Emma, my wife’s closest friend, often finds herself in unpleasant situations without even trying. She’s just remarkably unlucky. The first bizarre incident happened to her about three years ago.
Emma was returning home from work at midnight, parked her car, and as usual, made a quick dash in what felt like a heart-pounding and thrilling 100-meter sprint to her front door. She didn’t make it three meters.
Out of the shadows emerged two figures in hoodies who suggested she freeze, asking for money, jewelry, and other valuables. To prevent her from arguing, they struck Emma on the head with a bat.
Consequently, she suffered a concussion and a large bruise, losing her handbag with important documents, money, keys, and identification. Once she regained consciousness, she filed a report with the police. They reluctantly opened a case but quickly closed it with the statement: “Unable to identify those responsible.”
Emma was deeply upset and didn’t give up easily. She went around asking her neighbors if anyone had seen or heard anything.
Finally, luck was on her side. One neighbor had a car parked outside that night with a dashcam recording. Not only did they notice the commotion, but they took the initiative to hand over the video to the police. However, the officers told him that the footage was too blurry to identify anyone and dismissed it.
Emma had to accept it and keep the video as a memory.
Since then, her husband tried to meet her at the parking lot, while the kids watched from the window.
But her husband was also busy and sometimes came home later than she did. Like it or not, occasionally, Emma had to walk from her car to the door alone. Eventually, almost the same scenario played out again. There were minor differences: after being hit on the head, Emma sprayed her attackers with pepper spray, resulting in a second, much harder, blow.
The police didn’t stray from their previous investigative approach and closed this case even quicker because Emma didn’t see the attackers’ faces.
A tense and trying year followed, during which her husband packed his bags, said goodbye, and left for an easier life abroad. Meanwhile, Emma changed jobs a few times, got a new hairstyle, and redecorated her flat.
One day, at a car wash, Emma recognized one of her attackers, who was well-acquainted with the staff. The police were blunt:
– Even if it’s him, we have nothing against him. The video is not clear evidence, and we can’t tell if he hit you or just came from the building with a bat. And we can’t stake out a car wash indefinitely. So take care, Miss, if you’re out at night.
Another incredible year passed. Emma’s headaches disappeared, and she managed to fall in love with a steadfast gentleman and marry him.
Soon after, the old robbery case unexpectedly sprang back to life. Both attackers were swiftly caught and sentenced to a long-term stay in a remote correctional facility. Yet, despite life settling into a better routine, minor criminal inconveniences continued to find Emma — karma, you see, is relentless.
One evening, during rush hour, Emma was running late for an important meeting. She parked her car and hurried into the underground. Upon reaching the street, she discovered a long, brutal slash in her favorite bag and realized her colorful wallet containing all her documents, cards, and a bundle of holiday money was missing.
Emma, making a couple of half-hearted sobs, wasted no time calling her beloved husband (luckily, her phone wasn’t taken):
– Hey, honey, you won’t believe it, but I’ve been robbed again, probably in the underground.
The steadfast husband responded reassuringly:
– Emma, don’t worry. Everything will be fine. Where are you?
– Near Oxford Circus.
– Stay on the line, go back into the underground, and hand the phone to the first officer you see. Relax.
One and a half minutes later, Emma was seated in the underground police station, surrounded by bustling officers who offered her a choice of tea: green, black, or black with bergamot. Two wearisome hours later, an out-of-breath but elated captain burst in, holding a colorful women’s wallet.
Everything was intact inside, including the money.
It’s good to be married to a police chief.
