“Why would you do that?” Looking up, he narrows his eyes at Ryan.
“Why not?” He shrugs, slipping his hands in his pockets. “I know you’re a good guy, just dealing with a really shitty situation.”
From where he’s sitting, Logan snorts, earning stern looks from both Riot and Carson. “Shut the fuck up, man. Don’t make this harder than it has to be,” Riot grumbles.
“Jackson, it’s time to go,” Mason says firmly, not allowing for further argument.
Raising his eyes he meets Ryan’s, suddenly looking much younger than his twenty-six years.
Turning slowly towards Mason, Jackson raises his wrists so he can be cuffed. “Okay, let’s do this,” he says, his voice has become resigned.
Mason shakes his head and opens the SUV’s back door. “That’s not necessary. Do I need to pat you down? Do you have any weapons or drugs on you?”
“No, nothing.” He makes eye contact briefly with his brother before dropping his head.
“Good. Get in.” He motions towards the backseat.
“I’ll be right behind you,” Ryan assures Jackson. He nods in acknowledgment before getting in the truck and leaning his head against the back of the seat.
Shutting the door firmly, Mason strides towards the group of us. Logan slowly climbs to his feet. His jeans are covered in dirt and grass stains, and the pocket on his flannel has been torn. He avoids looking directly at me as he joins the group of us circled around the yard. Meg and Claire have wrapped their arms around me, providing the comfort I so desperately need. I don’t understand what just happened, but I need answers immediately.
Beck jogs down the front steps with two ice packs. Standing beside Ryan, she hands one to Logan for his knuckles and one to Mason for his jaw.
“Thank you.” Mason takes it and places it on his jaw, hissing at the contact. Pulling it away, he opens and closes his mouth. Shaking his head, he says, “Fuck, I am way too old for this bullshit.”
Looking at each of us crowded around, he says, “This isn’t how I planned to spend the rest of my day off.”
“Who called you?” Riot asks.
Great question, but it could have been any of Logan’s nosey neighbours.
“Brian Marshal saw Jackson when he arrived and gave me the heads up.”
“Brian just happened to be in the neighbourhood, did he?” Logan says stonily, flexing his fist before holding the ice pack to his hand.
“I guess so, I didn’t ask.” Looking at the group of us he says, “I will need to get a statement from each of you by Tuesday at the latest.”
“I didn’t see anything.” Riot shrugs his large shoulders and looks to the rest of us.
“I saw Logan trip on the stairs and land right on top of Jackson,” Carson says, pointing back towards the offending steps. “You should really get that fixed, buddy, before you hurt yourself.” Logan shakes his head at his ridiculous friend and pinches the bridge of his nose.
“We were inside and didn’t see anything.” Claire points between herself and Meg. “Actually, I need to go up and check on Ben, and make sure he’s still asleep after all that. Why don’t you come and help me, Meg?” She meets my eyes, and I shake my head slightly. No, I need to stay and figure out what the fuck is going on.
“We all saw Jackson punch you, though. You should write that down.” Beck pipes up with her hands on her hips.
Sighing. Mason looks towards the night sky. “Awesome. I need to take him in and make some calls. Logan, we will be having a bigger conversation about this later.”
“Okay.” Logan nods his acknowledgment.
Logan turns to Ryan and says, “Thanks for that I guess, but you don’t need to go with him.”
“I want to. Sometimes, people just need one person in their corner for it to make a difference. I can be his one person today.” Turning to Beck, he says, “Can you catch a ride with someone, or do you want me to drop you off on my way to the station?”
“You go ahead. I’ll catch a ride.”
Nodding, he walks with Mason towards the driveway and his own car. Turning back, he meets Logan’s eyes. “Make sure you take his bike off the street. Put it in your garage or something so it stays safe, okay?”
Logan remains silent for a moment before subtly nodding his head in agreement.
