The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The Neon Lounge was buzzing by ten o'clock, the night just getting into full swing. Inside, the DJ's beats were pounding, making conversation nearly impossible. Jason usually avoided places like this unless he was on duty, but tonight was different. He strode in, still in his cop uniform, which drew plenty of curious and cautious glances. People tend to do a quick mental check of their past misdeeds when a cop walks in, especially in a place like this.

The bar manager rushed over, all smiles but clearly nervous. "Officer, what brings you here?"

"I'm looking for someone," Jason replied, scanning the crowd for Monica but not spotting her. The manager, thinking the worst, started to sweat. "We're all above board here, officer..." "Relax," Jason said, hardly glancing at him as he continued his search.

The patrons, catching sight of Jason, buzzed with curiosity. Was something going down?

Just then, a commotion erupted at a nearby booth-a bottle shattered, followed by a sleazy voice saying, "Hey, beautiful, you alright? How about I buy you another drink?"

"Get lost," came Monica's unmistakable voice.

Jason zeroed in and headed straight over.

Monica hadn't drunk much. She was there to unwind, aware of the type of men who haunted such places, and she wasn't about to let them ruin her evening. Just as she decided to leave, her eyes met Jason's, and in her distraction, she stumbled down the steps. Jason caught her swiftly, while the sleazy guy, noticing Jason's uniform, wisely backed off.

"Let's get out of here," Jason said, steadying her.

"Why should I go with you? Who do you think you are?" Monica snapped, pulling away.

"I'm your boyfriend," Jason shot back, not missing a beat, as he scooped her up and headed for the exit.

The crowd parted, eyes following the scene with eager interest.

Monica struggled in his arms, furious. "Put me down, Jason! You're not my boyfriend! I'll scream!"

Her threats didn't faze him.

Outside, he gently placed her into his car, leaning on the door. "Monica, about Alisa and me, I..."

"I don't want to hear it." Monica covered her ears, "La la la, not listening!"

Jason was stumped, more so than any case he'd ever tackled.

Seeing her hands slip from her ears and her eyes fixed on him, he realized he had to explain. "Don't you know when a woman says she doesn't want to hear, she really means the opposite?"

He met her gaze, usually so good at reading suspects, now struggling for the right words.

"I was drunk that night, blacked out. Woke up with Alisa in my bed. I've been trying to figure out how to tell you, Monica... I'm sorry."