Police Interrogation

The next morning after the incidents, Michael and the children were sitting in the living room, Emilia was in the kitchen preparing coffee. The atmosphere in the room was saturated with fear and suspense; the children were forbidden from going to school that day till they could figure out where the attack came from.

"They should be here by now," Michael was sitting expecting the officer's visitation; they had called him to inform him ahead of time.

After a few minutes, a knock was heard from the door. Michael quickly rushed to the door, opening it to reveal two police officers.

"Mr. Michael?" One of the police asked. "Yes, I am Michael."

The police showed him their identity card, and without hesitation, he let them in.

"We are sorry for the incidents that happened yesterday. And we want to assure you that, we are doing our best to apprehend the culprit. That is the reason we are here again this morning."

"Thank you, officers; I sincerely appreciate your efforts since the incidents happened." Michael, with tension, expressed his gratitude to them.

The officers settled on the couch while Michael and Emilia sat across from them. Clara and Clement lingered near the dining table, their faces pale with worry.

"Should I take the kids to their room?" Emilia asked reluctantly.

The older officer shook his head. "We'd like to speak with them too if that's all right. Children often notice details that adults might overlook."

Michael looked at his children, his heart aching at the fear in their eyes. "It's okay, guys. Come to my side and have your sit."

Clara and Clement slowly moved to where Michael was sitting, they wrapped themselves close to Michael as if seeking protection.

The younger officer began. "Let's start with you, Clara. Can you tell us everything you remember about what happened yesterday?"

Clara took a deep breath, her small hands folding the hem of her dress. "We were walking out of school, and this van pulled up. A man said he was sent by our dad, but I knew it wasn't true. He tried to get us to go with him, and then another man got out of the van. That's when I told Clement to run."

"Did you notice anything specific about the van or the men?" the officer asked gently.

"It was black," Clara said, her voice trembling. "And it didn't have any writing on it. The man who spoke to us had a beard. I didn't see much of the other one."

Clement, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. "The van had a dent on the side. Near the back wheel."

The officers exchanged a glance, nodding in unison.

"That's very helpful," the older officer said. "Good job, Clement."

Emilia leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "What's the next step? How can we prevent this from happening again?"

"We'll increase patrols around the school and your neighborhood," the younger officer explained. "We've also notified the school to implement stricter security measures during pickup hours."

Michael's frustration exploded. "That's not enough. These people tried to take my children. What if they come back? What if someone like Mrs. Grant didn't walk by?"

The older officer's tone remained calm but firm. "We understand your concern, Mr. Michael. We came again to gather as much information that can help us in our investigation; everything is under control, so don't panic. Do you suspect anyone? Maybe you have a struggle with someone just recently?"

Michael hesitated, glancing at Emilia. "No, I didn't. And I am not suspecting anyone. But…"

Emilia finished his sentence. "There has been tension with Michael's ex-wife, Sarah. She's been trying to see the kids recently, and things have been… difficult."

The officers took notes, their expressions unreadable.

"Do you think she could be involved?" the younger officer asked.

Michael shook his head. "I don't know. Sarah doesn't seem like she can do such a thing, but I can't be sure anymore."

The older officer nodded. "My team will make sure we get to the root of this. In the meantime, we recommend installing security cameras around your home; also, don't allow just any access to your children till we are done with the investigation."

The officers thanked Michael for cooperating with them, and they left. The tension seems to be heavier in the house now that the officer has Left. Michael sat on the couch, his head in his hands.

"We are going to overcome this challenge," Emilia said softly.

Michael raised his head, his eyes filled with doubt. "What if we don't? What if they try again?"

"They won't," Emilia said firmly. "We'll do everything we can to keep Clara and Clement safe."

Clara, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "What if they come back to the school? I don't want to leave, Daddy, but I'm scared."

Michael pulled her into a hug. "I promise you, Clara. You'll be safe. We'll make sure of it."

Clement tugged on Emilia's sleeve. "Will you stay with us forever?"

Emilia's heart ached at the question. She knelt to his level, brushing a hand through his hair. "I'll always be here for you, Clement. No matter what."

That evening, Michael began researching home security systems. Finally, he resolved to get a particular one.

"Do you think this is enough?" Michael asked, staring at the screen.

"It's a good start," Emilia said. "We are going to do this together with the school security team to ensure their safety."

Michael murmured, leaning back in his chair. "I hate that this is our life now. Constantly looking over our shoulders."

Emilia placed a hand on his arm. "It's temporary, Michael. Once the police catch these people, things will go back to normal."

Michael wasn't so sure, but he nodded anyway. "I hope you're right."

One evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Michael received a call from the Police Station. Michael frowned his face as he talked with the officer.

"Thank you for updating me," he said as he ended the call.

"What did they say this time?" Emilia asked.

Michael sat back down, his face melancholy "They found the van. It was abandoned on the other side of town. Nothing in it that can be traced."

Clara and Clement exchanged worried glances. Emilia reached for Michael's hand. "We'll figure this out. Together."

Michael nodded, squeezing her hand. "This is just too much for us."

The investigation was still on, but the incident brought the family closer together. Clara and Clement developed deeper trust in their father and Emilia.