It was until late in the night before Carlos returned to his apartment. When he opened the door, he saw Rosa culled up in the sofa sleeping. He looked at her and chuckled before walking closer. He squatted in front of her and watched her soft breathing sounds.
''Rosa, you should sleep in the bed if you are feeling sleepy'' he said softly and she opened her eyes.
''You are here?'' Rosa put her legs down and Carlos stood up.
''Yes, why are you sleeping in the hall?''
''I was waiting for you. How did it go? I saw you caused quite a stir at the Police station today''
''It went well. Much better than I thought. Have you eaten?''
''Oh, I ordered takeaway, I left some for you. It's in the fridge''
''Go in and sleep, let's talk tomorrow''
''Sure'' Rosa went to the guestroom.
Carlos opened the fridge and saw the takeaway she ordered and smiled.
…..
Looking at the screen, the masked man laughed and angrily swept everything on to the floor.
''How dare you try to come back here? Carlos Ryan, there can only be one person ruling this town and that person is me. Let's see how far you will go. You dare to threaten me in my own turf?''
He walked to the window overlooking the city. With his telescope, he peeped into Rosa's apartment before removing his phone to dial a number. When it connected, he spoke into the phone, ''let Prosecutor Ann handle the case. I want to see how she catches the copycat who dared to copy that man's act''
''It will be done''
''Good''
The call disconnected and he gave a sly laugh, as if finding everything extremely funny.
....
The office of Blue Town Prosecutor's office was as busy as ever, especially Mondays, when Prosecutors' had to attend tons of meetings, fix their court schedule days and meet deadlines in their investigations in order to deliver a flawless argument in court.
The hallway was especially chaotic that morning as rumours of the return of Prosecutor Ann spread wild and far.
Standing in front of their offices, no one wanted to miss the glorious return of the Prosecutor who defiled her own fate, and shot herself in the foot by setting a person who was meant to rot in prison free. Things were also especially more complicated when just a few days ago, the said person returned to the town with a new identity. People were curious to know how the lives of these two people would play out.
Among the people who were excited for this moment was the man inside a black Camron at the side of the road watching as Prosecutor Ann walked towards the Prosecutors' building.
Tapping his finger on his left thigh, he started counting as if waiting for a particular moment. With a snap of his fingers, he turned back to the window and saw Prosecutor Ann being surrounded on every side by reporters and he smirked.
''Let's see who wins this round, Prosecutor Ann'' he said and turned to the driver, ''let's go. I will watch the fun part from the comfort of my home''
…..
Rosa had no idea how the reporters found out about her return. She had made sure no one knew except Scarlet. Standing in front of the media again after five years, she felt like she had been sent back in time to that day.
''Prosecutor Ann, we heard you were returning to office today''
''Prosecutor Ann, have you been in contact with Carlos Ryan? He was introduced to the country as Special Agent Ryan, did you know about his whereabouts all these years?''
''What have you been up to, Prosecutor Ryan?''
''For someone who is just making a comeback today, don't you think your actions are very rude? When did the media of this town become this disrespectful to law protectors?''
Rosa turned and saw Norbert Brian walking up to her. He stopped in front of her and smiled with an outstretched hand, ''welcome back, Prosecutor Ann''
''Thank you, Judge Brian''
''You just returned and they are already making things difficult for you. You shouldn't do this to Prosecutor Ann, don't you think so?'' he said casually but his voice was cold and made the reporters to retrieve.
''I know you are all curious about me, but I am simply returning to work and there is nothing more to it. I hope that instead of paying so much attention to me, you should focus on matters that really matter, thank you'' Rosa said shortly and turned walking away. The reporters started dispersing one by one.
''Big sis'' a girl in school uniform ran up to her from a distance. When Rosa saw her, she stopped and stared at her.
''Were you really planning on cutting ties with us?'' Kylie asked in a choked voice.
''Where is your mother?''
''Over there'' Kylie pointed at the café closer to their office.
''Go and wait for me, I will join you after meeting the Chief Prosecutor''
''Okay'' Kylie turned and saw Norbert Brian and smiled at him before running off. her actions made Rosa to look at them.
''We could be considered friends. Your sister and I'' Norbert Brian said walking closer to her.
'What do you mean?''
''Rosa, you are here? Sorry, I was in a meeting and couldn't alert you about the reporters'' Scarlet said walking up to her.
''It's alright, this was bound to happen''
''Hi, Scarlet''
''Hi, Judge Brian. Rosa, the chief Prosecutor wants to see you. I think he wants to hand over that case to you''
''What case?'' Norbert Brian asked and looked at Rosa, studying her expressions.
''Nothing much, the case of the woman who was raped and murdered in her apartment. I think the case is still with the police, it hasn't been sent to the Prosecutors' office yet''
''I heard about that case, I know one or two people who might be of help. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need help with anything. This time, now that you are back, I hope everything works out well for you, Rosa''
''Thanks. I have to go now''
''Sure, go ahead''
Norbert Brian chuckled after Rosa and Scarlet walked away. He scratched his temple and his gaze turned sharp and cold as he gazed at Rosa's back with a sly smirk.
...
Rosa walked into the Chief Prosecutor's office and saw that he was with a guest and paused at the door.
''Prosecutor Ann, you are here. come in'' the chief Prosecutor said and Rosa stepped in, closing the door behind her.
''Hi'' she greeted the man inside. He turned and looked at her and smiled.
''It is a great honour to meet Prosecutor Ann, I have heard a lot about you and was curious about you. I came to handle some business and when I heard that you were making your comeback today, I decided to stay back and see you for myself''
''Prosecutor Ann, this is Danitus Martino, the CEO of Zeny Group'' the Chief Prosecutor did the introduction and turned to look at Rosa who had a rather blank expression.
''Prosecutor Ann, you look even more beautiful in person, I am honoured to meet you. I hope we get along well in the future'' Danitus Martino stood up and stretched out his hand towards her.
''Yes, nice meeting you'' Rosa reacted after coming back to her senses. She looked at the man and felt that he looked strangely familiar.
''I will leave you to do your work. No need to see me out, Chief Prosecutor. You should attend to Prosecutor Ann, first'' he said and smiled before picking his phone and left the office.
''Prosecutor Ann, sit down'' the chief Prosecutor said and Rosa sat down across him. ''I initially wanted to let you handle a few simple cases so that you will get used to the work again, but things are a bit hectic around here. I want you to handle the rape and murder case. It will be brought to our office latest by the close of today''
''Yes, Chief''
''Also, about Carlos Ryan. Did you already know he had connections with the capital?''
''I don't know what you are talking about, sir''
''Really? He will be the one working on this case. Since you two know each other, I will leave it to you, make sure you catch whoever is doing this kind of heinous thing. Let's put a stop to this mess, okay?''
''Yes, sir''
''You can leave now. I arranged for you to be in Prosecutor Tim's former office. He has been transferred to another place, but the clerk and investigator are still present. You can work with them''
''Yes, sir''
''You can leave now''
''Thank you, sir'' Rosa stood up to leave and the Chief Prosecutor suddenly asked.
''Prosecutor Ann, why do you have so many people looking out for you?''
''What do you mean by that?'' Rosa turned to face him.
''Well, even before you came, I was asked to treat you well by the higher-ups. I was wondering if you had a backer''
''I do not have such a person looking out for me. You are mistaken about me'' she replied and left the office.