Page 99 of Spark

“Mia?” Melvin asked, one hand coming to her shoulder.

Absentmindedly, she patted his hand as realization hit her like a freight train. “Yeah, I guess that’s true. He is going to get away with it.” A tear fell down her cheek. “Shit.” She gave a soft, sad chuckle.

“What do you mean?” Melvin looked from Mia to the detective.

“Mia…” Detective Daniels’ face reflected the heartbreak she felt. “Tell me what happened.”

“The day I punched him in the face, his nose started bleeding. I brought him to my loft to help patch him up because I felt bad. He was in the loft, he touched things, and he bled on the vanity.” [HF25]She drew in a deep breath, recalling that night.

“But that was weeks ago, I cleaned everything up.” She felt the dread settling in again. “There would be nothing left from that incident.” Detective Daniels drew in a deep breath and the answer was unspoken.

Her mind cracked with her heart; the fact that Oliver knew he was going to get away with it was too much. He had a reason for his fingerprints to be in the loft and a reason for blood to be there, too.

“What do we do?” Melvin asked, a comforting hand still on his sister’s shoulder. Mia quietly cried.

“Well, two choices,” Detective Daniels began. “We push this, and it ends up going to court. He will probably walk because there is a valid reason for his prints to be there. And everyone else who has been in your apartment before the break-in is placed under a microscope; their lives broken open and investigated.” He spoke directly to Mia. She didn’t know how he knew, but she was sure he was referring to Aurelio and his background.

“Or…” Her mind was already made up.

“You let this go. He walks, and everyone else does, too.” Detective Daniels sighed, “Neither option is the right one. But you get to choose.”

“Drop it,” she said with no hesitation. “Drop the case.”

“No. he needs to pay,” Melvin stated, he looked form Mia to Detective Daniels.

“No, he doesn’t,” she said grimly, trying to make him understand. Aurelio didn’t need to be dragged into this. Not if Oliver was going to get away with it anyway.

“I am not letting him get away with how he has treated you.” Melvin said, “I see enough bad guys walk.” Mia looked to him, his own demons creeping into his features. Detective Daniels watched Mia, his hand coming to rest on-top of hers.

“If that’s what you want,” he said finally. “I have some paperwork for you to sign, and then you are free to go.” Mia nodded, Detective Daniels standing. He moved to the door, gave them a backwards glance, and then, walked out quietly.

“Mia…” Melvin said as the door closed.

Mia shushed her brother.

“Not here.” She cast her gaze to the camera in the corner and Melvin followed her eyes.

Melvin nodded, sitting down and holding her hand, wiping her tears away. Detective Daniels returned after a few minutes, paperwork in hand, and Mia made quick work of signing everything.

“Any questions?” Detective Daniels inquired, leaning back in his seat.

“Yes,” Melvin said. “What happens with Oliver?” Mia looked up at the Detective.

“Well, because his prints were found at the crime scene, he has been put on suspension while the investigation washappening.” He let out a deep sigh. “After the paperwork is filed, he will come back. But he is no longer my partner and no longer working the car theft case.” He sighed again, his face sagging as he spoke. “He was in too deep. He needs help.”

Mia nodded; she knew that firsthand.

“Detective, what if I share what happened with him and my brothers the day we arrived?” Melvin interjected.

“If you have proof of any of it happening, please do. Otherwise, it’s all hearsay.”

“Understood.” The siblings stood up. “Are you all set then?”

“Yes. But a word of advice, Mia.” Detective Daniels caught her hand, his eyes pleading with her as he spoke.

“Don’t be alone at your apartment.” Mia nodded. “Move if you can. Oliver won’t let this go till he burns himself down. I don’t want you burned in the process,” Detective Daniels admitted sadly. “That kid has had all the pressure on him his whole life, and he has finally snapped. I’m worried about whoever gets in the way. Please, don’t let it be you.”

“We won’t let it be,” Melvin assured, putting an arm on Mia’s shoulders.

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