Page 132 of Revival

Spencer is in trouble

My fingers trembleacross the smooth screen as I frantically ask for help from the people I know I can always count on.

“This isn’t right.” I step forward, my body aching with the need to hold Spencer. I lock my knees to keep them from shaking. The sight of the silver cuffs glinting in the light nearly knocks me to the ground.

“Don’t come any closer,” the sheriff orders.

“I’m okay,” Spencer grunts as he’s cuffed and pulled upright. His eyes never leave mine. “It’ll be okay, Cortney.”

The sheriff jerks Spencer backward. “You’re looking at an assault charge.”

“Please don’t do this.”

“She sure sounds pretty when she begs, doesn’t she?”

“Shut your mouth,” Spencer snaps. His eyes flare with rage. Sheriff Perry’s antagonistic remark lands with practiced precision.

“I don’t think I will. Let’s go.” The sheriff marches Spencer out the door.

Slinging my purse strap across my torso, I rush after them.

How did this night go so wrong? One minute, we’re talking about our future together, and the next, Spencer’s being carted off to jail.

The dark street lights up in blue and red as two more cruisers join the sheriff’s car. Sutton emerges first, hand on his service weapon as he calmly surveys the scene.

“Evening, Sheriff.” His greeting is measured and a little cool. Silas walks up a moment later. The sarcastic youngest Stone is uncharacteristically controlled.

“Look at this family reunion.” The sheriff seems almost gleeful at the turn of events. “Who called you two?”

“There were multiple calls from patrons about the fight. We were nearby,” Silas answers.

“How… convenient.” Sheriff Perry glances between the two newcomers.

“Tell me what’s going on,” Sutton says as he carefully assesses the situation.

“Aggravated Assault. Nothing more than a jealousy-fueled altercation with your brother and another individual over his… girlfriend.”

If either of them are surprised to hear this revelation, they don’t show it.

“Where is the other party?” Silas asks. He adjusts the volume on the radio strapped to his chest.

“Last I saw, he was still on the floor,” Sheriff Perry answers.

“Did you call for medical?” Silas continues his questions.

“Why don’t you?” the sheriff sneers.

Sutton and Silas exchange a glance before Silas disappears inside the bar.

“What’d he assault him with?” Sutton steps closer and scans Spencer’s face. Spencer lifts his chin, refusing to succumb to shame beneath his brother’s assessment.

The sheriff shrugs. “I didn’t see what weapon he used.”

“It was his fist! He punched him, Sutton.” I plead with one of my brother’s oldest friends. “Once.”

Sutton gives me a slow sweep from head to toe as if he’s checking for injuries.

“A fist? Sounds to me like nothing more than simple assault.” Sutton puts his hands on his hips.

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