Page 30 of Then There Was You

Before I can say anything, I hear a voice from the living room. Panic rises in my chest again, and I know Seb can feel my body tense in his arms.

“Seb,” the voice says again. “It’s Jackson.”

“It’s the police, Tay. Jackson works with Nash. I’m guessing they want to talk to you. Do you feel up to it?” I nod, knowing I have to talk to them at some point. I just want it over so I can curl up in bed and forget about it all. “We’ll be right out, Jackson,” Seb shouts.

I sigh before sitting up and wiping my tearstained face. I swing my legs to the side of the bed and stand.

“Do you need to get back to the bar, or can you stay?” I ask hesitantly. There’s no reason why he would stay, but I don’t want to be on my own.

“I can stay.” He takes out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen. “Ryder can close up.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

Taking a deep breath, I walk out of the bedroom.

“Hi, Taylor. I’m Officer Jackson Adams.”

“Hi.”

“Are you hurt? Do you need me to call the EMTs?”

I shake my head. “No. He didn’t hurt me.”

He gestures for me to take a seat, and I sit down. I look over to Seb, who’s followed me out of the bedroom, and he sits next to me.

“Can you tell me what happened?” Jackson asks.

I spend the next thirty minutes reliving the night from when we first met Brandon to when Seb pulled him off me. It feels like I’ve said the same thing over and over again, but I guess he needs to know my side of things.

“What happens now?” I ask when I think he’s done with his questions.

“We’ve arrested Mr. Murphy and he’ll be questioned in the morning. So far, he’s saying you invited him in and what happened was consensual.”

“What?” I ask, my head swinging around to look at Seb. “That isn’t what happened!”

“I had to drag the bastard off her, Jackson. Iheardher say no.”

He holds up his hands. “I know, and that’s why I need to ask you if you’re happy to give a statement as a witness, Seb?”

“Yes! Of course.”

“Okay. I’ll leave it for now as it’s late, but if you can come down to the station in the morning, someone will take your statement.” He stands and gives me a small smile. “Don’t worry, Taylor. With Seb witnessing what happened, it’s doubtful he’ll get away with what he’s done.”

“I’ve never seen him before,” Seb says. “I don’t think he’s from Hope Creek.”

“He’s not,” Jackson confirms. “He was just passing through.” He makes his way to the door. “Someone will be in touch soon to let you know what’s happening.”

I stay on the sofa while Seb goes to the door. “Thanks, Jackson.” He shakes his hand before letting him out. When he’s closed the door behind him, he comes back to me on the sofa.

“How you doing?”

“I’m okay. He didn’t actually do anything. It’s just what could have happened if you hadn’t shown up.”

“You’re safe now.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“You don’t need to keep thanking me, Taylor.”

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