Sergeant Bowo's gaze sharpened, meeting hers with careful scrutiny, "What manner of violence are we speaking of?" he asked gently.
Drawing a steadying breath, Melati began to recount her tale.
In hushed tones, she unfolded the narrative, the harshness, the outbursts, and the darker deeds she had endured.
Detail by detail, she painted a vivid picture of fear and despair, culminating in her decision to sever ties with him.
Throughout her narrative, Sergeant Bowo listened with unwavering attention.
He jotted notes here and there, his expression shifting from grave solemnity to stunned disbelief, and then settling into quiet indignation.
"Very well, Miss Melati. We shall pursue this matter forthwith," he declared with resolve.
"You may rest assured that your safety will be our foremost concern."
Melati inclined her head in gratitude.
Though a trace of anxiety lingered upon her face, a gentle relief now softened her features, relief born of being heard and heeded.
"Thank you, sir," she murmured courteously.
"Though… I possess no tangible evidence. The marks left by his violence have long since faded…" she added, casting a brief glance towards Felzein.
Sergeant Bowo nodded knowingly, "That is of no consequence, Miss Melati," he assured her calmly.
For a moment, his eyes flickered to Felzein, as though piecing together an unspoken understanding.
Perhaps Felzein had offered some aid, tending her wounds until the bruises vanished, or some such act of kindness.
"If apprehended, I have little doubt the suspect will ultimately confess," Sergeant Bowo added with firm conviction.
A breath escaped Melati's lips, laden with newfound ease, "In that case, I feel somewhat reassured, sir," she said, a faint smile curling her lips.
Soon after, Melati was questioned further, for names, addresses, occupations, and any details pertinent to Welly.
Though her voice trembled still, she answered each query with honest forthrightness.
Noticing her unease, Felzein sought to offer silent comfort.
Without a word, he extended his left hand and gently clasped Melati's right.
Startled, she turned to him, yet found only a serene smile behind his mask and a slight nod of encouragement.
Gradually, a small smile blossomed upon Melati's face. Their hands tightened their hold, as if drawing strength from the connection.
Rosa, observing quietly, felt a pang of envy stir within her breast.
Yet she said nothing, averting her gaze.
Felzein, attuned to Rosa's reaction, reached out with his right hand and took Rosa's left.
Rosa was caught unawares. She looked at Felzein, searching for his intent.
"What," she wondered, "was he truly seeking? Was he attempting to grasp the hearts of them both?"
Reclining in his chair, Felzein closed his eyes, offering no reply.
His hands still held those of Rosa and Melati, warm and steady.
Neither moved to withdraw, as though the contact itself bestowed a measure of calm upon the trio.
Within, Felzein smiled to himself. There was something peculiarly soothing, though undeniably strange about the moment.
"Between Rosa and Melati (Rose and Jasmine), both radiant and fragrant. But must one choose when both might be embraced?"
Having concluded her statement, Melati drew a deep, calming breath.
Though a flicker of unrest remained, she felt a tentative peace now she had shared her truth with the authorities.
Felzein and Rosa waited patiently by the table.
When all was done, the three took their leave of Sergeant Bowo.
"We await your further word, sir," Felzein said with polite gravity.
Sergeant Bowo inclined his head, "We shall contact you promptly should there be any new developments."
Their steps measured and deliberate, they exited the police station.
Rosa cast a gentle glance at Melati, still seemingly lost in thought, "Are you well, Mel?" she asked softly.
Melati returned a slight smile, "I am, Och. Thank you for staying with me today."
Felzein slid his hand into his pocket, his gaze fixed ahead, "Now, we wait. I am confident the police will soon bring Welly to account."
Rosa and Melati nodded together, before the three climbed into the Range Rover Sport and drove off into the gathering dusk.
*****
(Elsewhere)
"What?" Welly's voice erupted sharply within the dim confines of the headquarters. "You're telling me you saw Melati get into the car?" he demanded, each word laden with barely contained fury.
Abdi gave a slow nod, "A Range Rover Sport, sir. And who do you think owns it? One of those older gentlemen, no doubt," he said, his tone laced with biting irony.
Welly's jaw clenched as he snarled, "That blasted Melati!" His fists curled tightly, knuckles whitening with tension.
"Melati, with whom exactly? Was she alone?" His voice sharpened, cutting through the air like a blade.
"I can't say, Wel," Gaga answered hesitantly. "But she was with a friend, a young woman in a red hijab. Quite striking, actually. Nearly the same height as Melati."
Welly's eyes narrowed, blazing with a mix of anger and certainty, "It must be Ocha," he declared, voice hard as stone.
Aryo exhaled deeply, a sardonic smile tugging at his lips, "A girl cloaked in hijab, yet kept as a mistress for some old man," he sneered, his tone dripping with contempt.
"The hijab's no more than a mask for their sins. Hypocrites all of them! Better to own our criminality outright," he concluded with a harsh, mirthless laugh.
"What am I to do now?!" Welly cried out, his voice taut with exasperation.
In a fit of rage, he lashed out, kicking the chair before him with such force that it flew across the room and struck the wall with a resounding thud.
"Steady on, Welly," Diga said firmly, fixing him with a penetrating gaze. "We won't find a solution if you let panic take the reins."
Welly inhaled deeply, attempting to quell the storm within him. After a few tense moments, he turned to face his companions.
"Any of you have a plan?" he asked, his voice hoarse but calmer.
Abdi regarded him with a level expression before speaking, "Before I say anything, are you absolutely certain you know the ins and outs of Melati's family?"
"What are you getting at, mate?" Welly asked, frowning slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes.