Page 73

“The, the man, the man in the ambulance, Alan. He attacked me.” I raise my voice, as oxygen struggles to fill my lungs. “Listen to me! You’re arresting the wrong man!”

“Alan Anderson?” Piers questions, looking from me to where the ambulance speeds away.

“Yes!” I take a breath and force the response out with a frustrated yell.

“Why would he—” Piers starts.

“Scarlett? Are you all right?” Teddy interrupts, rushing through the barricade and wrapping me in his arms. “Piers. Right after the security company rang him, I was nearby.” He answers my question before I even have a chance to ask.

“Does someone want to tell me what she is talking about?” Piers yells.

“Alan Anderson, he uhhhh. He attacked her at the retreat.” Teddy answers him, gripping me tightly before I break away, and he recounts the short version of the events that happened. It seems like a lifetime ago. I step closer to where they are starting to read Cohen the police caution.

“What?” Piers roars. “Why am I just now hearing about this?” Teddy looks away, then to me, guilt swimming in his eyes. Teddy kept my secret.

Sorry. I mouth to him, feeling guilty for putting him in the middle.

“Because you were too busy pushing her away to give a damn.” Cohen’s raspy voice interrupts, carrying to where we are standing.

“Who the hell are you?” Piers, turns around and stomps over to where Cohen is being detained.

“I’m the man that was there to protect her.” Cohen’s chest puffs out as he stares down Piers.

Piers remains silent, as officers hold him back, away from Cohen

“I'm so sorry, I had no idea.” Piers says quietly, looking at me, then Cohen.

“Don’t.” I don’t need his pity now.

“So, this is the guy?” Piers asks, “That saved you tonight?”

“Yes.” A single tear falls down my face and I step towards Cohen. “And at the retreat.”

His deep blue eyes never leave mine. But his face looks frightened, and I don’t understand why. He didn’t do anything wrong, they will release him. They have to.

“Please, just let me say goodbye,” I ask the officer.

When he nods, I press myself to Cohen and slide my hands around his torso, under his arms, griping his shoulders tightly. Not caring that my friends and possibly a few enemies are watching our exchange.

My only thought is the way I feel pressed against Cohen’s rock hard chest. I just wish his strong arms were wrapped around me, instead of restrained behind his back.

“Shhhh.” He whispers into my hair and I look up at him.

My shoulders begin to shake, the shock wearing off.

“I didn't save you, Scarlett, you saved yourself.” He drops his forehead to mine and whispers across my lips, saying it loud enough for everyone to hear, but I know it was meant just for me.

“You should go now.” His voice sounds defeated.

“No, I’m not leaving you.” I demand as they start to pull him from me.

“Ma’am, you’re gonna need to give your statement.” One of the officers informs me.

“She needs medical attention.” Cohen growls as they separate us.

“I’m fine.” I whimper.

Piers and Teddy step up and flank my sides. They encourage me to go inside, away from the growing audience, but I stay firmly rooted in place, watching them officially arrest Cohen while trying to give my statement to one of the female officers. My heart shatters at the injustice and my chest swims with guilt, knowing it’s because of me he’s being put through this.