Page 5 of Shattering Nash

Instinctively, Charley shook her head. How could she make that work? Her hours at the Boutique were long and daunting, over forty hours a week, and she had an unreliable car. She couldn’t make it down to see him and back home in one day. She needed to offer a solution rather than complain.

“Can’t he stay in state? The one he went to last time was great.”

The officers shared a look, and suddenly their patience and kind demeanor shifted.

Officer Mitchell snorted. “Yeah, so great he’s back to using?”

Charley flinched, feeling the comment as if it had been a physical blow. She’d done research and found the rehab herself. It had been affordable with the most promising program at the time. Clearly, not the best in their eyes.

Officer Mitchell waved his hand, brushing off the insulting comment. “He needs a strict program where’s he’s held accountable for his addiction. Trust me, I’ve seen this before. His behavior will only escalate and increase in violence. If you need proof? Then maybe you should take a look in the mirror.”

Charley flinched at the aggressive response. She clamped her lips, fighting against her tears. This conversation had taken a dark turn. Without thought, she grasped the hem of her collar, pulling it up her neck.

“I just want him closer so I can visit him frequently, and with my schedule it’s going to be really hard.”

Officer Mitchell shook his head. “You won’t be able to visit for some time.”

What?Her jaw dropped, and she parted her lips, fully prepared to protest.

Officer Becker held up his hand, silencing her. “I know you and Cody are close. He told us. Also said that when most people would’ve given up on him, you didn’t. You’re the only one who stood by his side through everything.”

Charley swallowed the lump in her throat. There wasn’t much to be grateful for in this situation, but the fact that he recognized she’d remained loyal to him was something.

“I don’t know how we got here.” She lowered her gaze to the floor and muttered. “He was doing so good for a while.”

“’Cause this happens, Charley.”

Charley was all too familiar with the setbacks. When she’d taken him in, she’d been determined and convinced that as long as he had support and a safe space, he’d be fine. Three rehabs, and each time her brother swore it would never happen again. Charley’d had no idea what she was taking on. She didn’t regret her choice, but she’d learned over the years it was a bigger challenge than she’d thought. But?I will not give up on him.

“This isn’t your fault, Charley. You can only do so much, but he has to do his part. This is his problem that he’s made yours. And as harsh as it sounds, it’s time for little brother to walk alone for a little bit. I’ve explained it all to him. We’ve gone over everything, and he willingly signed the forms for self-admittance. The best thing you can do if you want to help him is support this decision. I believe he’s making the right one.” He paused. “For his safety and yours.”

“Yeah,” she whispered then straightened her shoulders. “Can I see him before he leaves?”

There was a long stretch of silence. She wasn’t sure she’d get a response until Officer Mitchell came forward, folding his arms over his chest, his harsh scowl locked in place. “He doesn’t want to see you.”

What?The admission was a hard blow. Charley was rendered speechless, and she tightened her lips, ignoring the pain ripping through her heart.

“Charley?”

She peeked up through her lashes at Officer Becker. His features softened slightly.

“You may have forgiven Cody for what happened. But he hasn’t forgiven himself. He recognizes this is what’s best for him.” He paused. “And you.”

“Can I at least call him? Or…”

He held up his hand, offering a sympathetic smile.

“I’ll make sure he has the ability to call you when he’s ready. But it’s important he gets adjusted to his new surroundings.” Officer Becker stood and motioned Mitchell toward the door. He glanced down at her, and something shifted in his eyes. He sighed and put one hand on his waist. “How about I call you and give you updates?”

It wasn’t much, but it was something.

“Okay,” she whispered.

Then it was over. The officers walked out the door, and she got up, rushing to the window. They were in an unmarked car with tinted windows. It was too dark to see into the backseat.To see Cody.The car drove off without any urgency. She wasn’t sure how long she’d stood at the window, staring at the empty street. Eventually, she made her way to the bathroom, ignoring the mess throughout the house. It would take days to get everything back in order. It could wait.

Charley was washing her hands when she caught her reflection in the mirror. She gasped and lifted her chin.Oh my God.She leaned closer to get a better look at her neck. There was an unmistakable outline of a handprint. It was red for now, but she was sure it would eventually bruise. She could foreseea purple and blue welt in her future. It would probably take at least a week to heal.

The only saving grace was knowing she didn’t have to see anyone during that time. The boutique had closed down two weeks ago for renovations. Thankfully, her boss, Elodie was extremely generous and still paid her as the only fulltime employee. Hopefully, the bruising would be gone by the reopening or light enough to cover with makeup.

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