“Of course it was,” I mutter.
“That sent up a red flag,” the officer continues. “There wasn’t much to the report, so I spoke to Alanna. She explained her situation, however since Mitchell is now deceased, we can’t question him. It’s going to make things a little more difficult, but we will get to the bottom of this. There will be an investigation into his report as well as the events that happened today. You may have an opportunity for bail until we can get this sorted out.”
“Does that mean you believe me?” I ask, blinking back tears.
Officer Barrett gives me a sympathetic smile. “It doesn’t matter if I believe you or not… it’s not me you need to convince.”
***
By the time I get through the booking system, I’m more exhausted than I’ve ever been in my entire life. And that’s saying a lot.
Running was exhausting. Weaving webs of lies to keep my cover was exhausting. Always looking over my shoulder… exhausting. But this day, has by far, been more exhausting than anything I’ve ever experienced. I killed a man. And then shot Eleanore. And then watched her take her own life.
As I collapse onto the hard bunk of my cell, I try to take stock of my emotions. I want to feel something, anything, but right now all I feel is numb. I curl up against the flimsy pillow beneath, and fall asleep without any resistance.
The next few days are a blur of sleep and nightmares. This morning I was dragged into a courtroom to listen to the charges that were being pressed against me. There was some lawyer there to talk on my behalf, which was for the best since I was completely out of it anyway. Gabriel was there too, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at him.
As soon as it was over, I came back to my cell and went straight to sleep. It’s all I’ve been able to do while I’ve been here, but, unfortunately, the guards standing at my cell seem to have other plans.
“What’s going on?” I mumble wearily.
“We need you to come with us,” the man says. “I have a Mr. Maddox and his attorney here to post your bail.”
“Have my charges been dropped?” I stare at the men in confusion.
“No ma’am,” one of them answers. “You are free on bail for now, the charges still remain.”
“No,” I say firmly, shaking my head. “I don’t want bail. I’m staying here until the charges against me are dropped.”
Both men look at each other and then back to me.
“Uh, I think you should consider talking to an attorney before you make any decisions like that.”
“There’s no point. I’m staying here until this is over.”
Both men just look at me like I’m crazy before they start to lock me back in my cell.
“Wait! I get a phone call, right? Or can you contact someone else for me?”
“Yes.” The officer shrugs, clearly not impressed with my shenanigans.
“It’s a police officer,” I say. “Officer Wright, in Idaho.”
He gives me a puzzled glance before nodding. “Would you prefer for me to try to contact him, or I can take you down later to make your phone call.”
“You can contact him,” I say softly. “Just tell him what’s happened, and he will understand.”
The two men leave the cell, their keys clinking as they walk away. I know Gabriel is going to be furious with me, but I can’t think about that right now. I need this. This time to think, to sort through my feelings about everything that’s happened. I lay back down and go to sleep. Over the next two days, I only leave my cell when they make me. The rest of my time is spent in the sweet oblivion of my crappy new mattress.
It isn’t until I’m awoken by a familiar voice that I feel a frisson of hope. Officer Wright. He came. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him. Such a simple, genuine man. He was a friend of my father’s and he always looked out for me. He cared enough to come all this way, and I can’t help but burst into his arms, hugging him tightly.
“I missed you too kiddo.” He laughs gently, hugging me back.
I lean back and take a good look at him. He’s older now, and grayer too. His dark brown hair is more of a salt and pepper style now, but the kind green eyes are the same. He was close to my own father in age, and I imagine for a moment what my Dad would look like if he was still alive.
“Thank you for coming,” I say gratefully. “I didn’t know who else to call.”
“Of course.” He smiles softly. “You’ve been through a lot kid, and there was no way I was going to let you go through this on your own.”
He runs a hand through his hair, his expression turning serious, and just like that our warm reunion is over. “They tell me you’ve refused bail.”
“Yes.”