relief went through her.
The morning passed quickly into late evening as they piled all their shopping bags into Carine's Cadillac. Carine had changed into tight jeans and purple low cut v-neck. They had spent a good amount talking about their lives from high school till now. Carine still exempting her marriage from Azell. A person who didn't know them may pass them off as best friends.
As they drove, the laughter of old Carine came through. She wasn't as dumb as Azell had believed. Actually, she was very intelligent. Just naïve.
As they neared Azell's apartment Carine stared and asked, "Who's that? A neighbor?"
Feeling confused Azell looked towards her stairwell.
"Nate." said Azell staring at him.
"Who's Nate? He's hot." Carined said
"If you don't remember then you will soon." Answered Azell as Carine parked in the number twenty-three spot. Azell could feel the hair on her arms raise up, her heart beat faster and her face warm to the touch just looking at Nate. As they got out Nate stood up and waited. Gathering their items Azell passed Nate to her door without looking at him. If he was dangerous he would of done a home envasion by now. Carine followed behind with a smile towards Nate. As Carine entered Azell's apartment, Nate stood in the archway of the door smiling towards Azell's direction. Carine not understanding the awkwardness between them spoke to Nate.
"So, Nate. I'm Carine.I'm glad I get to meet you."
Nates eyes turned to hers but he spoke to Azell. "This one knows my name, too. Is she the one who got away?"
Carine half smiled as she became confused. "Got away?" she asked.
"Yeah, but maybe this will help you to remember me." Nate said covering half his face with his hand.
Carine's smile disappeared as she realized who he was.
"You're...you're that robber!" Screamed Carine with fear. Backing up until her leg's hit the coffee table. Nate advanced toward her smiling. He spoke calmly, "A rational reaction I would say."
A curled scream let loose from Carine's lungs as two hands covered her mouth.