Page 53 of You Saw the Best In Me

He squeezes my hand again, letting me know it’s okay, so I follow the detective, who has a fake smile tattooed on her face.

I sit at her desk and explain my whole story, detailing every incident I’ve ever had with Asher, going back to my hospitalizations and the charges my mom filed against him.

“I’m sorry you’ve been terrorized by this man, Ms. Collins, but can I ask why you’ve waited nearly eight years to file a report of your own?” she asks, and I’m nearly on the verge of tears as it is.

I knew they wouldn’t believe me. I knew they’d discredit me because I never left a paper trail. This was so stupid and pointless, and I couldn’t help it when the waterworks opened.

“Detective, I’ve already told you my soured history with this man, who openly dated me at twenty-two when I was still a minor. I didn’t file reports because I was scared and didn’t have a support system. I’ve never kept friends from past places I’ve lived until recently,” I pause as she hands me a tissue.

The makeup I tried to wear to be taken seriously is running down my face, and I just want to leave and forget all of this.

“Continue, Ms. Collins,” she says as if she hasn’t already demoralized me enough.

I clear my throat, take a deep breath, and wipe my tears.

I am strong, and I can do this.

“I’ve never had people care enough about what happens to me. So, to answer your question, I’m filing a report now because I want my life back. I want to live freely and enjoy the company of the friends I’ve made. He’s stolen enough from me, detective; I just want to feel safe,” I finish, using every muscle in my body to hold back tears.

I refuse to cry in front of this woman again.

“I understand. It must be difficult. I’ll be able to open a case using your letter and the video your boyfriend provided,” she says, and relief floods my veins.

“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me,” I shake her hand, and she offers me a genuine smile.

“Judging by your story, I think I do, Karina,” she escorts me back to the waiting room where I sat a little while ago, and I impatiently wait for Maverick to return.

“Thank you, Mr. Carter, your dedication to this young woman is admirable,” Detective Benton says, shaking Maverick’s hand.

I jump to my feet, thankful he hasn’t gotten into trouble.

“Wait here, and the sergeant will give you further instructions,” the detective says as he shakes my hand.

I’m shocked, beyond shocked.

They believed me.

Twenty minutes later, we’re walking out of the police station the same way we came in, holding hands. Asher will have a warrant out for his arrest, and until he’s in custody, there will be a police car outside of our building.

“You did amazing, Karina. I’m so fucking proud of you,” Maverick says, taking all the paperwork and placing it on the dash.

“I cried, like a few times. I think they only agreed to file the report and keep a police car outside because I wouldn’t stop crying,” I say, and he shakes his head.

“No, baby girl, you did great. You told the truth, and they had no choice but to issue the warrant. You’re going to be safe soon enough,” he says, holding my thigh as he pulls out of the parking lot.

“They believed me,” I whisper to myself, hoping he doesn’t hear me.

I can’t stop the tears from falling because I never thought someone who lived through the cycle of abuse could get actual justice.

I’m grateful to Maverick for standing beside me and pushing me to be powerful.

He doesn’t pressure me to talk, letting me get all my emotions out.

Instead, he places a hand on my thigh while he drives, and I use his touch to ground me.

“That took longer than I thought. Are you okay coming with me to meet Harper’s principal?” he asks, and I don’t hesitate to say yes.

There’s no way I’m comfortable staying alone yet.