After a medical scare, Julie was admitted to the hospital to protect her unborn baby.


    "The situation is clear," the doctor said. "Julie needs to stay in the hospital to ensure her pregnancy continues safely."


    Thew can be harsh, but it''s alsopassionate. An unborn child is innocent and deserves a chance at life.


    Detective Jason was in charge of Julie''s case. He arrived at the hospital with his team, standing by the window of the ward to nce at Julie, who was handcuffed to the bed. Julie''s pregnancy was advanced, and her condition was most obvious when shey on her side. "Keep an eye on her, both of you, around the clock. Don''t let her out of your sight. We''ll switch shifts tomorrow," Jason instructed. "If anything happens to her on your watch, you can kiss your badges goodbye."


    "Don''t worry, Jason, we won''t even blink. We''ve got this covered."


    "Good. I''m heading out; it''s been a long day." With that, Jason left with his usual ir.


    Monica was still waiting in the car outside. She wanted to see what kind of trouble Julie might stir up, but Jason had advised against her visiting. So, Monica stayed in the car, calling Anastasia to update her on the situation.


    Anastasia had also heard about Julie''s hospitalization. The police had notified Herman. Both agreed to follow protocol. Having lost a child themselves, they wouldn''t stand by and let anything happen to Julie''s unborn baby.


    Justice is justice, Anastasia thought. She wasn''t a saint, but she wouldn''t stoop to Julie''s level of ruthlessness. Anastasia had a daughter and wanted to set a good example, believing in karma. Harboring ill will was wrong, but one could never be too careful. Monica voiced her concerns over the phone, "Julie''s crafty, using her child as a bargaining chip. She won''t take this lying down; I''m worried she might pull something."


    Anastasia shared the concern but knew worrying was pointless.


    "She''s six months along now. We''ll give her three months at most, let her cling to life a bit longer. Besides the cops, Herman has people keeping watch in the shadows."


    This reassured Monica, and she perked up when she saw Jason leaving the hospital. "I gotta go, Ana, Jason''s here."


    "You two still hanging out?" Anastasia was surprised; it waste, and they''d been together all day?


    "Well, if it isn''t Jason working me to the bone. I''ve be his personal bloodhound," Monica said excitedly. "But honestly, it''s fascinating and thrilling, solving these bizarre cases. People who seem so nice might turn out to be serial killers."


    Monica loved adventure and excitement. She wasn''t just avoiding Jason''s lectures; she genuinely enjoyed diving into the strange and thrilling world of detective work.


    "Be safe," Anastasiaughed. "Pattie, Herman, and I are out to dinner, so I won''t keep you."


    "Enjoy your meal with the family. I''m about to milk Jason for a nice dinner myself after all the work I''ve done," Monica replied, clearly in high spirits, especially since Anastasia had been cleared of murder charges.


    Jason opened the driver''s side door. "Chatting with Anastasia?"


    "Yeah, she''s out with Mr. Salstrom and Pattie, having a cozy trio dinner," Monica said, feeling optimistic. "It''s been a tough road, but things are looking up for Ana and Herman. Today''s a great day. Speaking of which, I''m starving, Jason. How about treating me to dinner for all the hard work I''ve put in?"


    "I could invite you over to my ce," Jason suggested as he started the car.


    The mention of "my ce" and the thought of a single man inviting a single woman over for dinnerte at night made Monica wonder if there was more to the invitation.


    Ever direct, Monica asked, "Jason, have you fallen for me or something?"


    Jason was momentarily taken aback by Monica''s train of thought, and his foot mmed on the brakes.