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“Let me out!”
Officer Garcia turned away from them and was talking to someone on the phone, then the two new officers who arrived on the scene before she approached her cruiser. Next thing I knew, she hopped into the driver’s seat, and we were backing onto the street, about to leave.
“Wait, what about my friend? She can’t stay there because he’ll beat her up to punish her.” I shoved toward the widow, my hands pressing against the glass pane, Emma staring at me with desperation streaked across her face.
“My team will take the uncle in for questioning, giving Emma enough time to pack. She said she has a friend she can go stay with for a few days. So, we’ll arrange for her safe travel there for now until I will try to find somewhere safer for her to be.”
I blinked at the officer, suddenly realizing what she was saying.
“The police do that?”
“My team does when possible. I’m the Chief of Police and we’re short on staff, so you’ve got me tonight. As such, I can promise you it will be done.”
As the car pulled away, leaving behind the scene of chaos, I couldn’t stop the tears that I couldn’t be there for Emma.
“Does that mean you will let me off with a warning?” I said, looking at the officer. I grinned cheekily, wiping my tears when she turned her head to look at me.
“Sometimes our hands are tied, Katerina,” she explained.
I was too stunned by the night’s events to properly reply.
“But maybe... maybe I have a solution that can help you,” she murmured.
I lifted my head, watching her in the mirror. “What do you mean?”
“If you plead guilty to the possession of these narcotics, I might be able to get you placed in a program instead of going through court and potentially landing in prison.”
I stiffened. “What kind of program?” I questioned, my voice low.
“There’s a new institute for troubled women over the age of eighteen that opened up last year on the outskirts of town, near the old cathedral. I’ve heard stories of women turning their lives around in there. They teach discipline and skills and help you get back on your feet.”
“But I didn’t…” I began, but the words froze in my throat. In truth, I had no one to back me up. My stepdad had already turned against me.
“Right now, this might be your best option,” Officer Garcia continued. “It’s only for six months. It might not seem fair, but it’s a lot better than facing long waits for courts, and in the meantime, I’m guessing you’d keep living with your stepdad, and he didn’t sound especially happy with you. I’ve helped other women do this because sometimes life’s not fair.”
I looked down at my hands in my lap, glad she hadn’t handcuffed me, while I swallowed the thick lump forming in my throat. Six months at a strange institute versus potential court and even prison if I’m blamed. Neither option was appealing, but one was less terrifying.
“And you promise Emma will be safe?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“You have my word. I’ll personally look into her situation,” she promised, her gaze meeting mine in the mirror.
“We have a legal advisor you can talk to at the station to ask any questions you have and make the right decision. If you go to court, with no money, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a decent lawyer.”
Swallowing hard once more, I processed all the information and made my decision. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the words I was about to say.
“Okay, I’ll go to the institute for six months,” I finally said, my stomach turning in on itself.
“Good choice, Katerina.” Officer Garcia looked at me through the rearview mirror, her eyes smiling. “It won’t be easy, but it’s a chance for a fresh start.”
On the bright side, I was on vacation from college, so I might be able to join class when I returned. I’d lose my jobs, but I’d use the time in the institute to work out what I’d do once I got out.
Leaning back in the cold seat, I started to tremble. I’d actually agreed to confess to a crime I hadn’t committed and to be sent to an unknown place, all in the hope of a lesser punishment.
I closed my eyes, the events of the night replaying in my mind. I was no longer just Katerina Harper, the college student who hardly slept and worked too many shifts at the local diners. I was now Katerina Harper, the alleged drug possessor, soon-to-be inmate of an institute for troubled girls.
Fuck!
CHAPTERTWO
