When Robins Appear by Densie Webb

Author:Densie Webb
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: women's fiction
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
Published: 2020-10-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Deb

Despite the litany of questions squirreling around in my head, Amanda’s fragile state prevented me from asking anything more of her, and little was said on the ride home from the police station. The police had already asked enough questions—questions I wasn’t privy to, questions I was craving answers to myself.

Officer Spencer had gently pulled me aside. “Ms. Earle, your daughter would prefer that you not sit in while we interview her.”

I was appalled. “What? I have a right to...”

“Ma’am, she’s seventeen. She has a right to make that decision.”

But she was just a child. My child. To hell with legalities. She needed me. Will she be too afraid to tell them what really happened? Will they twist her words and trap her? Will they even believe her?

I watched the hem of Amanda’s torn skirt flutter as another officer escorted her into a room and closed the door, severing our connection. It felt as if she’d been ripped from my arms. I sank into a backless wooden bench pushed against the wall, gripping the metal bars designed to cuff suspects and prevent escape.

Amanda was too young to rent a car, to sign a lease, to vote. Most institutions understood that she was still a child needing her mother’s guidance. Everyone except the police. This was wrong. I called Richard again and again, but he wasn’t answering. I left a message, trying to unsuccessfully channel calm as I watched the cast of characters being dragged into the station. I wouldn’t go to the bathroom. I wouldn’t get a sip of water. I wouldn’t budge. I wanted to be the first face she saw when the door to the interrogation room opened. My thoughts festered. Whoever was responsible for hurting Amanda would pay. And I had a gut feeling that none of this would be happening if Graham weren’t involved.

The door to the station swung open, and an officer walked in with... Graham. I had a moment of panic as I thought they might cuff him on the bench next to where I was sitting. His head down, his hands cuffed behind his back, he looked every bit the part of a drug dealer. He cut his eyes in my direction as they pulled him toward another room. And then he was out of my sight.

Next in line was Jack’s father and another man who, based on his Brooks Brothers suit, I could only assume was a lawyer, who strolled in side by side, commanding attention. The lawyer was talking to one of the officers, his back to me, his voice low.

Moments later, an older man with a gray ponytail, wearing overalls and flip-flops, burst in and asked for Graham. “I’m Graham Scott’s father.”

He looked old enough to be my father.

“You need to take a seat, sir.”

“And his lawyer.”

Amanda needed a lawyer. Did I screw up by not contacting one for her? I had a new source of churning angst.

An eternity passed before she walked out of the interview room, Officer Spencer right behind her.

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