Page 64 of No Second Chances

Deputy Limm, who didn’t seem to like me at first, surprises me by smiling broadly. “Reminds me of my family. Ready and willing to let you handle your shit, but also there to catch you in case you fall.” He coughs and then rearranges the papers in front of him. “I’m going to be honest here. You lied on an official report, which isn’t good. But you did it under duress and as the victim of domestic assault. There were extenuating circumstances. We’ll submit the paperwork for an order of protection in Penobscot County, but you should put one through here as well.” He looks over my shoulder and I can’t help it, I look too.

It isn’t just my dad and Remy standing there. Cole and Linc are there too. “Great. Every male in my life is here.”

“Doesn’t seem too bad,” Deputy Atwell says, smiling. “You could have no one here.”

With that splash of cold water on the situation, I have to admit that he is right. It could be a lot worse.

“So what happens now?” Fear has taken up permanent residence in my stomach since I made the decision to press charges against him. “What should I expect?”

“With the information you have as well as a statement, because the abuse happened in Birch County, it will be up to the sheriff’s department to have a warrant issued for his arrest. From there, he will be given the option to post bail, and then he will go to court. Just like with any other offender.”

“Okay.” I nod, knowing the general specifics of the routine. “Can I do anything else?”

“Stay safe,” Officer Limm advises carefully. “Royal’s not just an abuser. He knows how to game the system. Don’t think that you’re smarter than he is, because that will only make him mad. And mad means that he’ll be reckless. We don’t want him to do something out of desperation.”

“Did you talk to my dad?” The question comes out before I can stop it, and I have to laugh at the looks on both men’s faces.

“No.” Deputy Atwell shakes his head. “But you’ve got four men who look like they could have crushed Royal to dust without even trying, standing right outside the window. You scream trouble, Miss Townsend. I just hope that you’re able to stay out of it long enough to put Royal behind bars.”

“Or in a grave,” my mom calls through the wall. I actually almost forgot that she is eavesdropping.

“What she said,” Deputy Limm says with a smile. “Good luck, Kennedy.”

They let themselves out, and my mom and dad come into the room with Jake hot on Dad’s heels.

“I’ve got all the paperwork here for the protection order,” Jake says by way of greeting. “All you have to do is sign it, and I’m going to walk it upstairs to the judge myself to get that and the warrant for Royal’s arrest.”

Dad nods. “I want you to stay home with the doors locked. Don’t go out; don’t do anything stupid. At least not until he’s arrested.”

I nod. Once I make the decision to do it, to press charges and move forward, everything feels easier. Like I can breathe better than I have in a long time. There is a light at the end of the tunnel that I didn’t even realize I’m missing until I see it.

“The only thing I need to do is stop by my house on my way to Linc’s. I need clothes and a few other things to last.”

“Okay.” Dad nods. “I’ll have one of my guys follow you over there and then to Linc’s house.”

At that, I kind of feel like he is overreacting, so I tell him so.

“Dad. I’m going to be ten minutes from the minute I leave here, until the minute I get to Linc’s house. I don’t need an escort. Jake isn’t even going to have the paperwork yet by the time I get there.”

I stare at my father, who isn’t wearing his ‘dad’ hat just then. He is wearing his ‘chief of police so you better listen to me or I’ll kick your ass’ hat.

“Don’t go anywhere else. Don’t do anything stupid. If you think you’re in danger or someone is following you, either come here or Birch PD. Don’t try and handle it on your own.”

I nod, listening intently.

“Oh,” Mom pipes up. “Don’t forget to take a machete with you. Those things are really sharp. I made your father buy me one, and now I use it on the bamboo plants in my garden to keep them from spreading.”

“Veronica.” Dad sighs. “Stop encouraging her.”

“I’ve got one in my car,” I tell her with a smile. “Don’t worry. I got this.”

On my way out, I kiss Linc on the cheek and give my brother and brother-in-law a nod. “The girls send you?”

Two matching nods.

“Hey,” Linc says while pulling me against him. “My ring looks good on your finger.”

“I know.” I smile up at him. “I’m headed my house to get a few things, then I’m heading to the bunker.”

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