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For this case,I had lost too much.If I didn't bring him to justice,I'd die with regrets.
"Doctor,I want to apply for medical parole."
The doctor's face showed pity.She knew about my misersble life in prison these last two years but,as a doctor,not a guard,could only sympathize,not intervene.
"You can,but you need a family member or lawyer to file a written request."
Nathan was abroad,bringing Felix back.We'd hidden Felix overseas, it was the only way to make sure the politician couln’t find him.
My parents died in a car accident when I was in high school.
Lowering my eyes,my only hope was Daniel.
I requested a call.It rang for ages before he answered.
The background was noisy,like a banquet.
"Daniel,I need your help.File for my medical parole."
"Reason?"
No one wants their ex to see them broken.I gripped the phone tight,forcing out the truth.
"I have cancer.I need treatment."
"Hah,another lie."
Daniel scoffed,his tone sharp and heavy.
"When Sophie produced evidence you were the politician's mole,I chose to trust you.And what did you do?You killed her!"
"If I'd believed Sophie,she'd still be alive."
"Anna Clarke,I won’t believe another word you say."
I opened my mouth but said nothing.When prejudice takes root, no one could remove it.
Maybe because of that call, that night, I dreamt a rare dream about the past.
With Sophie's involvement,the investigation suddenly sped up.
Daniel was impressed by her,and as they grew closer,I felt uneasy.
Before,Daniel and I hit walls at every turn,but recently,those barriers vanished,and evidence came easily.
Journalists are sharp.I sensed something off with Sophie but didn't want to think the worst.
Daniel,a prosecutor,should've been as perceptive,but when I told him about my concerns,he thought I was jealous.
"You're too sensitive from being a journalist too long."
"Sophie and I grew up together.I know her—she would never work with a corrupt politician."
He pulled me into his arms,leaning to kiss me.I dodged.
"People change.How do you know she's still that person in your memories?"
"I don't want her on the investigation.She needs to go."
Daniel sighed,ruffling my hair like I was a petulant child.
That evening,Sophie confronted me.
"Anna,I overheard you and Daniel this afternoon."
"I know you don't like me.About the childhood engagement,don't worry—it's just our parents'promise.Our generation doesn't believe in that."
"Daniel loves you.Seeing you two quarrel made me feel awful.I'll go.I'm sorry."
She walked away,dejected,but Daniel grabbed her hand,pulling her back.
He stood protectively in front of her,facing me.
"We need Sophie's help.Last time,her intels lead to a breakthrough."
"Anna,can you stop being so paranoid?"
I laughed.Anyone but Daniel could see Sophie's manipulative act.
Daniel was a prosecutor—did he not see it,or was he pretending not to?
"Do what you want."
After that,Sophie,as if trying to prove herself to me,dug up more and more valuable intel.Soon,our evidence pointed to a high-ranking politician in the finance department.
But the trail grew murky again,as if someone was toying with us.
Sometimes,a week's worth of evidence led to a dead end,wrong from the start.
I was certain Sophie was involved—something was off.
I investigated alone,not even telling Daniel.
Finally,I found the key witness,Felix.
A hotel worker,he'd seen with his own eyes the politician commit murder during anight shift and overheard his dealings with foreign entities.
"Got any evidence?"
"Yes,yes,yes!"
Felix said three times,pulling out his phone.
"I was scared and accidentally started recording."
"Ms.Clarke,you'll protect me,right?Those bastards are checking everyone at the hotel.They'll vertainly know I overheard."
"I don't want to die.My wife just gave birth to our son—what'll they do without me?"
I promised Felix protection,and he sent me the video.For safety,I saved a back up online.
Returning home at 11 p.m.,the house was dark.
Before I took two steps,someone grabbed me from behind,reeking of alcohol.
"Anna,Anna,you're back."
Daniel kissed my neck.I pushed him away.
Click.I turned on the light.Daniel stood,disheveled.
Lipstick stained his collar,his pants unzipped,women's underwear scattered on the floor.
I didn't dare imagine what had happened before I arrived.
"Anna,are you still mad?I shouldn't have argued with you last time.Don't be angry,okay?"
He stumbled forward,reaching for me.Up close,beneath the alcohol,I smelled Sophie's perfume.
"Enough,Daniel.You've never been honest with me."
"Do you really love me?Or do you love that someone who can help you with your case?"
"Let's take a break.We both need to cool off."
