In still waters. Natalie Shpet

ample workspace, while a two-door refrigerator in sleek gray completed the efficient layout.

      A staircase near the kitchen led to the second floor, where two bedrooms awaited. Nick and Kate's room was decorated in soothing light tones, featuring a large bed and a spacious wardrobe. The children's bedroom was a whimsical contrast, with a bunk bed shaped like a playhouse and walls covered in bright wallpaper depicting stars and planets – a perfect haven for young imaginations.

      Nick's wife, Kate, was the heart of this home – a devoted wife, loving mother, and skilled homemaker. She and Nick had been together since their youth, their bond only strengthening with the passing years. At thirty-nine, Kate remained a striking beauty – a blue-eyed blonde with long, flowing hair and a smattering of freckles across her fair skin. Of medium height and slender build, she still turned heads, a reminder of her days as a frequent winner of local beauty contests in her youth. Many remarked on how well-matched she and Nick were, their physical similarities only emphasizing their deep connection.

      Their children, Edward and Gina, were perfect blends of their parents. Edward was the spitting image of his father, while Gina took after her mother in both looks and temperament. The family was completed by Thor, their loyal Doberman, who was treated as a full-fledged member of the household.

      Kate had always loved cooking and caring for her family. In her younger days, she had dreamed of becoming a designer, but the whirlwind romance with Nick had altered her life's trajectory. Yet she harbored no regrets, finding genuine happiness in the life they had built together. Kate's parents lived in San Francisco, and the family made it a tradition to visit them for a month each summer. Nick's parents, seeking warmth in their golden years, had relocated to Orlando, Florida. Nick and the children made it a point to visit them when the chill of autumn settled over Austin.

      As Nick entered the house, he could hear the tail end of dinner. Thor, ever vigilant, was the first to greet him, bounding towards the door with enthusiasm. Close behind came the pitter-patter of small feet as Gina and Edward raced to welcome their father home. Nick stood in the hallway, removing his jacket and shoes, a smile breaking through his weariness at the sight of his children.

      "Dad's home! Dad's home!" they chorused, their excitement palpable.

      "Hi Gina, hi Edward!" Nick knelt to kiss each child, then gave Thor an affectionate pat. "I've missed you all so much. I'm home early today! Where's your mom? Why isn't she here to greet me?"

      As Nick embraced his children, he heard Kate's footsteps approaching from the kitchen. Her voice, tinged with a hint of exasperation, reached him before she came into view.

      "You call this early? We were just about to head to bed!" Kate stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the hall, dressed in a pink home T-shirt and black knee-length shorts. Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, and she held a kitchen towel in her hands.

      "Kate, honey, don't start," Nick pleaded, his tone light despite his exhaustion. "You know you're the greatest treasure in my world."

      He moved to embrace his wife, the familiar scent of her shampoo momentarily pushing away the stress of the day. Since Rose Saltano's murder, Nick had been spending long hours at work, often returning home well after the rest of the family had gone to bed. Kate understood the demands of his job, but he could sense the underlying hurt in her words.

      After washing up and changing into comfortable blue pants and a T-shirt, Nick joined his family in the kitchen. The children, excited to have their father home at a reasonable hour, eagerly shared stories of their day – tales of triumphs in sports, adventures with friends, and all the little moments they'd been longing to share. Kate stood at the sink, washing dishes, a smile playing on her lips as she listened to the animated chatter.

      "Dad, can we watch a movie together when you're done eating?" Edward asked hopefully.

      "No movies tonight," Kate interjected firmly. "You have to get up early tomorrow, remember?"

      "Please, Mom?" Edward pleaded, his eyes wide and imploring. "We'll only watch for a little bit, then straight to bed. Promise!"

      Kate's resolve wavered in the face of her son's puppy-dog eyes. With a sigh, she relented, unable to deny her children this rare evening with their father.

      As Kate finished with the dishes, Nick came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and planting a kiss on her cheek.

      "You're the best mom and wife in the world," he murmured. Kate's smile widened, the tension of the past weeks melting away in the warmth of the moment.

      "I love you all so very much," she replied softly.

      Nick headed to the living room, Edward and Gina flanking him on either side.

      "So, what shall we watch?" he asked, settling onto the couch.

      "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!" the children exclaimed in unison.

      "Alright then, let's do it!"

      They all cuddled together on the couch, Nick in the middle with the children snuggled against him on either side. As the familiar theme music filled the room, Nick felt the day's worries begin to recede, replaced by the simple joy of being with his family.

      "Wake up, sleepyhead!" Edward's voice, tinged with amusement, roused Nick from an unexpected slumber. He felt a small finger poking his stomach gently.

      "Did I fall asleep?" Nick mumbled, blinking in confusion.

      He had been so exhausted, yet so content, that he hadn't even noticed drifting off. Nearly an hour and a half had passed, the movie long since ended. Kate, he realized, had already gone to bed.

      "Okay, kids, time for bed," he announced, stifling a yawn. "We'll finish the movie another night."

      After tucking the children in, Nick headed to the kitchen for a glass of water before turning in himself. As he reached for a glass, his mobile phone, left on the kitchen table, began to ring. The caller ID showed it was Christian.

      "What could have happened now? It's 12:10 AM," Nick muttered, a knot of anxiety forming in his stomach.

      "Hello, Christian. What's up?"

      Christian's voice crackled through the speaker, urgency evident in his tone. "Nick, you need to come in right away. Bradley Force and Sheriff Jeffrey have been brought to the station. Jeffrey burst into the house of a guy named Peter Gomez – apparently, he's a drug addict and a friend of Bradley and Steven. Jeffrey started shooting up the place with his pistol! Thankfully, no one was injured. The neighbors heard the shots and called it in quickly. Steven Cooper and Peter managed to escape in the chaos."

      "Christ," Nick swore under his breath. "I'm on my way."

      "Alright, I'll meet you there."

      As Nick hung up, he realized that any hope of sleep had vanished. He didn't wake Kate, not wanting to burden her with this new development. Instead, he quickly changed back into his work clothes and headed out into the night, his mind racing with the implications of Jeffrey's reckless actions.

      Chapter 11

      Upon arriving at the station, Nick learned that Jeffrey and Bradley had been placed in separate holding cells. He instructed the officers to bring Jeffrey to the interrogation room, ensuring that the sheriff's weapon – the pistol used in the shooting – had been properly confiscated and logged as evidence.

      The interrogation room was a stark, windowless space that seemed designed to unsettle those brought within its walls. Dark blue paint covered the walls, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. A large table dominated the center of the room, flanked by four chairs. Overhead, a long fluorescent lamp cast a harsh, unforgiving light. Behind a two-way mirror, two officers stood ready to observe the proceedings.

      Jeffrey was led in, still in handcuffs. Once seated at the table, an officer removed the restraints. Nick took his place across from Jeffrey, while Christian positioned himself near the entrance, a silent observer to the tense scene about to unfold.

      Nick leaned forward, his voice low and controlled, but tinged with disbelief. "Jeffrey, what the hell were you thinking? Have you completely lost your mind? You're facing charges of attempted murder. Do you understand the gravity