Going to Felch feels like a betrayal. I’ll be going behind Gareth’s back and snooping on him, just because another man said some things.
But if I’m going to stand by this man and devote my life to him, I have to know.
Slowly, I nod. “Yeah. I’ll go see him tomorrow.”
Sarah takes a moment, then leans in. “And don’t tell Gareth.”
Tears fall from my eyes. I shake my head. “Yeah. I won’t.”
9
BRIAR
I feellike I’m betraying Gareth as I drive to the police station.
He called me once earlier, and I ignored it. Then he texted me:My arms need you.
I almost gave in. I almost replied, turned the car around, and drove to his house to see him. But then I thought back to my conversation with Sarah.
I barely know this man!
He openly admitted to me that he’s under investigation by his department for use of excessive force. And if that’s what he was willing to share with me, what else might he be hiding?
I have to know. I have to besure.
My insides feel like an egg shell, cracks slowly forming. Pressure building. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to hold out.
Just make it through this meeting with Felch. Then you can go back to Sarah’s and cry.
I park in the corner of the lot and keep my head down as I make my way inside the station. Gareth shouldn’t be here today, but you never know. The last thing I need is him catching me coming in here to meet with his boss.
My stomach twists. I might be sick. Either Gareth lied to me and is not the man I thought he was, or I’m about to make a huge mistake.
But I have to know.
A bearded cop notices me as I step inside and instantly smiles. He turns and nods across the room to another cop, who knocks on a door behind him. It opens, and Felch steps out, chewing his cigar. He looks at me and grins. Waving a file in his hand, he motions for me to come.
I’m trembling as I make my way through the station. The last time I was here, I was handcuffed and being led by Gareth into a situation I never could have imagined. One that changed my life.
And as I stare into the dim, blue glow of Felch’s office, I have a realization: My life is about to change again.
“Thought you’d come,” Felch grunts.
“Yeah, you’re a real genius,” I reply, striding past him and taking a seat across from his desk. “Now let’s see it.”
I want to get this over with as quickly as possible. Even if Gareth is a bad man, I can’t stand being around Felch. The disgusting cigar, his filthy skin, and the way he carries himself. Like a king who never did anything to deserve it.
“Not in here,” Felch replies. He snaps his fingers and starts walking. “Inhere.”
This bastard…
I want to keep myself planted in this chair, but he’s not turning around. So I get up and follow. When I realize where he’s taking me, a chill sweeps through me.
The interrogation room…
“I thought you’d be more comfortable in here,” Felch says, closing the door behind me. “You know. Based on what you and Gareth were up to last time.”
He knows? How could he? Was he on the other side of the window watching?
