Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
“C’mon,” says Connor. “You can do better than that. If I stand still do you think you can hit me without any help this time?”
With a growl of rage, Brian surges forward and swings again. His aim has indeed improved. Connor doesn’t have to move to catch this punch. It smacks him straight in the mouth, making his head rock back. A thin line of blood oozes down his chin. The sight makes my stomach tumble.
Several gasps and a startled shout are heard from our audience. Then, with no hesitation, Connor smashes his fist into the other man’s face, knocking him off his feet. Brian hits the floor and it’s over. This part of the night, at least.
“Don’t worry,” says Ava. “I’ve called Denise.”
I lock the driver’s-side door of the Mustang. “Not to be salty. But is she really the best idea in this situation?”
“Trust me. I know the family history.”
“She has a point,” says Katja, who it turns out isn’t a supermodel after all. She is in fact a successful singer-songwriter in her native Germany. “Ava knows these people very well. You’re new to town, right?”
I nod reluctantly.
Connor gave me his car keys before the cop took him away. Because of course Brian said he was pressing charges. What a dick. It makes no sense since he threw the first punch. The first two even. But here we are at the local police station as the last of the sunset gives way to night. I followed Ava and Katja in her rental. There’s a whole world full of tension between the two. Katja’s surprise appearance seems to have shocked the shit out of Ava, and there are lots of nervous side glances going on.
The police station is just a basic boring government building. Gray floor tiles and matching walls greet us inside. The misery is monotonous and there’s not much ambience to speak of.
One of the things about being a writer is a tendency to mine your life and experiences for inspiration. In theory, this should all be new and interesting. But all I can think about is Connor. I’ve been experiencing a mini meltdown ever since I saw him take the first punch. It keeps playing over and over inside my head. I hate that he was hurt. Add him being carted off by a cop and I am freaked out and furious. I hate violence, but I am ready to do some if someone doesn’t give my fake date back to me. Now.
I just have to keep telling myself he is going to be fine. We are going to get him out of here. And the universe had better manifest that shit on the double or else.
Brian sits in the waiting area holding a bag of ice to his face. A child sent to time out couldn’t be surlier. The little shit. He watches us with hostile eyes as we approach the counter.
“Let me handle this,” says Ava in a whisper.
I don’t like it. But I nod because she’s the calmer of the two of us.
Katja stands to the side, toying with the key fob.
“Hi, Gracie,” says Ava with a smile. “We’re here to get Connor.”
The redhead behind the counter in a neat black uniform opens her mouth to speak. But a voice booms from out back, “He’s spending the night in jail.”
“Is that really necessary, Chief?”
A tall, wiry man with neatly combed gray hair strides out. “Go home, Ava, and take your friends with you.”
“Be happy to just as soon as you give us Connor.”
“He’s being charged with assault.”
“When will that happen?” she asks calmly.
“To be decided. My son is still considering all his options.”
Brian glares at us. Leaning hard into being the victim. His black eye is impressive. That sucker is going to stay swollen shut for days.
“You can’t just hold him indefinitely.” Staying quiet was never a strength of mine. Dammit.
Brian’s dad doesn’t seem to have a volume switch. Everything he says is sent out into the world in shouty caps. There’s no hint of an inside voice with this man. “He’s a danger to the public.”
“Bullshit,” I say.
Ava winces. Whatever.
“You want to join him?” threatens the chief.
And I hate bullies. Just fucking detest them. “Sign me up, buddy!”
Which is when Katja slaps her hand over my mouth and whispers furiously in my ear, “Stop. You’re saying stupid things that do not help anyone, Riley. Take a deep breath and calm down.”
When she removes her hand, I nod and keep my mouth shut.
The chief smirks at me.
“Did Brian happen to mention that he grabbed my friend, Riley?” asks Ava with a smile as sweet as pie. “That’s assault too, isn’t it?”
The Chief’s smirk changes into a sneer. “I hope you’re not making things up, Ava. It won’t help your boyfriend.”
“I am happy to give you a statement,” I say calmly. “Katja was standing next to me at the time and saw it all.”