Page 8 of Ignited Heat

I nod and sit back down. Thoughts are swirling around in my head. The cops will come to take her statement in the morning. I don't know how to protect her from that or if I should at all. But I'm worried Cassie won't press charges. The last time Marcos hurt her, she insisted it wasn't an assault, and she didn't let me call the police.

I don't know that I can let her get away with that again. Marcos Solis is dangerous, and he's not taking their breakup well.

After a few minutes, I check on her and she seems to be sleeping. I have nowhere else to go, and even if I did, I would stay here, watching over my angel. I nod off, but after what must be an hour or two, someone shakes me awake. It's Carlos, and he's looking distraught.

The nurse comes in to check on Cassie. This wakes her up and she looks worried when she sees that Carlos is in the room.

"Cassie. Jason didn't let me tell the family. Can I call them now?"

She looks at me and nods in thanks.

"I don't want them to see me this way, Carlos."

"But they'll be worried."

"The only one I want to see is Mom. Can you get her here?"

Her voice is raspy, and she seems tired. Carlos nods and leaves to get Mrs. Lee. The nurse leaves, and the room is silent for the longest time. I'm not a man of words. What could I possibly say to make her feel better or safe?

"Thank you, Jason."

"I was too late, Cassie."

She shakes her head. "It was going to get worse."

"Are you going to press charges?"

"You're worried that I won’t?"

"I know you."

"This is…" she hesitates, "this is different. I'll press charges."

The nurse returns with something for Cassie’s pain. The medication makes her groggy, and pretty soon, she's unable to keep her eyes open.

"I'm sorry, Cassie," I whisper.

But she's already fallen asleep.

Chapter 4

Cassie

The police were waiting for me when I woke up. They took my statement and told me Marcos was in custody. Just as they were leaving, my mother and Carlos entered the room.

"Oh my god, what did that man do to you?"

"Mama."

It's the only word I can say before I start wailing like a small child. Am I allowed to do that? Yes. But I don't like feeling this vulnerable and this hurt. My mother tries to comfort me, but right now, I ache everywhere, so she can't really hold me.

"This will pass, my little princess."

My mother takes a paper towel and dries my tears. She'll have to keep doing it because I'm nowhere near stopping. We sat in silent companionship for a bit, and then I noticed Carlos had left.

"Mama, I'm scared."

"You'll be safe now, he's behind bars."

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