Page 48 of If You Could Only See
I hungup on her and ran out of the housewith Aiden, Michael and Gabriel hot on my heels. Once we were allbuckled in and I was tearing out of the driveway, Aiden asked,“What’s happened, Mase?”
Thewords tearing out of my throat feltlike shards of metal coming up. “Morgan attacked Shane on her wayhome from work. She’s at the hospital.” I was speeding down theroad at such a reckless pace, and I could only hope I didn’t killus all. “I’m going to fucking kill him!”
“Just worryabout Shane,” Michael said. “We’ll take care of Morgan.”
“She’ll befine, Mason,” Aiden said,trying to calm me down. I didn’t respond. I had nothing to say. Myonly concern was Shane. I had no doubt that Branson Morgan would betaken care of one way or another. At this point, he could only praythat Shane came out of this okay. If she didn’t, I was going to goto prison for murder.
And I didn’tcare.
Chapter 25
Shane~
I hadneverfelt more worthless as Idid now; as the officers were trying to convince me not to presscharges against Branson Morgan.
He attacked andalmost raped me, but his lastname meant something, and his family had money, so why don’t I justbe grateful the cops got to me in time, and as a thank you, maybethe family would set me up comfortably?
I wanted tothrow up.
Yes, I wasextremely grateful that Violacalled the police as soon as she realized what was happening. And,yes, I was extremely grateful that the police showed up just intime to pull Branson off of me before he could do anything lifechanging. But to suggest that I not press charges because hisfamily is important…what kind of bullshit was that?
I was sittingup on the gurney giving himthe most disgusting look I could muster. “All I’m saying, ma’am, isthat this would be very hard to prosecute,” Officer Munfredexplained-yet again.
“Idon’t see how, Officer,” I retorted.“My friend heard the attack on the phone, so that’s one witness.Two officers pulled up and actuallywitnessedthe attack, having to pull Branson off of me, so that’s twomore witnesses.” I pointed to my face. “My injuries have beentreated and documented, further evidence of the attack. I fail tosee the complications of charging him and making the chargesstick?”
He cleared histhroat, and I had to give himpoints for honesty. “He’s a Morgan, Ms. Slaughter…” His excuseswere interrupted when the hospital curtain swung open and four verypissed off Buchanan men stormed in, along with a very worriedViola, and crowded the bed.
Before I couldsay a word, Mason’s voiced went to cutting the officers to shreds. “And she’s a Buchanan,” hethundered. “And before you say another fucking word, I know exactlywhat you meant when we overheard you tell her that piece of shitwas a Morgan. And, so, I want you to think long and hard aboutwhich last name holds more bearing in this town.”
I didn’t say aword as Viola’s arm camearound me and she cried into my shoulder. I probably should havetried to console her, but I couldn’t turn away from Mason’sshowdown with the cops.
“But…but shesaid her last name wasSlaughter,” Officer Munfred stuttered.
“Right now,legally, itis,” he answered.“But it will be Buchanan as soon as she heals from herinjuries.”
My gaspwasn’tthe only one thatrushed throughout the room. Viola’s was also a contender for thegold.
“WhereisMorgan right now?” Michaelasked the officer.
OfficerPeetle answered him. “He’s incustody, but I imagine his family is in the process of bailing himout. The family lawyer was called as soon as he made his phonecall.”
My gaze neverleft Mason’s as Michael wasthe beacon of calm, cool and collected. “Okay, well, here’s what’sgoing to happen, Officers. My brother is in a highly emotionalstate right now and I’d hate for him to say some shit he can’t takeback involving murder and mayhem, so let me be frank here.Youwillcharge Branson Morgan with…” hepaused and when I looked over at him, he was looking at me andwaiting.
I knewwhathe was waiting for, and Iknew it might push Mason over the edge, but I wasn’t going to lie.“He, uhm…he hit me and...he ripped my clothes and tou…touched me.He was threatening to rape me as his hands…” My eyes found Mason’sand I stopped talking. He looked like he was one more descriptiveaway from tearing the place apart.
Michael clearedhis throat. “So, you’re goingto charge Branson Morgan with assault, sexual assault and attemptedrape.”
Gabriel spokenext. “If you don’t, we’ll use every dime our family has to burn down this town, the policedepartment being the first to go up in flames.”
I toremy gaze from Mason’s and saw theofficers exchange a look. Officer Peetle cleared his throat andsaid, “Of course.” He looked at me. “We’ll be in touch, Ms.Slau…uh, Mrs. Buchanan.”
Mrs.Buchanan?Christ, this was alltoo much by half.
The second theofficers disappeared behindthe curtain, Viola gasped. “Oh, Shane, babe, are you okay?” Hertears stopped, but she still looked devastated.
I huggedher. “I’m fine, Vi. I look wayworse than I feel, honestly.”
Michael’s handclamped around my ankle. “You’re still pretty, Pretty Girl.”
