Page 111 of The Tattered Gloves
None of them were happy with me. No doubt I’d never hear the end of how worried each of them had been, but at least they knew where I had gone.
And why I had come back.
The sheriff’s station wasn’t much to look at — small and boxy with a brick exterior that blended into everything around it. But, to me, it was freedom.
As the engine shut off, Addy turned to me before opening the door. “I called yesterday when you didn’t come home. They’ve pulled Mr. Lee from his classes today, and he’s inside for questioning.”
My fingers dug into the seat.
“They’ve assured me, you won’t come in contact with him, nor will he know your identity.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, unsure if I was actually still capable of movement.
She nodded as Sam’s firm hand squeezed my shoulder.
“Okay,” I said finally, taking a deep breath.
My family, this little collection of people I’d gathered since arriving in Sugar Tree, surrounded me as we walked toward the entrance. Every step felt like a mile, but I wouldn’t turn away.
Not this time.
I gladly allowed Addy to handle everything the moment we entered — from the introductions to the paperwork. I had more important things to focus on…
Like trying not to pass out.
We were quickly escorted into an office and asked to wait. It didn’t take long for the sheriff to arrive. He was tall and authoritative but had a kind smile when he offered me his hand.
I looked out at his hand as he waited politely for me to reply with the gesture, but my arms were wrapped tightly around my waist.
“So great to finally meet you,” Sam interjected. “My father speaks very highly of you.”
I let out a sigh of relief as Sam continued his idle chat with the man, who introduced himself as Sheriff Carter. He took a seat in the desk across from us and quickly glanced through some paperwork
Finally, his eyes met mine.
“Are you okay with this?” he asked, his eyes briefly glancing back and forth to the three people who surrounded me. “We can talk in private if that’s easier.”
I adamantly shook my head. “I want them here. All of them.”
He nodded before continuing, “I’ve read over what your aunt told us over the phone and the statements made by your friends. Can you tell me what happened to you?”
And so I did.
I told him about my life growing up with a negligent mother who turned tricks for a living. I told him about the rules and how I disobeyed.
I told him about that night.
I was sure I wasn’t the first young girl to break down in tears before him, but he treated me like his own daughter in those brief hours. He handed me tissues, he was gentle and compassionate, and above all… he believed me.
“And your mother didn’t call it in? When it happened?” he confirmed.
“No, she didn’t want the police finding out about her, so instead, she spent the next few days tracking down my aunt to get rid of me.”
Addy’s hand found mine.
“Well, I’m going to be honest with you; he’s not being very cooperative with us. Not that I expected anything less. He’s claiming innocence, and without anything physical to tie him to the scene, I don’t know that he’ll get any time.”
My face fell along with every ounce of hope I possessed.
