6 - CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA
1343 Words
IT has been Mia’s habit to drive through the place where the River’s live. She wanted to remind herself that the case would remain open.
It has been over a month since the murder happened. Until this moment, she was unable to find the killer. She has no suspect either, much to the Chief's chagrin.
The community was not happy either.
Mia cannot face the people. She failed them.
She seldom visited the diner or the grocery store. She cannot stand speaking with locals, knowing that she was unable to bring justice to the murder that shocked the town.
She was not thinking about his career. It was the failure to do her job.
There have been several other cases that came after the River’s murder. They were done and have been closed. However, the case of the River’s remained open. The chief was still on her ass but not on a daily basis.
Years ago, the chief promoted her to a detective position not only because she was capable. She was the only one qualified for the job at the precinct, too.
She worked her ass to become a police officer. She did not want to wear the uniform just because she was trained. But because she deserved it.
She worked several jobs while getting her degree.
When she left the orphanage, she told herself that she would not be just one of the pitiful charity cases that no one wants to adopt. She will be a success story despite not having enough support.
When she left the orphanage at eighteen, she made ends meet and enrolled at the community college. She got the degree far longer than most but she was damn proud when she received her diploma.
She did some training. Before she was done, she got an offer to work at the St. Vincent police department. It has been seven years since.
While working as a police officer, she searched for courses that could enhance her skills until the detective position opened. She got the job two years ago after she worked as a police officer for five years.
She may not be wealthy in a lot of things, but she lived comfortably at the moment. She has a roof over her head and can buy herself a meal at any time that she wants to put food in her stomach.
Mia’s musing stopped when she saw Oswald come out of the front door.
He was carrying a large box that almost covered his face. He placed it on top of another box before returning inside.
The detective parked the car before the River’s house.
She walked towards the pathway.
Oswald went back out. He has another box in his hand.
“Good morning, Mr. River.”
The man nodded. “’ Morning, detective. What brings you here?”
Four boxes in total were lined up between them. Oswald River faced her.
She shook her head before she spoke. “I just swing by. Are you going away?”
“Those were my boys’. A truck will pick them up before noon.” He leaned against the door. “I decided to donate them to an orphanage. I knew that they would appreciate it if another child would enjoy them. They love to share. Their mother taught them to share.”
There was longing in his eyes, but he hid it with a smile immediately.
“The children will love that, Mr. River. As a child from the orphanage myself, I am always excited whenever a truck comes by. It would be either new clothes, toys, or more food for us.”
There was a hint of surprise on the man’s face when he heard that.
“A nun found me in the church. Apparently, I was left there after the mass ended. Except for my clothes and a pink swaddle, there was nothing on me to be identified as someone else’s baby.” Mia disclosed. “The same nun gave me her name. Until the day she died, I showed her how grateful I was for what she had done for me.”
It was common knowledge. She was not ashamed to tell where she came from. She has come to terms with it a long time ago. It hurt less as the years went by.
“I’m sorry about that, detective.”
She gave me a genuine smile.
“It’s alright. It made me stronger. It made me who I am today.” He nodded. “Do you need help with boxes?”
“I will not turn down that offer. I still have more inside. Those were my wife’s.”
They were done when another visitor stopped by.
Mia was not surprised to find her heart fluttering faster than normal. The mere sight of the attractive doctor gave her an irregular beating of the heart.
“Looks like my presence is no longer needed.” The tall woman said the moment she set foot inside the house.
“The detective showed up earlier, Dr. Woods.”
“It’s a good thing I brought food. Pizza alright with you, detective?”
“I won’t be a bother. I will be out anyway.”
“You are welcome here, detective. Are you still on your shift?”
Mia shook her head. “It’s my day off.”
“And yet you are here helping me. Join us, Detective Smith.”
She glanced at the male River. She heaved a sigh before she nodded.
“Great. I have beer in the fridge. Anyone?”
“I’ll have it.”
The cabin felt smaller with the presence of the purple-eyed woman. Mia felt even harder to breathe.
More than a month ago, she poured her heart out to the female doctor. She never did that to anyone else. Not even to the short-lived relationships she had in the past.
Right after Oswald gave her a bottle of beer, a shrilling sound of the phone echoed in the place.
“It’s mine. Excuse me.”
Her eyes followed the tall woman when she went out of the front door to answer the call in private. She remained at the porch, but Mia was unable to hear the conversation.
“I heard that Dr. Woods’ single.”
“W-what?”
She turned to Oswald, who had a shadow of a smile on his lips. Slowly, Mia's cheeks warmed.
“Doctor Woods is not seeing anyone.” He repeated.
“That’s a bull. With that look, a whole line of admirers would be in order.” She uttered before she made a drink.
She was thankful for the cold beer. She did not realize that her throat was a little dry.
“I’m not into women, anyway.” She added after she drank half of the beer.
“She is.”
Mia was only able to blink her eyes. Her stare remained on him as he chewed on the pizza.
“I’m sorry about that. It was my brother.” The woman of the hour said when she joined them again. “Did I miss anything?”
“I was telling Detective Smith that-----”
“Please call me Mia.” She interjected before the man could say more.
“Call me Oswald then.”
“Violet. Only my patient calls me Doctor.”
“I think the detective was a little winded a while ago.”
Purple eyes regarded Mia.
She wanted to kick the man’s shin. At this rate, his words might come true. Those violet eyes have a different effect on her.
“I’m good. In fact, I’m about to go.” She finished the beer. “I just remember that I have to visit the examiner.”
“I thought it was your day off.”
“Yeah, but she requested my presence.”
“Perhaps, you could assist her, Dr. Woods. I’m cleaning up, anyway.”
Mia gave him an eye. She was not insensitive to notice what he was implying.
To her annoyance, Oswald grinned at her.
- Writer
