Page 80 of Rich Girl
“They’re saying I kidnapped Hayden.”
I watch the disbelief on Cal’s face. It mirrors my own.
“They are also charging me with aggravated assault.”
“Of Hayden?” His voice comes out a couple of octaves higher when he asks that.
I nod and look away. I shouldn’t feel embarrassed of him seeing me like this, but I am. Our still new friendship is being tested. I know Cal is a great guy, but I’m sure he doesn’t need shit like this in his life.
“Don’t worry, dude,” he now tells me. “Alex knows a really good attorney, that’s who I called. We’ll get this shit straightened out. Besides, it shouldn’t be hard at all to prove that you didn’t do any of this shit.”
“I sure hope so, man. I can’t believe this.”
I drop my head back and close my eyes, trying to picture any kind of scenario where I would want to have anything to do with Hayden Benedict once I am out of here.
“What the fuck was she thinking?” Cal echoes my thoughts. “And to think we all really liked her. That’s some shit for sure.”
We continue going back and forth, talking it all out and realizing none of what we know so far makes any sense.
Before long, the heavy door to the room opens, and the police officer steps in the entryway.
“Fuck,” Cal mumbles. “It hasn’t been thirty minutes yet.”
He says it low enough just for me to hear, but the officer responds anyway.
“You’re a popular man today, Parker. Your attorney is here.” He then turns to look at Cal. “I’ve already cleared it with my superior for you to stay in this meeting if you want to. The attorney gave your name as one of the references.”
“I’m staying,” Cal says with conviction.
“There someone else out there, but we can’t have more than two people in here at a time,” he explains.
“Who else is out there?” I ask in surprise.
“A James Walker.”
“Oh, I called him on my way here,” Cal explains. “And I gave him the number for the attorney to keep on calling until he got a hold of him.”
The officer steps to the side for the attorney I didn’t know I had to walk in. I am surprised when I notice how young he is, probably around my age, which worries me. I was expecting someone older, which would show signs of more experience, right?
“Mr. Parker, I’m Dillon Hastings, and I’ll be representing you.”
He steps in with confidence and takes a seat next to Cal. He only carries a note pad and pencil, placing both on the table.
“I’d shake your hand, but I see you’re a bit busy there.”
He smirks like this is funny, and I look at Cal, hoping he can explain what’s happening.
“I’m Cal Prentice,” he introduces himself. “Alex Connors gave me your number.”
“Good to meet you both,” he nods at both of us. “Too bad it’s under shitty circumstances, right?”
He then proceeds to stare me down.
“Mr. Parker. Ray, if I may.”
His politeness is making me roll my eyes, but I try to contain myself since he is here to help me. The faster we figure this shit out, the sooner I’ll be out of here.
“When you fuck up, you fuck up good,” he chuckles.
