**Raindrops Kissing Silent Streets – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 23**
Renee took a deep breath as she unlocked her phone, her fingers moving with a practiced ease to save the recording she had just captured. The moment felt significant, a piece of evidence that she needed to keep safe. Without wasting a moment, she uploaded the file to her email, ensuring it was securely stored away.
Once back in the ward, she swiftly changed out of the hospital gown, the fabric feeling foreign against her skin. She dressed in comfortable clothes, her mind racing with thoughts as she left the ward. The urgency of the situation propelled her forward, and she hailed a taxi without hesitation.
The taxi ride felt interminable, the city blurring past her as she focused on the destination ahead—the police station. After what felt like an eternity, the vehicle finally rolled to a stop in front of the building, its imposing facade looming over her.
Just as she was about to step out, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure standing at the entrance. It was Jeremy, the officer assigned to her case, his presence both reassuring and unsettling.
But what struck her more was the strikingly beautiful woman standing beside him. As she squinted to see better, recognition washed over her—Rihanna Jackson, Kayla’s close friend. A wave of unease rippled through her.
Renee instinctively pulled out her phone, her heart racing. Switching to video mode, she zoomed in on the scene unfolding before her. In the frame, she could see Rihanna handing Jeremy a card, their conversation a silent exchange. Though the words were lost to her, the respectful demeanor Jeremy displayed toward Rihanna was unmistakable. It was a side of him she had never witnessed before, and it sent a pang of jealousy through her.
Her heart clenched tightly, a feeling of helplessness washing over her like a cold wave. She remained frozen in her seat, unable to tear her eyes away from the scene.
The taxi driver, sensing her hesitation, broke the silence. “Miss, why aren’t you getting out?” His voice was laced with impatience, pulling her back to reality.
Renee let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping as she finally put her phone away. “Take me to the Morty Hotel,” she instructed, her voice barely above a whisper.
The driver shot her an exasperated glance through the rearview mirror, rolling his eyes in a way that suggested he had seen too many indecisive passengers. With a grunt, he turned the car around and headed for the hotel.
As they drove, her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen to see Adam’s name flashing. She answered, her heart sinking slightly at the thought of his disapproval.
“Renee, the nurse said you were discharged. Why didn’t you call me?” His tone was a mix of concern and irritation.
Leaning back against the seat, she turned her face toward the window, watching the world outside. The sea sparkled under the sun, palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, and a few birds danced through the clear blue sky. It should have felt idyllic, but her mood was a heavy shroud, dulling the beauty around her.
“I saw you talking with Julian and thought you two were discussing work, so I just left,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light despite the turmoil within.

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