Page 134 of Black Flag

“No, it’s fine.” Iangled the bed up with the remote so I was more in a sitting position.

“I wanted to let youknow that Mariah Fowler was detained yesterday morning and Chelsea Adams wasarrested a few hours ago. Both will be charged as accessories to attemptedmurder for both you and the baby. Gordon Reynolds was also arrested, hisinvolvement isn’t clear yet, but we know he was involved at some point. DarrinTorres is still missing though.” He looked down at his note pad. “A Dana Sloanwas also brought in for questioning...she’sbeing held at the moment but we’re not exactly sure her involvement either.”

“What does that mean?”I asked.

Where’s Emma when Ineed all this crime talk spelled out for me?

“Accessories are peoplewho were not present during the commission of the crime but who aided,counseled, procured, commanded, encouraged or protected the principals beforeor after the crime was committed.” My eyes glazed over similar to Jameson’s.“Ms. Fowler will be charged with second-degree attempted murder, as she waspresent at the time of the attack. Ms. Adams is being charged as an accessory.Both have admitted to everything, with sworn written statements. There won’t bea trial for them but their arraignment is something you can attend if you’dlike to.”

I shook my head.

Was he crazy?

I did not intend to seeany of them again. I was all for forgiveness, but I drew the line at some pointin permanent fucking marker or paint, whichever is more perpetual.

“So there was asurveillance video?”

“Yes, there was.”He watched me carefully. “I heard Jameson viewed it.”

“Yeah, that went well.”

“I think he’s had aboutas much as he can handle.”

“Was I raped?” I blurtedout without thinking. I had to know and no one would tell me. It was justsomething that was important to me to know.

“From the video it’shard to say...” his voice faded, hiseyes darted around the room.

I’d had enough. “Ohcome on, just tell me!”

I must have frightenedhim; lord knows I surprised myself in that moment, because he began stuttering.“I uh...”

“Answerthe damnquestion.” I snarled back. I was on a roll with this newfound assertiveness. “Tellme cop boy!” I think I even pointed my finger at him.

“He started to...from the video I’ve seen, Darrin beganto but abruptly stopped. You can’t tell from the angle of the camera whether ornot he actually...” his voice trailed offas he searched for the right words to say. “Well he...”

I decided to help him.“Jesus Christ, you can’t tell whether he stuck it in or not?”

It was so fuckingfrustrating how guarded everyone was with their terminology. Just spit it outalready, I’m not a china doll for fucks sake.

Henley’s face flushed adeep puce color. “Yes, you can’t tell what he was in the process of doing asEmma interrupted him and he fled.”

I felt better. I don’tknow why but the fact that I didn’t have Darrin oil leak inside me made mehappier; happier than I was at least. I was still pissed as hell he did what hedid and wanted chop his dick off.

Henley left, red facedand all, after my verbal attack. Before I could call Jameson to see where hedisappeared to, another nurse stuck her head inside. “Hey sweetie, you gotanother delivery and this one has a letter in it.”

“Oh, well let me see.”

I had gotten anexcessive amount of cards and flowers from Jameson’s fans, driver’s wives, andLisa Westin, the new Director of Competition for NASCAR but no notes yet.

I was actually curiousas to what someone would write at a time like this.

The flowers werepretty, white roses inside of a crystal glass vase. The nurse placed theflowers near the large window in the sun before handing me the note andshuffling back toward the door.

Dearest Sway,

I don’t really know where to start but Ishould start with I’m sorry. I know that I’m going to jail and I deserve it. Inever meant for you or your baby to get hurt.

I didn’t think Darrin or Mariah wereactually serious. I will say that Mariah was merely along for the ride. Shewanted Jameson, as did I, but Jameson has only ever had eyes for you.

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