Reborn From Oblivion

No. 13's strikingly handsome face turned stone-cold in an instant. He gripped the wheelchair handles so tightly that his knuckles turned white with the strain.

"Who's this arrogant troublemaker?" he practically spat, simmering with barely- contained fury.

Detective Thompson jumped in, trying to calm him down. "Easy now. Let's not get worked up just yet. I'll explain it all to you."

No. 13 radiated authority as he spoke. "Ashley's always been the timid sort, avoiding conflict whenever possible. She'd never hit back unless she was seriously provoked. This sounds like the other guy started it, and Ashley was just defending herself. She's not guilty."

Detective Thompson couldn't help but chuckle. "Sounds like you've already got it all figured out, huh? We still need to hear the victim's side, don't we? He claims Ashley insulted him first, and he just gave as good as he got. But Ashley, feeling all high and mighty with her crew, had them beat him up?"

"Ashley's way with words is a bit reckless, don't you think? It's like she's asking for trouble, piling up charges like she's got something to prove."noveldrama

No. 13's brow furrowed. "Was the victim Cameron?"

"Yep."

No. 13 suddenly broke into a smirk. "She should've done it ages ago."

Detective Thompson shook his head. "Don't go encouraging that kind of thing. Sure, she might've had fun, but jail's no picnic."

No. 13 glared with fierce determination. "Who says she's going to jail?"

Detective Thompson's eyes widened in surprise. "Have you seen Cameron's injuries? They're brutal, like something out of a horror show. His life's on the line, and if she doesn't do time for this, where's the justice?"

No. 13, unwavering, said, "I won't let her go to jail."

Detective Thompson was taken aback. "You think you can just shield anyone? Is the court yours to command?"

No. 13 shot him a sideways glance. "If the court rules against her, I'll appeal for an unfair decision."

"Please, don't make this harder for us."

"I'm dead serious."

Detective Thompson was stunned. "You got any evidence to back that up?"

No. 13's expression turned dark.

"Cameron once manipulated a young Ashley, coaxing unethical doctors into taking her kidney for his

so-called true love. It left Ashlee

mentally unstable, prone to episodes. If Cameron sets her off, she can lose control easily..."

"Yesterday, when Ashley went at him, it was because Cameron showed up at her

door and provoked her, triggering a relapse. How can you blame her for that?"

Detective Thompson was left speechless. "Your way of spinning things is something else."

No. 13 replied "This case seems simple, but it's tangled in a web of history. Ashley hitting Cameron is just scratching the surface of their long-standing issues. The judge needs to dig deeper; otherwise, I'll have to take the court to task for injustice."

Detective Thompson gave him a thumbs-up. "You've got a point. But you might save her neck this time, not the next. I'm starting to see it. Ashley's breaking the law on purpose, just to get your attention."

No. 13's face clouded over.

"Why's she become so stubborn and reckless?"

Detective Thompson added, "She

said if you won't see her, she'll find a way. No, 13, if she can't get in by going after Cameron, she'll find someone else. Eventually, she'll pick someone you can't argue against."

No. 13 was quiet for a moment.

He finally gave in, "If she stirs up more trouble, bring her to see me."