Page 14 of Kayden: The Past
I sat in the back of the car as they ran my name through their database on the ride to the police station. I tried to think of a way to get out of this. I didn’t need to add jail to my list of troubles. “Guys, come on. We can work something out. Maybe we can stop by the ATM on the way.”
“Are you trying to bribe us, son?” The man didn’t even bother to turn around and face me.
I leaned forward, trying to plead my case. “Sir, please, I just lost my job. I can’t sit in jail. I’ll give you anything you want.”
I received no response. My ass would be spending the night in jail, and I couldn’t do anything to change it. I was booked, fingerprinted, photographed, and given a new set of clothes to wear. It would be a long night as I lay on the hard, wooden bench that lined the holding cell. I closed my eyes and shut out the world.
“Mr. Michaels.” A voice woke me from my nightmare.
My body ached as I sat up. Every muscle and bone screamed when I tried to move. “Here.”
“Let’s go.”
“Where?” I asked as I stood, propelling myself up with my hands holding the hard bench.
“You’re getting out, kid,” he said.
I walked without knowing my feet were moving. I was getting out. I hadn’t placed my one phone call, but maybe one of the guys had bailed me out. I walked through the wing door and jumped as it slammed behind me. It scared the shit out of me, and even the softest sound sounded like a semi horn with my hangover.
“The guy is from out of town and didn’t want to come back for court. He’s decided not to press charges.” The cop walked in front of me and didn’t bother to turn around. Jail was part of his everyday life, but to me, this was a nightmare I wanted to escape.
“That’s it?” I shook my head, still not believing I was free. “I don’t have to come back?”
“That’s it, kid. You’re lucky. Try to stay out of trouble, or next time you won’t have such a happy ending.”
I’d like to say that I followed his advice, but I didn’t. The next month of my life was a downward spiral. I stayed in my house and drank myself to sleep each night. I snorted coke and washed it away with vodka. I didn’t give a fuck about anything or anyone. I chased the next high and used the liquor to help calm my mind and sleep at night. I lost over a month of my life in my addiction. Time I’ll never get back or remember.
I was self-destructive.
