CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR – POLICE CUSTODY

Jasmine nodded and followed Sonia down a dingy tiled corridor, the harsh buzz of the fluorescent lights adding to her growing headache. They entered a small, sparsely furnished room, a metal table and chairs as the only furniture. "Alright," Sonia began without preamble as she took a seat. "Walk me through what's happening." And so Jasmine did, fighting to keep her voice steady as she recounted the bank's notification, the drained funds, maxed out credit cards - all the violation and fear she felt. Sonia's face remained impassive, jotting down notes occasionally. When Jasmine finished, Sonia let out a low whistle. "Damn, that's a fair amount of money and fraud tallied up already. I'm guessing around $40,000 or more total?" Jasmine could only nod miserably. Sonia tsked, shaking her head. "Well, here's the ugly truth, Ms. Delacroix - chances of getting that money back anytime soon are pretty damn slim." Jasmine felt her heart plummet. "W-what? But I'm the victim here! That's my lif