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She hangs up, and I get up from my bed, pocketing my phone as I head to my bathroom to fix my tear-stained face.
Grabbing a washcloth, I run it under some water, then begin wiping my face, staring at my reflection in the mirror.
Now’s not the time for tears and despair.Get yourself together and go down to the station.
It’s time to make those bastards listen to what happened and get Chase the hell outta there.
76
CHASE
Frustration and anger whirl inside me as I sit in the chair inside the holding room, the officer across from me repeatedly asking the same questions about the events that transpired in the lunchroom of Emerson High School.
“I didn’t mean to hit the security officer,” I reiterate for what feels like the thousandth time. “I’ve already told you that Alex ran his mouth, providing you word for word what he said. He pissed me off and I swung. But he ducked and I hit the security guy behind him instead.”
The officer nods, making notes on his pad. “Well, the good news is your story hasn’t changed. But we’ll have to begin processing you.”
I swallow nervously. “How long will I be here? What happens now?” The handcuffs are making me squirm, my anxiety shooting higher and higher, reminding me of my time in captivity.
“We’ll let you know that soon enough.”
My leg bounces as I glance up at the clock on the wall. It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve seen Mackenzie and I’m worried about her. The devastated look on her face when the cops led me out of the school in handcuffs gutted me.
My attention is diverted from my thoughts by a dark-haired guy wearing a suit confidentially strolling into the holding room. “Officer Mack. I’m Brett Graham, attorney at law.” His brown eyes move to me. “Hi, Chase. My son, Jeff, informed me what happened. I’m here to represent you, if you’d like?”
My heart soars before plummeting to my feet. “I don’t have any money.” My dejected voice barely carries the short distance between us.
He waves a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry about money. You’re friends with my son. Consider this a favor.”
A smile spreads across my face, which grows bigger when I hear Officer Mack cursing beneath his breath.
“I’ll need to talk to my client,” Brett says. “Also, my son informed me Mike Collins, Chase Landon’s guardian, has arrived. Although Chase is eighteen, he’s still in school.”
Officer Mack grunts. “We’ll wait for him then I’ll show the three of you to a room to talk.”
A few minutes later, Mike is shown into the processing room. My eyes meet his, expecting to see fury and disappointment. Instead, I see concern.
“Sorry it took me so long.” He strolls over and pats me on the back, leaning into my ear. “I called Brett. He’s a damn good attorney.”
My chest hitches, gratitude making my tense muscles relax. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Officer Mack interrupts us, grunting as he stands. “This way.”
After an in-depth conversation about all the events that transpired between Alex and me at the school today, Brett leans forward. “Are there any witnesses who would be willing to corroborate the events that occurred today? Other than Jeff, of course.”
I lean back against the chair. “Mackenzie Collins. Also, Melody Lane.”
Brett writes their names on his legal pad, nodding. “That’s good.” He puts his pen down, clearing his throat, his gaze moving from me to Mike and back to me. “This may be an uncomfortable conversation but the more I know, the more I can help. On the drive over, Jeff told me that you and Mackenzie have feelings for one another and are involved. He also told me that the two of you were held captive by a cult. I’ve seen newspaper articles about it.”
I sigh. “Yes, we do. It’s not a trauma bond, though. I’ve never thought of her as my sister, and she hated me for the first couple of months that I resided in the Collins’ house. Our feelings grew and changed before we were held captive. Being in captivity deepened them until we could no longer deny what we felt.”
Brett nods. “Are you in counseling for what you endured? And is she?”
I nod. “Yes. What does that have to do with anything?”
“I’m just trying to be prepared. I’m thorough and don’t like surprises. I’m not judging you at all, Chase, nor am I judging her. I’m simply obtaining a comprehensive knowledge of things, okay?”
Studying his expression, he appears sincere. I relax, nodding at him.
