Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 185(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 185(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
“Let’s go back home because you have a punishment to receive.” Everyone looks at us with wide eyes and grins while Andrea blushes.
Chapter Eleven
Andi
“How long had you known Mr. Grimes?” Detective Torres asks. It’s been less than twenty-four hours, and I’m sitting in the Dallas police station. We have a lot to go over, and I’m not ready for the discussion.
“I didn’t actually know him, know him. It wasn’t like we were friendly. He worked at the school, so I saw him from time to time when I was around fourteen, but I haven’t seen him in over six years. My family wasn’t acquainted with him either.”
“Is that why you haven’t made the connection sooner?” he asks, having lifted his head up from looking at his phone.
“Yes. I had no idea who my stalker was before coming to Steeleville. In fact, it took at least two days before we figured out who it was, and I’d been so completely shocked by it that I fell on my ass.”
“Tell me what happened the day in question—the day of the attack.” I take a calming breath, knowing that Cyber is looking on.
“I was sitting in bed, thinking about the future. I had so many opportunities coming up and I had some choices to make. I remembered I’d heard back from some possible employers after the performance, so I grabbed my phone and powered it on. My cousin had dropped off the phone the night before, so I wanted to check my emails.” I pause, darting my eyes to the two-sided mirror, feeling the guilt for the lies and secrets.
After only knowing Elijah for two-plus days, it wasn’t like I had to give up my future plans entirely. Did I? A part of me wanted to say forget everything else, but what had I worked all those years to achieve? My parents had tried to control my life, and I cut them off in a heartbeat. Granted, they had gone to unforgivable depths, but I haven’t looked back. My goals still involve being a musician.
“And then what happened?” he asks, taking notes on the pad of paper in front of him.
I bring the bottle of water to my lips, trying to quench my sudden thirst, but my hand is shaking. It’s harder to keep steady. Still, I managed to get a full gulp down before putting the lid on and continuing with my story.
“I had answered a couple of emails when I messaged Bee to let her know what was going on. I thought it was her responding at first, but it was Grimes.” I choke up, thinking about his threat. How he’d whispered his promise to violate her if I didn’t escape the house before Cyber had gotten to me.
“And?”
“He threatened to harm Bee if I didn’t get away from Cyber and I didn’t follow his exact instructions. I wanted to call for help, but he’s crazy, and there was no one to protect Bee.”
“We understand. He can’t harm either of you now.” I tilt my head and frown. Has he lost his mind? Until the man is locked up for life or ends up dead, he has a chance to harm us. “Trust me. He can’t harm you again. Just ten minutes ago, Mr. Grimes tried to take the gun from a police officer and attacked his nurse. Unfortunately, he had to be taken down with force. He didn’t survive his injuries.”
“He’s dead?” My question comes out soft, almost inaudible, as I process what he said.
“Yes.”
“Oh.” I nod and bite down on my bottom lip.
“You don’t seem pleased with the news.”
“I’m relieved that I don’t have to live in fear, but I’m not happy someone is dead.” All I can think about is seeing Elijah, but I’m not sure he wants to see me.
“That’s understandable. Many people feel that way. Just remember that he brought this on himself, and none of this is your doing. He made all the choices that led to his death.”
“Thank you.”
He reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before letting it go. A second later, the door bursts open. “Don’t ever put your hands on her again.”
“Elijah.”
“We’re leaving.”
“I still need her to sign her statement, so she can’t just leave yet. Calm down, Mr. Ivanov. I’m letting you get away with this, but this is a warning that we’re not in Steeleville and this is a real police station. If you want to be locked up, keep that shit up and see if you’re not in a holding cell.”
“No wonder Demi doesn’t want your punk ass.”
Detective Torres clocks Elijah flat in the jaw. Boomer comes in and pulls him off, and Cyber laughs. “You’re lucky we’re not in Steeleville.”
“Oh my God. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I knew it was coming. I hit his weak spot.”