Chapter 27 - Cooper
Cooper
Staring up at the imposing building in front of me, a chill seeps into my bones.
Phantom fingers drag across my skin, reminders of him.
Tremors start to run through my body until a slim hand slips into mine.
My eyes look onto emerald pools as Max slots her body against mine.
Grounding me, as she’s done many times before.
Heat spreads across my back as Teddy joins us.
I’m surrounded by love, and I’ve never been more grateful for this family we’ve managed to form.
“You’re in charge here, LB.” Teddy’s deep voice rumbles through me.
“We go in when you’re ready, and not a second before.
If that’s not today, then we leave and try again later.
Whatever you decide, Max and I are with you.
” Taking strength from his words, I lift my foot to the stair in front of me and begin my climb.
The officer at the front desk looks bored to tears. His monotonous “How may I help y’all?” only adds to the dreary mood.
“I’d uh…” Perfectly in sync, as if choreographed, Max and Teddy each squeeze one of my hands when my silence stretches on. Inhaling deeply, I raise my chin and meet the officer’s bored gaze. “I’d like to report a crime.”
We’ve been waiting for about twenty-five minutes when an older man in a suit approaches. He directs his attention to Max. “My name is Detective Bradford. I hear you need to make a report. Would you like to come with me?”
“Oh, I’m not the one needing to make the report,” Max responds.
Confusion flashes across his face. “I was told there was someone needing to make a report for a crime of a sexual nature.”
“Yes, sir, that’s correct,” I say, voice wavering.
As the detective turns to face me, I see the moment understanding hits him. “You’re my…victim? ” If the pause hadn’t made his thoughts on the matter clear, the sneer currently marring his face certainly does. His next words only verify what we can all clearly see. “But, you’re a man.”
I should have known better. Nobody is going to believe me. Why did I think this was a good idea? Run. I need to run. Folding in on myself, I start to take a step back, but Teddy takes a step closer to me as Max invades the detective’s personal space.
“Surely, you aren’t trying to imply that a man can’t be a victim of sexual assault.
I’m quite certain I must’ve misheard. I would hate to have to file a report of my own.
One that, oh, I don’t know…” Ever the drama queen, Max pauses and taps her chin.
“…Maybe accused a detective of misconduct for discouraging a victim from filing a report.” The ice in Max’s voice could freeze hell.
I can practically see the man’s balls crawl back up into his body.
“No! Uh, no need for all that. I just…well, you see…the thing is…” With his face beet red and sweat beading on his brow, the poor asshole looks like he’s one breath away from a heart attack.
Max must be feeling merciful, because she gives him an out. “Why don’t you go find us a female officer? Even one fresh out of the academy could do a better job than you at this point.” Detective Bradford practically leaves skid marks behind in his haste to escape Max.
I pull away from Teddy and wrap my arms around Max’s waist, pressing my forehead into her shoulder blade. “Have I told you lately that you are one scary, badass bitch?”
Her hands come up to rest on top of mine. She turns and kisses my forehead before she responds. “I mean, you’re a little overdue, but I’ll forgive you…this time.”
A laugh escapes me, but I sober quickly when a female detective approaches us.
Once again, I find myself sandwiched between Max and Teddy, their faces stony.
The woman heading our way has dark eyes and raven hair.
She’s wearing a sleek maroon suit that would normally look out of place in this setting, but the confidence she radiates makes everyone else in the station appear woefully underdressed.
She practically marches up to me. When she holds her hand out to me, I hesitate briefly before reaching out and shaking it.
“I’m Detective Amara. I would like to apologize for the asshole before me.
Please know that his antiquated opinions do not reflect those of this department.
If you still feel up to it, I would very much like to take your statement and help you find the justice you deserve. ”
Speechless, all I can do is nod. “Good,” she says, clapping her hands together. “I’ll go get an interview room set up, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Detective Amara strides away, and the other officers are quick to move out of her way.
“I think I just got a lady boner,” Max says.
“I think I just got a boner for a lady,” I agree before we both burst into much-needed laughter.
“You two are utterly ridiculous,” Teddy chides, but he does a poor job of hiding the smile in his tone.
Sitting in the interview room across from Detective Amara, I’m struck by how sterile it is.
Grey walls, a two-way mirror, a table with four uncomfortable chairs, and a video camera—that’s all there is to it.
The longer I sit here, the more I feel like a criminal instead of someone here to report a crime.
My discomfort must be evident because the detective gives me a wry grin. “I know this isn’t the most welcoming environment. I’ve tried to explain that we need separate interview rooms for victims and suspects, but they’re really fond of the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ method around here.”
I meet her grin with one of my own. “Southerners aren’t exactly known for their love of change.”
“So I’m learning,” she replies before shifting in her seat. Seriousness envelops her. “Are you sure you don’t want one of your friends to be in here with you? I can’t imagine this will be easy for you, and they seemed very protective.”
I take a minute to really think about her offer.
“I’m sure. As much as I love them and their unwavering support, I can’t have them in here.
I need to do this on my own, but I also don’t want them to hear all the sordid details.
I’ve already lived through it—no need to drag them into the darkness with me. ”
“Okay. If you’re sure.” She turns the camera on. “This is Detective Wren Amara, badge number 31947. Interview with Cooper Gray Sorenson beginning at 1049. Cooper, go ahead and tell your story.”
“When I was fourteen…”