Page 94 of The Two Last Moments

“We’re working on it. I need whatever info you can give us.”

I nod, then clear my throat as I step out into the hall. “Can Lark and I give our statement together? Or…”

Cliff frowns. “It really needs to be separate. That’s policy.”

Shit, that’s what I figured.

If Lark had asked me to stay with her, I would’ve found a way. But she didn’t. And unlike when she asked me to leave at the travel stop, I think she meant it this time. She needs space from me. What Z said to her snapped something inside of her that was already wounded. And it’s ripping out my guts to witness it.

How do I help her? What do I do?

I’ve asked myself that question so many times. I’ve never felt more unsure of the right answer.

“Okay, let’s get it done,” I say.

The female officer goes into Lark’s room, while Cliff stays with me. “Tell me what happened?” he asks me.

I go through the events from this morning from my perspective. I give the best description of Z that I can, which isn’t much. I don’t share what Lark told me, leaving that up to her. Whatever she wants to tell the police, that’s her story and her choice.

But as I speak, my thoughts are spinning out like tires over wet concrete.

From that first glimpse I had of Lark, bathed in the fierce glow of headlights, I was pulled into a situation I didn’t fully understand. I’ve been reacting. Trying to do what she asked of me, give her what she needs. I’ve tried to make her feel safe. Told her that the past didn’t have to matter.

How fuckingwrongI was.

Z came here to our home and hurt the girl I love. That is never happening again. I have to make sure of it.

But I can’t just keep reacting.

I have to make a move. Lark managed to fight for herself this afternoon, and I’m going to fight for her, too.

I have to find someanswers.

When I’m finished with Cliff, I leave him there in the hall as he makes notes on his phone. The other officer is still with Lark.

I go to the living room, where Matteo is standing. But he’s not alone. Quinn and Aiden are here. Both of them step toward me when they see me, concern and empathy all over their faces. Even Aiden’s.

“What’re you doing here?” I ask.

“Cliff told us something was up,” Quinn says. “We came straight here, and Matteo was just filling us in. We want to help.”

Aiden nods at a cooler that’s sitting on the couch. “And I brought stuff to cook. Figured somebody might need to eat.”

Every muscle in my body is wound as tight as a spring, but I loosen up just a notch. My friends are here. Wow. I have never been so relieved to see them. “That would be incredible. And really good timing.”

“Where’s Lark?” Quinn asks. “Giving her statement?”

“Yeah, in her room. She’s…” I clear my throat. “She’s not okay.”

“Then I’d better go see her.” Quinn gives me a quick, one-armed hug as she passes on her way to Lark. I blow out a breath.Thank you. Lark needs her friend right now.

Then I turn to Aiden and Matteo. Two guys who, when it comes down to it, I trust nearly as much as I trust myself. Both trained ex-military. Both more than able to watch over Lark and Nina while I’m gone and bring down hell on anyone who gets in their way.

“There’s something I need to do,” I say. “An errand I need to run. Can you both stay a few hours?”

They tip their heads affirmatively. “But do you need backup on this errand of yours?” Aiden asks.

“No. I’d rather you stay here. I think it’ll be faster if I handle this alone.”

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