“See! You don’t pull over for an unmarked car. Similarly, you shouldn’t be talking and going with a person who doesn’t have a uniform on. Part of why I am in the Special Victim cell.”
Pandora looked at him playfully. “Well, I shouldn’t be talking to you right now.“[]
“Here it’s fine. This is the police station, after all.”
“You have a point. I am taking that you wear a uniform to the first meet and greet. Then once they know you are the real deal, you walk out wearing a suit. It’s a bit like a superhero, isn’t it?“]
“Batman. I like batman, thank you,” he said.]
“Of course, the best detective in the comic universe.“]
They walked into his office and Milton pulled out a seat and gestured for her to sit down. Once she was settled, he pulled out a seat to sit down next to her.
“Your ex was let out an hour ago. He was not happy. But I did make it clear that he would be in trouble if he went anywhere near your home or work.”
Relief overwhelmed her.
“Now, we need to work on the restraining order. The first one will be temporary and for ninety days. The judge has already issued it and it was shown to Derrik before he left custody this morning. Now, we need to complete additional paperwork and I will present it to the District Attorney. We have to prove the need for the order and you will have to appear before a judge before the temporary restraint order runs out.“]
“Okay,” she said, agreeing. But she felt like she was wasting his time for this.
“Pandora, he doesn’t need to physically hurt you to be abusive. From what I saw last night, he has been abusing you mentally and you weren’t aware of it before you divorced him. Moreover, his largeness is intimidating and he seems to flaunt it pretty well. That is intimidation.“]
A tear slipped down her face and she quickly wiped it away. “I am not sure who he is any longer. I knew our marriage was not perfect but I took all the abuse because I didn’t understand how I… a woman with such a high–paying and powerful job could be abused, you know?” she shook her head. “I was lying to myself. I don’t have any love for him anymore and right now, he could drop dead and I wouldn’t blink an eye.“]
Milton smiled. “That is not a bad thing, Pandora. It means that you know you are more than what he offered you or ever gave you. You are moving on.” He squeezed her hand and then leaned over to grab the paperwork. “So, let’s go through this together, shall we?“]
It took a few hours to get the paperwork completed and sent to the District Attorney. During the time, Milton told Pandora about support groups available for her and also gave his personal phone number.
She was instructed to call him right away if Derrik showed up within a hundred feet of her. He explained that all the charges were sent to the DA’s office that morning and they were trying to push for more than just the restraining order. Of course, Pandora understood these legal matters. She knew that her father could expedite all of it, but she didn’t want to bother him with her matters.
“Call me even if you want to chat.” he said and led her to her car. He opened the door for her. “In fact, I will text you if there is any development on the case. The no contact order started before Derrik was released this morning and he was served the papers in the
courtroom
“Thank you again,” she chuckled.
“It’s no problem Factually enjoy serving papers in full order personally“]
closed it for her. Forever the gentleman. She waved at Milton before starting the car[]
The whole thing made her nervous, but she also felt relieved at taking this important step. She felt safer.]
0
“What’s up?” Keira said as she walked into Pandora’s house.[]
Hey,” Sia smiled following Keira inside. “We thought that since you are still feeling unwell, we should cancel our monthly night out and make it a girl’s night in!” she exclaimed.]
Relief flashed through Pandora and she slumped back into the couch. “Thank you,” she whispered, knowing the girls liked to dress up and party. That night, she didn’t feel up to it, but she didn’t want to ruin their fun either. She was glad they were doing something indoors instead.]
“I brought some food. We just need to heat it up.” Keira said.[]
“And I bear non–alcoholic mixes that won’t disappoint,” Sia added.]
“If it is a competition… I also brought a hard drive full of pirated movies.” Keira laughed making Pandora look at the little box she was holding up. “Don’t judge me. You’re going to have a baby soon and you need to start saving money on entertainment. Babies are expensive!“]
“I am financially well–off, I don’t need to teach my kid morally ambiguous things,” she argued and her friend lifted her brow.
“Do you even know what that means? You’re too upright of a citizen,” she sighed.
“I like to keep my naughtiness reserved for the hot men in books,” she retorted. “Speaking of hot guys… I just remembered that I am in a sexual drought.”
“Pandora, you had sex a few months ago, remember?”
“But I went more than a year without it,” Pandora protested. “It’s not like I can go out casually either,” she added, rubbing her stomach.]
The conversation quickly diverted to her doctor’s appointment. “So, what is your OBGYN like?” Sia asked, and Pandora’s face became hot.
“He seems… nice,” she cleared her throat, making the two friends look at her curiously.
“Wait. Do you have a crush?” Keira giggled.
Can
