Page 203 of Revv

She swallows, jaw tightening again. “You call me from a fucking police station and tell me you found Travis, and then expect me not to lose my mind?”

“I couldn’t not tell you.”

“No. I know, I’m glad you did, I’m just—I wasn’t expecting it.”

“Me either, but here we are.” I exhale and look away for a second, then back at her as I say, “I’m sorry.”

She studies me, then shakes her head like she has about fifteen different things she wants to scream and no idea which one to start with.

The officer starts going through the paperwork before she can choose. Travis was treated, statements were taken, and the store footage caught everything. They got a crystal-clear view of exactly how the fight started and of exactly how badly I lost my shit afterward.

Lena folds her arms again. “So what now?”

The officer keeps talking, and I catch enough of it to know this isn’t just going away.

There are still charges.

Of course there are.

Apparently, he deserved it is not a recognized legal defense.

Lena gave a statement too.

She told them who Travis was. About our placement in his home. The years of complaints. About what he did to her. The detective said there are likely still old reports somewhere in the system, buried under paperwork but not gone.

I look at her.

She keeps her eyes on the officer.

My chest tightens.

She shouldn't have had to do that tonight.

Shouldn't have had to relive it all because I saw that bastard in a grocery store and ripped all those years of healing we did open with my bare hands.

By the time they return my wallet, keys and phone, I’m vibrating with the need to get the fuck out.

My bike was towed to the station instead of impounded somewhere across town.

Small fucking miracle.

The second the phone lands in my palm, Lena catches my wrist.

“Wait.”

I look at her.

“I need to call Cece.”

“I know.”

Her voice is softer now.

That gets me to stop.

We move away from the desk toward the wall, where the noise of the station fades enough that neither of us has to raise our voice.

Lena looks at my hands again.