Chapter 34 #2
“James was hiding somewhere in the apartment and had placed a vase of roses on the countertop. My guess is that he was trying to throw me off before attacking me. I have no idea how he got in, but he’s charming, so who knows.
James threatened me by saying he was going to hurt our friend Quinn if I ran.
James admitted to killing his ex-wife Jessica and told me if I didn’t come back home to Boston, he would kill me too.
“I ran down the fire escape. Found a broken bottle in the alley and used that to protect myself until I felt the threat was no longer a threat. That’s when Beck and Mayhem showed up.
Neither one of them touched James. That’s the whole story.
There’s no need to question, Beck! And as you said, you can obtain the video surveillance,” Sloan declares confidently.
“Is that your statement?” Officer Tony questions.
“Yes. It is,” Sloan confirms, looking Officer Tony dead in the eye.
Sloan and I stand up and make our way toward the café door, so they can move James from the police car to the ambulance. I know Sloan doesn’t want to be anywhere near him.
“Okay, Ms. Archer. They will be taking Mr. McAllister to the hospital to be evaluated. A police officer will be outside of his room. I advise you to get checked over again, as well. We will keep you updated,” Officer Tony assures Sloan, walking past us.
“Sut is calling because Quinn called her. Is it okay if I tell her what happened?”
“Yeah. It’s okay. I probably should tell you guys the whole story,” Sloan offers ashamed.
“The apartment is a crime scene until we get permission to sweep it and clear it. Are you able to stay somewhere else?” Officer Tony asks.
“Yeah, we can go to my place. I just got the green light to move back in a few days ago,” I offer before stepping away and answering the phone.
“Hey, Sut, Sloan was attacked—” I start, the second I answer the phone.
“Quinn told me! Is she okay? Let me talk to her. Where are you? I’m coming right now,” Sutton screeches in the phone.
“Sut, breathe. We’re in the alley. The police are here. We aren’t allowed in the apartment until they document it, so we are going to my place. Sloan’s okay just shaken up,” I continue.
“August and I are almost there.” Sut hangs up.
Next thing you know, August, Khaos and Sutton round the corner.
Sutton rushes Sloan and is pulling her into her arms in seconds.
August comes up behind Sloan and looks at her with pain in his eyes and then relief after gently assessing her.
“Oh my Gods. Let me look at you. Where is that motherfucker? Is he dead? Did he put his hands on you? Your neck is bruised. He better be dead,” Sutton is yelling now.
“Sunshine. The police… You can’t say…” August starts to say.
“Hush you! I’m just being dramatic. Kind of.” Sutton points at August.
“But really, his ass better be going to prison. For. Life.” Sutton turns around pointing at Officer Tony.
Officer Tony tries to remain stoned face but there is the tiniest glint in his eye and a hint of a grin on his face.
There isn’t a single person on this planet that isn’t the slightest bit affected by Sut. I’m pretty sure she’d make a robot smile.
“Do a thorough search. Find out how he broke in. Take whatever you need but please don’t tamper with anything unrelated to the attack. His ass belongs in prison away from my best friend,” Sutton barks at Officer Tony.
“Babe, can you show them to the apartment, please?” Sut asks August so sweetly.
“Yes, Sunshine. Behave. You’re acting scarier than Quinn,” August chuckles, kissing her cheek. August guides the police officers to the door of the apartment inside WaggingWithWords.
The ambulance takes off with James inside handcuffed to the gurney.
Sloan lets out a deep sigh of relief.
“I know you aren’t okay. You’ve gotta be terrified. But physically, are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Sutton asks Sloan, her eyes pained, looking over every inch of her.
“My head’s sort of throbbing and my throat’s a little sore from him choking me, but I think he’s in worse shape than I am,” Sloan offers, still shaken up.
“Thankfully Beck got here when he did.” She smiles sweetly at me.
“I’m not the one who broke his finger and ruined his face. That was all you, Little Dove. Smart and fast thinking. I’m proud of you.” I squeeze Sloan close to me.
Not even twenty minutes later, one of the officers approaches us to let us know they pulled footage from the alley that shows James grabbing Sloan, pinning her and choking her. They also mention that they saw him with her knife in the beginning of the footage as well.
It also shows Sloan slashing the hell out of the air and his face.
So fucking proud of her.
They can’t find any areas of forced entry into the apartment, other than Sloan and James going through the fire escape. They aren’t sure if he somehow snuck in through the café and just lingered somewhere without Sloan knowing.
“With him going against the restraining order, the breaking and entering, and the battery charges, he should be spending quite some time in jail,” Officer Tony states.
“Would you all mind sticking around town just in case we have any further questions? I think it should be a fairly cut and dry case though.”
“Of course,” we all say in unison.
“You are all free to stay here tonight. We got everything we need,” Officer Tony encourages.
My girl can finally be free.