Melody watched carefully as the investigating officer finally walked out of her room. Only when the door clicked shut behind him did she let out a long, quiet breath, her shoulders sagging slightly with relief. Thankfully, he didn't seem suspicious of her-at least not yet. She had managed to keep her story straight, keep her expression calm, and most importantly, keep her identity hidden.
Just as the sense of tension began to ease from her chest, the door opened again. This time, it was a nurse. She stepped in holding a small, sealed plastic packet in her hands.
"Mrs. Collins," the nurse said politely, walking toward the bed. Melody felt a little thrill at being address as Mrs COllins again and nodded at the nurst questioningly to which she continued, "These were the clothes and accessories you were wearing when you were admitted. They were damaged during the emergency procedure, but we've preserved them just in case you'd like to keep anything."