11. Chapter 11
eleven
Agatha
I refused to go to class. Instead, I had a rental car dropped off, and my car picked up through my insurance company. They told me since it was an open case that it would be covered with no out-of-pocket costs. They would go after the person who broke it since I knew who’d done it.
Now I was on my way to the courthouse after an hour and a half spent filling out paperwork.
Ru had spent the night last night, and I was thankful to have her with me.
I knew the order would only be a piece of paper, but I’d be using it to take to the administration office in the hopes he’d be removed from all the classes we shared.
The rain hadn’t stopped much, so I made sure to bring my umbrella, which only seemed to make the universe laugh because a gust of wind sent it bowing inside out and the metal snapped, making it useless.
“Perfect.” I shoved the thing into the rental’s back seat and marched to the courthouse.
With the police reports on file, I was able to wait for the judge to hear me out. It felt like a slow day here, and I was okay with that.
I glanced at the clock and groaned because even if it was signed and I left for the administration office now, it’d be too late to get there. I’d need to go in the morning and be late to class or try to get there between lessons.
My name was called as my phone buzzed, and I yanked it out as I stood to see Ty calling me. I sent it to voicemail, but he called once more.
“I can’t talk. I’m about to see a judge.”
“For what?”
“Restraining order.” I ended the call and stepped into an office with books along one wall and a massive desk.
“How can I help you?” An older guy with gray hair lifted his hand, and I shook it.
“I need to file this petition for a restraining order.” I offered him my papers and noticed another man in the room. I did a double take because he looked so similar to my ex that I almost thought it was him. Only I’d never seen Jack in a suit the whole time we’d dated and never on his socials, so there was no way it was the same man.
I swallowed hard, wondering if it was one of his brothers.
“Interesting.” The judge looked down at the paperwork, then he started asking questions without saying the guy’s name. I wondered if that was on purpose.
“I attend the same classes as him, so I’ll need to get this to the administration office sooner rather than later.”
“Understood. Mr. Larkin, please make sure this gets filed.” He signed something, and I bounced on my toes.
The guy to the side reached over and grabbed the paperwork.
“I’ll go make the copies.” He bowed out and left through a door to the left where the books weren’t covering the wall.
It had to be some kind of coincidence. Lots of people have that last name. Right?
I pulled in a breath as he returned with my copy, and I thanked the judge and left. Before I reached the lobby, a hand grabbed my arm and yanked me back.
“Why are you filing that against my brother?” The man sneered, and I gulped. Why is all my luck so damn bad?
I focused on the man holding me, trying to figure out what I should say to him. His grip tightened on my arm, and I hated how I didn’t notice this kind of family connection.
“First, I catch him cheating on me, then he suddenly wants me back and won’t take no for an answer. He attacked me last night and again the night before.” I glared into his eyes. “Put a leash on him.” I sneered.
“You’re the girl he was talking about. He’s failing all his classes and said he knew a woman who could help.” He shook his head and let go of my arm.
“After what he pulled, he’s lucky I don’t go out and buy a gun.” I didn’t have the money for it, but the threat would hopefully sink into this guy’s head so he could warn his brother.
“I’ll pass that message along.” He nodded and marched away while pulling out his phone. I blew out a breath as my own phone buzzed, and I pulled it out to see Ru’s face.
“It’s done,” I muttered as the guy turned a corner and left my view.
“Honey, I think you should come home. Ty’s freaking out that you got the order for him.” Ru sighed, and I blinked a few times.
“Why the fuck would I need one for him?” I looked up, trying to think back on how he could take it that way. “Fuck, he called right when the judge summoned me in.”
“I keep telling him it’s not for him, but he isn’t listening.” Ru clicked her tongue, and a muffled sound was my only warning before Ty started talking.
“Why?” he asked, and my heart dropped.
“Jack attacked me again last night. It’s for him, you dumbass.” I gritted my teeth and headed for the exit once more.
“He did what? Is that why you didn’t come to class?”
“I can explain everything when I get home. I don’t want to be talking in the courthouse about it.” I nodded at the security guy and tucked my papers in my purse, zipping it up and hoping it didn’t get wet.
“Fine. I’ll see you soon.” He ended the call, and I tucked my phone into my pocket. My mind was a mess of more questions as I marched to my car. I was drenched by the time I slipped into the rental.
I rested my head on the back of the seat and sighed. I’d been so consumed with my own head that I forgot to lock the doors when I climbed in. The back door opened, and I turned to find Jack sliding in.
“What the fuck?” I yelled and scrambled to get out.
“You’re going to stay and listen.” He grabbed my arm, keeping me still. “I know you’re fucking our teacher.”
I turned to look at him, my heart pounding against my chest.
“If you want to keep it a secret, you’ll convince him that all my grades need to improve.”
“I’m not your tutor. Learn the shit or drop out.” I pulled at my arm, but he had a good grip. “Plus, the relationship ended after you attacked me.”
“Bullshit. I could see the way he looked at you. I’m not a fucking idiot. You’re screwing him.”
“News flash, shit happens and people change their minds. Even if I was to admit to having a relationship with him, it’s over now, so what’s the point?” My heart ached as I said the words. I didn’t know if it was really over or not, but I refused to give this jackass any more fuel. I needed to get him out of my life asap.
Jack smirked as he pondered my words, and I hoped he’d finally see how wrong he was to threaten me.
“Then you won’t mind me going to the administration office and reporting it.” He smirked as he released my arm.
“Go for it, but I’m the one with a restraining order.” I motioned to the building, and he chuckled.
“Nah, that’s not what you have.” He slid out of the car, and I pulled out the paperwork after I locked the doors. On the top were my reports and the papers I filled out, but the document to verify it wasn’t there.
My stomach twisted as I scrambled to find the document. I looked at the clock and the offices were closed.
I slammed my fist on the steering wheel and screamed in my car. Anger flowed through my body at not double checking it. His fucking brother must’ve held that copy back.
Would he refuse to file a document his boss ordered him to? I didn’t know. But I did know someone who could fill me in on what to do next.
I pulled out my phone after I started the car and called the detective.
“Hello.”
“I need some clarification here.” I told her all that happened and my suspicions.
“What judge did you see?”
“Stevens.”
“Good. He’s a good man. He wouldn’t let that shit slide. I’ll let him know, and I’ll have him send over a copy of the signed doc to your email.”
I told her the address and felt a weight lessening in my chest. Jack was fucking screwed because even if he went to the front office, I would have more damning shit on him to keep him away.
I just had to hope it was enough to sway them not to look into Ty. I didn’t want him in trouble because of Jack.
I drove home feeling drained as fuck. Not eating much all day would do that. I texted Ru at the next light asking her to order food, and she gave a thumbs up.
When I pulled up to my place, I managed to find a close spot and wondered if my luck was finally turning around.
I stepped into the hallway and found a delivery person dropping off the food to Ru.
“Thank fuck. I’m starving.” I grabbed at the fries as I walked past her to find Ty jumping off the couch.
Facing off with him wasn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my night, but I owed him an explanation for the restraining order.
He closed the distance and pulled me into a kiss. My stupid body melted into his touch as his tongue devoured my mouth.
“Do you two need a moment?” Ru asked from my little kitchen.
Ty pulled back and pulled in a breath.
“I was in shock and drove to talk to Leo to gain some clarity. The next day I was hungover and late.” His shoulders were slumped, and I stared into his eyes, finding the honesty in his words. “I wasn’t avoiding you, but I can see how it would look like that.”
“You left me in the hospital room.” I pulled back, and he shoved his hands through his hair.
“Yeah, I told you I’d fucked up. But a restraining order?” His eyes pleaded with me.
“It isn’t for you. It’s for Jack Larkin.” I pulled out the paperwork and handed it to him. “He suspects I’m with you and is threatening me to help him with his grades or he’s going public.”
“That slimy bastard.” He looked up at me from the papers, then motioned toward the food. “You need to be eating.”
Ru handed over the bag of food, and I fell onto the couch and tore into the fries and burger. I kept glancing at him as I ate, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him how much I missed him.