The sympathy in his expression melts into something far more sinister. “You’ll see the truth soon enough.”
I shiver at his frosty tone. “How about you just tell me.”
His sneer is nasty. “That asshole tried to kill me and all you care about is him. Great sense of empathy, Sutton. They’re taking him to county where he belongs.”
Ice fills my veins. “Why would they do that?”
Lance gestures at his injuries. “Are you blind? He pummeled me.”
I purse my lips. “Nope, no way. Grady wouldn’t do that.”
He stabs a thumb at his chest. “I was there, Sutton.”
“Yeah, and who else? We need more witnesses.”
Another trickle of blood drips out of his nose. “Too bad no one else was around. It’s me against him.”
Waves of nausea flip my stomach. “I need to see him.”
“Good luck.” He snorts, a wince following immediately. “Shit, that hurts.”
I want to tell him he probably deserves it. I know Grady. He wouldn’t attack without a damn good reason. “What’s the procedure after getting arrested?”
“I’m not helping you see that criminal.” If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under.
“Stop being a jerk, Lance.”
“Name calling will get you nowhere. Go ask someone else.”
I ball my hands into fists. “Fine. Thanks for absolutely nothing.”
A familiar face lingers by the next cruiser in line. I recognize this officer more than the others. Kyler played football with Jace and Grady in high school. He looks nice enough. Maybe he’ll be more willing to answer me.
I attempt to gulp down the desperation clawing at my throat. “Hey there. You’re Kyler, right?”
He lifts his gaze at my greeting, a smile firmly in place. “Hi, Sutton. I remember you sitting in the bleachers at our games. Wondering about Grady?”
Heat springs to my eyes and I sniff. “Yes. Can you tell me what happened?”
Kyler scratches the back of his neck. “I’m not supposed to share that. Need to know basis and all that.”
“Please.” The beg wobbles my lips.
He glances around and sighs. “There was a brawl in the alley. Report states that Grady got angry and struck Lance twice.”
I press a palm to my forehead. “What if that isn’t true?”
Kyler squints at me. “Uh, well, the case is pretty much set.”
“How? Grady wouldn’t do this.”
“How much did he have to drink? Alcohol can cause extreme reactions.”
I swipe at my wet cheeks. “He only had one beer. Two at the most.”
He strokes his jaw. “That’s not much. Must’ve been something else driving him.”
A scream tickles my tongue. “He’s innocent. Please believe me.”
