Page 105 of Rigid

He nodded and held up a report. “Yes. The knife that was found on his person.”

“I’m uhhm. I’m confused.”

“I’m sure you are, Miss West. Not to bore you with details, but California Penal Code 198.5, otherwise known as the Castle Doctrine, allows you to defend yourself when you fear that your life is in danger in your home. The home, by definition, extends to include your yard, driveway, etcetera.”

“Okay.”

“Words like I feared for my life, he reached for the knife, or he reached for his waistband? They’re all phrases that are historically used in support of the aforementioned penal code.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

“So, where were we? He had a knife and there was a pistil at his side, correct?”

Shoot first, make up a story to cover your ass later.

I took a deep breath and then let it out. “I came outside. He had a knife in his hand. I yelled for him to stop. He didn’t. He hit her over and over. I rushed to help, and there was a pistol beside them on the driveway. He raised his hand, and the knife was in it. I thought he’d kill Eddie for sure. So, I picked up the pistol and yelled for him to stop. He looked right at me, then he started to drive his fist downward. I feared for my life, and the life of my children. I closed my eyes, and pulled the trigger. Then, I blacked out until I got to the police station.”

He grinned and nodded his head. “Can you recite that exact statement?”

“I think so.”

“No matter who asks you, that is exactly what happened. You do not recall any more. And, certainly do not exclude any details.”

“Okay. Can I talk to Smokey? I need to know if Eddie’s okay.”

“Who might Smokey be?”

“Eddie’s father. My boyfriend.”

“Sure. Do you know his telephone number?”

I didn’t. Not by memory.

“I guess not.”

“Did you have your phone in your possession?”

“No. I don’t know where I left it. It’s in the house.”

He glanced at his notes. “Well, typically at night, and especially on a Saturday, there’s no court, and no available judges or prosecutor’s. In this particular case, however, I suspect they’ll need to make some special arrangements.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Miss West, you’ve committed no crime. I’m going to leave here for a moment, and I’m going to call Judge Wardmeier at home, and explain the situation. If they do not release you, without charges, I will file suit against the department, the city, the arresting officers, the prosecutor, and the judge.”

“What does that mean for me? Can I talk to Smokey soon?”

“Let me make that call, Miss West. I should have you out of here within the hour.”

“Do you know what time it is?”

He looked at his watch. “2:05.”

I hadn’t called Smokey in three hours.

He was going to be worried for sure.

I lowered my head. “Okay.”