“I take it Ms. James is important to you.”
“Yes, sir, she is.”
“Why don’t you start with where you were coming from when you entered the parking lot.”
I nod, collecting myself, and begin. When I’m finished, Officer Montgomery hums over the line and thanks me for my time.
“So what happens now?”
“Well, you and Ms. James’ stories line up so, assuming the lot security cam corroborates what you’ve both said, we should be able to move forward with charges.”
“There were cameras?”
“Footage is being collected as we speak.”
I blow out a long breath. “Good. That’s good. Should I um—” I glance at Mom through the window. “Should I be concerned about anythingIdid?” Daniel would be a fool to press charges against me, but nobody said he was smart.
“As long as the video shows you were acting in defense of Ms. James, I don’t see a reason for you to worry.”
Before we disconnect, I assure him I’m available if there’s any more help I can provide to the investigation. My phone doesn’t have the chance to sleep before I’m already opening Hannah’s contact. I need to talk to her, tell her how proud I am.
“Mr. Shaw?” Mom’s therapist interrupts, peeking out the door. “Tess is ready to go.”
On the car ride I try my best to hide my restless energy. All I want to do is get home, make lunch for my mom, and call Hannah. If Mom notices the jitters, she has the courtesy not to draw attention to it. Forthe best since she doesn’t know about the assault—not sure I could handle a round of twenty-questions if she suspected anything serious.
She gets close though. “Was your phone call important earlier? You rushed out pretty fast.”
“Nah,” I lie. “It was the realtor with some updates on the inspector’s report.” There’ssometruth there. Pops’ house sold a few weeks ago and had its official inspection yesterday.
“All good news, I hope.”
I nod, lips in a tight smile. “Yup. All good. Should close before Christmas.”
Mom pats my hand on the console. “That’s great. Now, tell me what’s really going on.”
I look out the driver side window to avoid her stare.
“Ahhh, silence. Must be serious.”
“It’s not—” I shake my head, adjust my hat. “It’s not a big deal, I just…I really wanna talk to Hannah.”
“Nobody’s stopping you, kiddo.”
“I’ll call her after I make us some lunch.”
“I may not be able to push a lawnmower or drive a car yet, but Iamcapable of making two sandwiches.”
She uses her cane to shove me out of the kitchen when we get home. I’m too eager to call Hannah to put up a fight.
Closed up in my bedroom, I pull out my phone.Again, it rings in my hand before I can do anything. This time it’s Kristen calling.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Rowan. Sorry to call out of the blue, but…” She hesitates, and my stomach sinks. “Have you heard from Hannah today?”
“Not yet. I was about to call her.” Kristen doesn’t reply and the weight of her silence carves a hole right in my chest. “Why?”
“I’m not surprised she hasn’t reached out, she’s been a mess since last night.”