Page 276 of Something Rad
He grabs Robbie’s arm, starting to drag him in the direction of his police cruiser. “I guess it turns out your visit there may be a little longer than we originally thought.”
I’m trying to step forward.
Why aren’t my legs working?
I grip the top of the car, trying to catch my breath.
“I hate to say it, but I told you so, Summers. When I have them pinned, I’m always right. I always get ‘em.”
They reach the car, and Officer Strothers opens the back door, stepping to the side to help Robbie into the back seat.
Robbie looks up, trying to catch my eye.
But I can’t see him.
My vision’s blurry.
I can’t breathe.
Everything’s blurry.
My legs aren’t working.
And then it all goes black.
fifty-six
ROBBIE
I let my eyes fall shut, blowing a deep breath out of my nose as I hold out my hands.
I hear the faint click of a lock, followed by a voice I’d frankly be happy to never hear another day for the rest of my life.
“Ten minutes, kid,” Officer Strothers says, removing my handcuffs.
Too bad I’m going to be hearing it every day for the foreseeable future instead.
I don’t respond, watching as he unlocks the door in front of me and just wishing I could make time slow down.
I don’t want to do this.
I have to do this.
“Clock is ticking,” Officer Strothers tuts.
I grit my teeth, glaring up at him before yanking the door open.
The room is much lighter than the dingy hallway I just came from, making my eyes need a minute to adjust. I opt for keeping them on the floor as I slowly walk forward, clenching my fists at my side. I know it probably makes me a coward, but I just need a little more time. I need a few more seconds to prepare myself. I need a moment to let it really sink in that when I look at her for the first time today, it’s going to be the last first time for a very long time.
I make it to the booth I was directed to. The first one, and one of only three total, because this is a small town where basically no one manages to get arrested.
Yet, somehow, I did.
I guess you can’t say I was never the best at something difficult.
I pull back the chair, slowly sinking down into it and settling my elbows on the counter in front of me. I let out a heavy sigh, reaching up for the telephone on the wall and bringing it to my ear.
With nothing left to procrastinate with, I finally look up.
