Page 24 of I Blame the Club

“The license plate of the truck you damaged.” Shaking his head, Duncan looks between Nico and me before taking my phone.

“The license plate of the men who beat up an innocent bystander.”

Nico opens his mouth to say something, but a sharp look quickly changes his mind.

There is no sound on the video but it’s pretty easy to guess what is playing out on the screen based on the queasy look on the officer’s face. By the time he puts my phone back on the table, Duncan’s eyes have started to glisten.

“You know, my boy came out to us a few months ago.” Looking away, he clears his throat, “Got into makeup and all that stuff. I’ve seen him wear similar outfits when he goes to that club on the outskirts of town.”

Nico grins, “Lifestylealways brings out fashionistas.”

Duncan gives him a nod, “Henry moved to a big city as soon as he could. Guess the people there are a lot more open than country folk.”

“Glad to hear your son found a safe place to land.” Interrupting the history lesson, I lean forward and open the other email my lawyer sent this morning, “Based on the amount of damage caused my lawyer has drafted a bail agreement and sent it over for you to sign. All you have to do is approve it and we can be on our way.”

Duncan’s brows pull into a frown as he reviews the document, “In case the vandalism charges are pressed against you, this covers your bases?"

“That’s correct.”

Nico shifts uneasily beside me but I don't spare him a glance. Lawrence MacLaren has been representing my father’s family for decades and there is no way in hell he would let something as simple as property damage be his first slip up.

“May I ask why you decided to turn yourself in?” Duncan slides my phone back towards me but I make no move to take it.

“I always take accountability for my actions. There’s no point in waiting for the storm to hit if you can stop the storm before it begins.”

“I see.” Nodding his head, Duncan pushes back his chair and rounds the desk, “Thank you for taking the time to stop by Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Montez. I appreciate you looking out for Taber’s citizens.”

“Oh, I’m actually just a university student. I’m not from here.” Nico shudders, “Too many corn fields for my liking.”

Jesus Christ.

Duncan laughs, holding out his hand for Nico to shake, “Can’t argue with you there. Pleasure meeting you both.”

He turns to me with a smile, “I’m assuming that fancy lawyer of yours sent a copy of that footage to the investigation office?”

“Should already be in your inbox.”

“In that case, you are free to go.”

I frown, “Sir, about the bail agreement-

Duncan waves a hand, “I ain’t seen no sign of vandalism on that video. The old camera must have cut out right when you walked out looking mean with a baseball bat.” He winks, “Henry would have been proud of what you did.”

I’m momentarily speechless, “Officer, the law really isn’t up for debate. I would feel better if you took the agreement.”

Duncan grins, clapping a hand on my back, “Don’t worry son, the law around here is in good hands. I’ll make sure those boys are fined with assault charges. You worry about getting good grades in school.”

My frown deepens, “This isn’t protocol. And I’m not a student.”

“He’s my assistant coach.” Nico cheerful interjects the comment and I shoot him a glare, “Which is why he’s not used to the way things work around here. Thank you so much Officer Duncan, we will leave take our leave now so you can get on with your day.”

Grabbing my arm, Nico pulls me towards the door. I sigh, giving Duncan one last look over my shoulder, “The agreement is in your inbox as well if you change your mind.”

“Like I said, nothing to change my mind about. Have a good day, son!”

Nico

“Babe, we’ve got to go celebrate.”

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