Chapter 2: Stealing my Heart
I woke up to the noise of police sirens outside. I ran downstairs to find out what was going on,
and to my dismay, they were holding Ashley in the wooden bench outside.
-Officer? What's going on?
Officer Zelner looked at me, and asked with his raspy voice:
-Do you know who she is?
-Yes. She's my guest.
I gave Ashley a reassuring look, but she looked at me with guilt.
-Well, this one here.
He patted Ashley's head.
-Was trying to crack your safe open.
I looked back at Ashley, just too see her looking at the ground.
-I'm sure it was just a misunterstanding.
-Ma'm, she was holding a bag full of expensive clutter. She was kneeleed before your safe,
trying not three, not four, but eighteen codes, until we got here. Now, do you wanna come down to the
presinct to file a police report?
-Officer Zelner, I'm sure you know my father.
-I sure do.
-So, I would love to tell him just how bright you are if you leave this matter in my hands. Do
we have a deal?
-Miss Ward...
-Officer Zelner, I'm sure there's a detective position awaiting for you. You just have to hand her.
-Fine. But if it happens again, there's no way she's off the hook.
-Thank you. I'll be sure to mention you.
-Have a nice day.
-You too.
I sat next to Ashley in the wooden bench and we both looked at officer Zelner walking away.
-Ashley...
-I can't express how sorry I am. I know that means nothing, but you have to believe me. I had no other choice. I'm leaving now, and you'll never have to see me again.
-And where are you going?
-I don't know.
-Don't be stupid. You can stay, but don't steal from me.
-Are you serious?
-Yes. But, Ashley, I advise you to clean your act. I know as of last night, that my neighbours only have one son, and he's thirty.
I don't know how many times you stole. And I frankly don't care. You need to straighten up. If not for you for your baby. Unlike you,
It has no choice.
-I don't... I don't know what I'm going to do.
-Neither do I. But you shall have my roof over your head, and you shall have my help when it's needed.
-I can't even say how thankful I am.
Ashley hugged me once more, and in that moment, I was sure. This would be heaven, or this would be hell.
