Page 36 of Fractured Hope
“Thanks, Seb.”
“No worries.” He knelt next to me. “He also wanted to know how you were doing. I didn’t mention today, but he could tell something was up. He wants you to give him a call when you have a sec, if you’re up for it.” He handed me a napkin from Jolt with a number on it, and I guessed it was Kay’s. It was good to know he cared. He was a really nice guy, and after his help yesterday, I felt like we’d bonded over the shared experience. I made a mental note to give him a call later.
Seb stood and passed the other cup to Atticus, then picked up the last one for himself. “I just got you decaf, bro,” he said, nodding at Atticus.
Max had his own cup in his hand. He was standing off to the side, giving us space.
Atticus looked at me. “Are you okay to go through everything?”
I just nodded, knowing what I needed to do.
“Come on in, Max.” Atticus gestured for Max to take the recliner farthest from me, while Seb sat in the one next to me. Atticus was already back with me on the three-seater sofa, ready to support me through the questioning.
Max strode into the room, pulling out a small notepad and pen as he perched himself on the edge of the seat. I hadn’t had a chance to notice before I’d panicked that I’d seen him aroundtown and at Kat and Yaya’s lunch. He was always laughing and off playing with the kids. Now that I was prepared, I could see his eyes were kind as he gave me a nod.
“I’m really sorry meeting me was so distressing, Bodhi. That would never have been my intent. I’ve wanted to meet you since Katerina has spoken so highly of Atty’s new man.” He sent me a little wink, which helped me relax as Atticus placed his arm around my shoulder, holding me close.
“I’ve known the Papadakises since before the boys were born. They’re practically family, just like everyone else in town. You included. I want to keep everyone safe. If someone is threatening you, a member of a sheriff’s department or not, I will do everything in my power to stop them. Please believe me, I trust Atticus and what he’s told me. I would like for you to tell me your story. When you’re ready.” He paused, his warm brown eyes assessing. “Is that okay, Bodhi?”
I studied him as he waited patiently for my response. There was just something about him that told me he was telling the truth. He was serious but kind. My fear of the sheriff’s department came from Derek and his friends, not really from older cops like Max. Besides, Atticus trusted him and that said a lot.
Taking a deep breath, I braced myself to tell my story again, when Seb caught my attention. “Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to check and see if it was okay that I stay. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” He sent me an imploring look. I’d grown used to Seb. He sometimes made me anxious if he popped up out of nowhere, but most of the time his hulking form was more reassuring than not, something I was thankful for.
“Please stay, Seb. You don’t make me uncomfortable.”
He raised an eyebrow at me.
“Okay, not really. Let’s just say it’s not you. You just have a similar physique to Derek, and sometimes it catches me offguard, that’s all. I know you would never hurt anyone.” I focused on his deep emerald eyes and willed him to believe me. “I trust you, Seb.”
Shock registered on Seb’s face at my comment before emotions clouded his eyes and he glanced away. “I’m glad. Thanks, Bodhi, that means a lot.”
Sending Seb a reassuring smile, I turned back to Max. “Where do you want to start?” I had no idea what to do or how official this might be. I looked at Max to take the lead.
“Ideally, we’d start at the beginning, but first can you give me a description or photo of Derek so I know who to be on the lookout for?”
“I don’t have any photos. He destroyed my phone early in our relationship.” I dragged a hand down my face, feeling frustrated. “Wait! There should still be one on his department’s website from when he received a Governor’s Lifesaver Award. It was just before we met, and his office brags about it any chance they get. I can bring up the site and send it to you.” I went to grab my phone to do just that, but Max stopped me.
“No need, I can do it.” He waved me off. “What is his full name and department? And did you say he received the Governor’s Lifesaver Award?” He was making fastidious notes on the tiny pad he had.
“His full name is Derek Guthrie the third,” I said, rolling my eyes atthe third. He would go on and on about being the third generation and the third lawman in his family. “He works out of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, and yes, the award was the Governor’s Lifesaver Award.” I waited to ensure he had everything down he needed before I continued.
“Okay, thanks.” Max glanced up with a more sympathetic look on his face.
I knew what was coming next. The dirty details, the truth about our relationship. I braced myself. I could do this.
“Can you tell me about your relationship with Derek? When did it start, how old were you, and when did it turn violent?” He paused. “I know this is hard. The more you can tell me, the better. I’ll be able to advise you better and know the best steps to take.”
“I understand.” Taking a fortifying breath, I told my story again. The honest truth of it and the reality I’d faced. I disassociated from it all as I went over it again, pausing every now and then to answer Max’s questions or clarify a statement. My voice was hoarse by the time I’d finished giving as much detail as I could. I was startled out of the memories by Seb’s hand on my knee as he knelt in front of me to pass me a fresh glass of water, taking away my cold tea.
“Thanks.”
He just smiled and returned to his seat.
Atticus hadn’t left my side and was still holding me close with his arm around my shoulders. He offered me the comfort I desperately needed through all of this.
Max furiously added more to his notes, pausing to check things over before looking at me again.
“Thanks for sharing that with me, Bodhi. I think filing a protection order is the first step. From what you’ve told me there’s a lot we could include, and this will allow my department to be aware of your situation. With the emails you showed me and the bullet, we can prove escalation. If you could get copies of your Iowa hospital stay and your recent visit to the hospital here, that would help further your case. We need to make an appointment at the courthouse to obtain an emergency order, so it will become enforceable as soon as it’s filed. I would like to be there when you file, if you don’t mind.” He gave me a questioning look, and I just nodded. “Okay, let me get this written up, and I’ll send Atticus the protective order paperworkand let you know when the court appointment is. How does that sound?”
