Rape.
Who would accuse me of that? And in that county of all places?
“Who?” I croak.
Johnston’s eyes soften, apologetic. “That I cannot say.”
I’m pulled away before anyone else can react. I feel every pair of eyes on me, but I don’t dare look up. One of the officers is reading me my rights, but the words blur. My mind is seconds from breaking, and I’m doing my damned best not to let it show.
“Hudson, do not utter a word until we get there,” Dad calls from behind me. “I’m calling Eli. We’ll be right behind you. We know you didn’t do anything. You hear me?”
Uncle Eli.Thank God my dad’s older brother is a defense attorney.
I nod numbly as I’m led out the back gym doors and into the parking lot, where there is a cruiser waiting on the curb. The taller cop helps me duck into the back seat, then slams the door. I sit ramrod straight, too scared to even blink.
I’m gonna throw up.
A muffled voice calls my name, it’s panicked and angry.
I glance out the window just as the car pulls away. Cullen’s running after us, but his dad grabs the back of his graduation gown and yanks him to a stop.
The last thing I see is Cullen falling to the ground, landing hard on his ass with his hands covering his face.
That’s the final straw.
My breathing turns shallow, and my chest heaves. I can’t even cry. There’s no air left for it.
“You alright, kid?” Johnston asks, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. He sees what’s happening. “Shit. He’s going to pass out.”
Then a sharp pain explodes across my face just as everything goes dark.
Thirty-Nine
Hudson
I’ve been stuck in this icebox of an interrogation room for hours, and no one’s bothered to tell me what the hell is going on. The cold makes sense, though—I’ve seen enough crime shows to know they keep suspects uncomfortable—but I never thought I’d be the one sitting here.
Yet here I am.
The door finally opens. A detective marches in, followed by Uncle Eli. Relief floods me. I want to hug him, but all I manage is a pathetic little wave.
“Why is Hudson cuffed to the table?” Uncle Eli asks with a hard edge to his voice.
The detective squares his shoulders.“He is suspected of a violent crime. It’s standard safety protocol.”
“He’s been herealonefor three hours. I'm sure Judge Matthews would like to know about the treatment of suspects in your custody.”
The detective bristles but relents. The cuffs come off, leaving angry red marks on my wrists. He stomps to the door, slamming it behind him.
Once we’re alone, Uncle Eli wraps me in a hard hug. “Hey, Hud. I’ve got you.” For the first time since I was cuffed at graduation, I breathe easier.
He sits across from me, flipping open a file. “Your dad filled me in, and I’m so sorry those jackasses ruined your graduation.” He scowls. “And when the time comes, my firm will also help put away the scum who has been harassing you.”
“Thanks, Uncle Eli,” I whisper.
He gives me an understanding smile before his expression sobers. “Hudson, for legal reasons, I have to ask. Did you do what you’ve been accused of?”
“No. I don’t even know who made the claim.”
