Hearing the commotion, Eric—sprawled on the ground—felt a glimmer of hope flicker in his eyes. She had returned.
“Cops are here!”
“Run for it!”
The men exchanged panicked glances, released Eric, and fled.
“Stop right there!”
The police rushed over, some pursuing the fleeing men while two remained at the scene.
“Eric!” Hadley dropped to her knees beside him, supporting his arm.
“Are you alright? How badly are you hurt?”
“I’m alright…” Eric shook his head with a light laugh, seemingly fearless.
“Come on. Let’s get you up.”
“Alright.”
With her help, Eric stood, hair disheveled, clothes dusty, looking utterly bedraggled.
Hadley couldn’t comprehend it.
“All this for a peach pit?”
“Worth every bruise.” Eric grinned, opening his mouth to carefully spit out the peach pit.
“They didn’t get it.”
Hadley stared in amazement. He had fought so fiercely to protect it that, without knowing the truth, anyone would suspect the peach pit was some priceless antique.
In that moment, a troubling thought crossed her mind. Could it be that he hadn’t truly lost his memory at all, given how persistent he was?
“Excuse me.” The police approached them.
“We’ll need you both to come with us and make a statement.”
L?t?st chαpt?rs in glnovels.
“Of course.” Hadley stopped speculating and turned to Eric.
“Can you walk?”
“I can manage,” Eric said with a reassuring smile.
“Perfect timing. They didn’t seriously hurt me.”
Any later, and the outcome might have been drastically different.
“I’m relieved to hear that. Thank goodness.” Hadley exhaled deeply.
“Let’s go then.”
“Alright.”
They accompanied the officers back to the station. The two of them provided their statements separately.
“Sign here, and you’re free to go,” said one of the officers.
After signing, Eric asked, “Officer, when can we retrieve the backpack and other items?”
The men who fled had taken Hadley’s backpack and the watch they’d snatched from Eric.
“We’ll contact you when we have updates. Leave a contact number.”
“Understood.” Eric provided his phone number.
Outside the station, they stood side by side, surveying the dark surroundings and exchanging a meaningful glance.
.
.
.