Page 39 of Head Over Wheels

Jace looks at me. “Will you be okay on your own? Are you comfortable with this?”

My heart melts at his words. Could this guy get any better? It’s like he isn’t real. “Yes, I just want to get it over with. But we’ll leave together, right?”

Jace looks at the officer. “Where can we meet after we’re done giving the statements?”

“We’ll bring you both out to the reception area, and you can meet up there.”

Turning his back on the officer, Jace leans in and presses a quick kiss to my lips. “If you need anything, just yell. I’ll be next door.” He winks at me, and we each go to our separate rooms.

CHAPTER 29

It’s a small windowless room, like the kind you see on TV. Four walls that must have been white when they were painted but are a dingy beige now. The only furniture is a grey table and two chairs, the folding kind not made for comfort. The door opens, and a woman officer comes in. Her blonde hair is tied back in a bun, and her expression is stern. I’m starting to worry that maybe this isn’t going to go as easily as I thought it would, when she smiles at me and her face softens.

“Hi Ella, I’m Officer Lee. Thank you for coming in today. I’m wondering if you can tell me what happened this morning, in your words. Your statement will be recorded as well.” She points up at a camera in the corner of the room, facing me.

“Okay. Do you want to just hear about this morning, or do you want me to start at the beginning?” I place my hands on the table in front of me so that I won’t fidget.

“It sounds like we’d better start from the beginning.” Officer Lee sits back in her chair like she’s settling in.

I go through the entire story, starting in June when I first noticed him, and end with everything that happened this morning. It feels slightly easier each time I tell it. Her expression has stayed pretty neutral for the whole thing, and I’m sure she’s heard a lot worse. Once I’m done, she leans forward.

“Thanks for telling me everything. There’s enough here for you to press charges for stalking and harassment. Would you like to move forward with that?” She waits patiently for my answer.

“I’m not sure. I’m worried that will just make him angrier, and he’ll come after me.” I’ve got my lip pulled between my teeth before I even realize it.

Officer Lee nods. “You can also file a restraining order against him. This would mean he couldn’t come within 500 metres of you personally, or within 750 metres of your home or work. Would you like to do that?”

“Yes, definitely yes to that.” At least then I’d know I could do something if I saw him anywhere near me.

“Great, I’ll get the paperwork started for that, and then you’re free to go. I’ll be right back.”

As soon as she opens the door, I hear Jace’s voice outside.

“Can I just wait for her here? I want to be right there when she comes out in case she needs me.”

The door closes so I don’t hear the response, but a surge of happiness flows through me. I love that he is so thoughtful. What a weird beginning to our relationship, but if the last twelve hours has been any indication of the kind of guy Jace is, I’m feeling pretty hopeful. Which is saying a lot while sitting alone in a tiny room at a police station.

I don’t have to wait too long before Officer Lee comes back in with the paperwork. She reviews it with me and then watches while I sign my name. Before we get up, she gives me her business card and tells me I can call her directly if I have any questions about the case.

When I exit the room, Jace is right there waiting for me. He’s managed to charm even the police officers into doing whatever he asks. I definitely don’t stand a chance.

He discreetly grabs my hand and gives me a quick once over. With people all around us, we quietly follow the officers out to reception, where they tell us we can go. Once outside, Jace stops right away.

“How was it? You okay?” he asks while tugging on the zipper of my coat to make sure it’s right at the top.

“She was really nice. After I made my statement, she encouraged me to file a restraining order against Jeff.” I shrug, not sure if he can see the gesture through my winter layers.

“Officer Jarvis was pretty cool too. I gave a statement, and he confirmed that I acted in self-defense, so we’re in the clear. Hopefully they have enough against Jeff that he won’t bother you again.” There’s a crease between his eyebrows that I want to smooth out with my thumb. “What am I doing? You’re freezing, and I’m standing here talking to you. Let’s get that hot chocolate.” He tugs on my hand, and we rush down the street together.

Starbucks is busy but not so crowded that we can’t find a table together. No one seems to recognize Jace, which is great. I guess if you aren’t into Elevate, he’s not that well-known. It makes me think of how he was so careful to hide my identity earlier. Such a thoughtful gesture, which I’m learning is just par for the course with this guy.

“Do you know what you want?” He looks at me when we get to the counter, waiting for me to order first.

“I’ll have a tall peppermint hot chocolate, please.”

“With whip?” The barista waits for my response, and when I nod, she punches it into the cash.

“I’ll have the same, thanks.” Jace pulls his phone out to pay before I get a chance.

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