Eddie’s face tightens into a scowl.
“You look like hell. What the fuck happened? I know that guy only got in one punch, and it wasn’t good. So, why do you look like you just got out of a boxing ring?”
I smirk because that’s easier than honesty.
“You should see the other guys.”
Rich leans closer. “Who did this to you?”
I shrug like it doesn’t matter. Like my bones weren’t rearranged in a matter of seconds.
“Some people I shouldn’t have fucked with. Don’t worry, I haven’t dropped the soap, but my asshole’s virginity is being auctioned off as we speak. I think I heard someone say we were up to five packs.”
Eddie’s eyes widen.
“Dude, I hope you’re fucking with me. I swear if anyone touches you again…”
“You’ll what? I’m in here, and you’re out there, Eddie. I’m okay. I promise. I can hold my own in here.”
Mostly.
Rich glances at one of the guards standing to his right, his voice dropping to a low whisper.
“What are they saying?”
Instantly, the humor in me is gone. My fingers tighten around the receiver, thumb dragging slowly along the cord.
“They’re throwing the book at me.” The words taste bitter. “The DA wants to make an example out of me. Aggravated assault. Resisting arrest. They’re talking about adding intent to maim, too.”
Eddie’s brow scrunches together, and he sighs. “Intent to maim?”
I nod. “Said the guy needed a CT scan. His orbital bone is shattered. He’s got memory loss, too, apparently.”
Rich’s jaw tightens.
“How long?”
I swallow.
“Minimum of three years. Could be more, depending on how the charges stack. You know my record.”
Their silence becomes heavy and suffocating.
I watch the realization crawl across their faces, that number landing like a bomb.
Eddie presses his forehead against the screen.
“No. This isn’t right. He touched her. You were only defending Poppy—”
“That shit doesn’t matter.” Even I can hear the dejectedness in my tone.
“I don’t get to claim self-defense unless I’m bleeding too. They look at me, and they see someone who has already messed up twice. They’re not asking for my side of the story. They’re writing their own.”
Rich runs both hands through his hair.
“We’ll get you a real lawyer. Not one of those overworked public defenders who can’t remember your name.”
I shake my head slowly.
