Page 14 of Love Under Siege

"She has an ex who used to abuse her," Lana interrupts.

Collins looks back at me then asks. "Could he be doing this?"

I think for a moment. "I mean, yes, it's a possibility, but I don't see why he would."

"Why is that?" he asks.

"Because if he wanted my attention, he had no problem just walking up to me... He wouldn't hide himself just to mess with me," I reply.

He nods his head and writes more things down in his notepad. "Miss, I'm not sure what you would like us to do," he says.

"You can help by finding out who is doing this to her!" Lana says loudly next to me, and I give her a look.

"Lana, let's take a deep breath, okay?" I say softly then turn back to Collins. "I just need to feel safe in my own home. Is there any way to increase patrols around my neighborhood? Maybe look into who could be behind these messages?"

He gives us a sympathetic smile. “Has this person threatened you?”.

“Well, no, not exactly,” I reply, my voice wavering.

“Do you know anyone else besides your ex who could be doing this?” he inquires, his eyes narrowing as he takes notes.

“No,” I answer in a lower tone, already dreading the answer.

“Then I’m sorry, but I can’t help you,” he says with a finality that hits me like a punch to the gut.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN’T HELP HER!!!” Lana yells, her voice echoing in the small station.

I turn toward her, placing a hand on her arm. “Lana, please!” I say, trying to defuse the situation.

She looks at me, shocked, then sits back and folds her arms, seething.

“Not to repeat what she said, but why can’t you help me?” I ask, desperation creeping into my voice.

“We can’t just start an investigation unless this person has threatened to harm you. There isn’t anything we can do,” he explains, his tone firm but apologetic as he hands me back my belongings.

Defeated, I walk out of the police station, feeling even more alone than when I first walked in there. The weight of the situation presses down on me, making it hard to breathe.

“This is bullshit, you know that, right?” Lana says as we step outside, her voice dripping with frustration.

“Lana, please, not right now,” I plead, my mind racing with thoughts of what could happen next.

She stops me, grabbing my arm and looking into my eyes with concern. “Anya, I am really worried for you.”

I sigh, feeling the tears welling up. “I know you are, and I love you. But right now, I just want to go home and sleep the day away,” I say, my voice breaking as I start walking again. “We’ll figure something out,” I reassure her, though my own conviction is shaky at best.

“How can they not do anything unless you are in harm’s way!?” she exclaims, her arms flailing in exasperation.

I shrug, the hopelessness of the situation settling in. I just want to be done with this conversation.

“That is so fucking stupid!” she shouts, her voice rising. “Let’s just wait until you are lying in your own blood before the dumbass police do anything about it!” she says sarcastically, her face flushed with anger.

“LANA! Just stop, okay!” I snap, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.

Her face softens when she looks at me, her anger giving way to concern. “I’m sorry, this whole thing has me on edge,” she says, her voice quieter now.

“Look, I know you’re worried, but I really don’t wanna talk about it right now, okay?” I say, my voice tired and defeated.

She opens her mouth to say something but then closes it, simply nodding her head. We walk in silence, the weight of the unresolved situation hanging heavily between us.

---