Page 64 of A New Era

“What the hell happened to you?”

“A-Accident.”

He can hardly stand to touch me as he presses each finger onto the ink pad.

When he’s done, he mutters, “Put the gloves back on, no one wants to see that shit.”

I desperately want to cry. This goes far beyond humiliation. I will never forget this moment. I’m led through to a cell. Once the door is locked, the deputy gives me one last disgusted glance and walks off.

I want to scream that this has been a misunderstanding or let them know that I know they’ve set me up but a part of me refuses to give them the satisfaction.

I sit on the bench and do my best not to gag at the sweaty odour coming from the woman sleeping at the other end. An hour passes and as an officer lets the sweaty woman out, I jump up and say, “I need to let my partner know where I am. I was meant to be home hours ago.”

“The sheriff will let you know when you can make a call.”

A deep throaty cough comes from the woman across from me and she uses the back of her wrist to wipe the sleep from her eyes.

“I wouldn’t bother asking for shit. Since the new sheriff rocked up, everyone walks around like they’re gods these days.”

She stands and stretches her arms above her head, her dress riding scarily up her thighs.

“First time in here?” she asks, her eyes soaking me in.

I nod.

“Yeah, I can tell by the fear radiating off of you,” she cackles.

“It’s a misunderstanding.”

“Yeah, that’s what happened to me too.”

She’s mocking me but I ignore her. I don’t need to find myself in even more trouble.

“Don’t worry yourself, it’s not so bad in here.”

Again, I ignore her and after she paces the cell twenty-two times, I count for something to do, she lies back down, and her snores fill the small space.

Hours pass and I end up watching the clock, counting how long I’ve been here. I count down the minutes till the wedding just for something to do.

After seven hours, I’m taken to a desk, and a retro-style telephone is pushed in front of me.

“Two minutes,” I’m told, and I dial Leo’s number.

He answers after one ring, and I clear my throat.

“Holly?”

“Leo, I need you to listen…”

“Holly, where the fuck are you? The prospect found your car and you were nowhere to be seen. I’ve got brothers out searching for you.”

“I’ve been arrested. I’m at the police station. I’ve only just been allowed to call you.”

The officer across the desk from me raises his brow and I look away.

“The fuck you say?”

“You heard me.”

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