23. Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Brynn
" W e can use my room upstairs if you are comfortable with that, Callie," I say as Officer Landry and Callie follow me up the creaky wooden staircase.
"Sure," she answers in a quiet voice.
"I know this is a lot, but interviews like this help to be sure the bad guy doesn't win," Officer Landry says as she takes out her notebook and camera from the bag around her shoulder. "If it is okay, I would like to start with the photos. Where are the bruises and marks he left behind?"
"Mainly my chest, stomach, back and arms," Callie says as she glides her hands over her arms.
"Okay. When you are ready, we can start. Take your time. I know it can be very traumatic to relive the assault."
Callie takes a deep breath, exhales slowly and reaches for the hem of her long-sleeved shirt and pulls it off over her head. Next comes the tank top, the officer tries to keep her face impassive, but she fails .
There is a literal fucking boot print on Callie's stomach. "Holy shit," I breathe out.
"I know. I can't stand to look in the mirror and see how he marred me."
"Callie, this is not your fault. That man is evil. You are so strong. You got yourself and your daughter out of the situation. You are safe," I say as I fight back my tears.
This woman is so strong, but she feels so weak. I have been there before. Fuck, sometimes I still am.
Officer Landry snaps picture after picture. "Please lift your hands above your head."
Callie does as she is told, but winces. "Sorry, I can't really raise my arms much. It hurts."
"Did you seek medical attention after the attack?"
Callie shakes her head no. "I didn't want my daughter out of my sight. I didn't even take her to daycare following the attack."
"I am going to recommend you seek medical attention. You want to be checked for internal bleeding and to see if you have any fractured ribs."
Callie says she will think about it and gets dressed after all the photos are logged and the officer is finished with her questioning.
"I am so sorry for being so much trouble," Callie says as we exit my room.
"You stop that right now. You are not any trouble at all." My voice is stern. I give her a quick smile as we reach the bottom step. "I will go with you to the doctor if you want, you just let me know when you are ready." I pause for a moment, leaning in so close to her ear that I know there is no way anyone else can hear me. "I wish I would've gone to the doctor or reported it. Trust me, you did the exact right things."
Her eyes widen, and I nod my head. "It was a really long time ago, and I was young and didn't think anything needed to be done. So, I ran away from here instead."
"Thank you," she blubbers as she cries on my shoulder.
"Everything okay, here?" Colt asks as he walks up to his sister.
"Yes. It was just a lot. Reliving every detail and having the photos taken."
"I will get these taken to evidence right away, you may be contacted, and I will report the violation of the protective order," Officer Landry says before she exits out the front door.
"If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to reach out," Sheriff Carter says as he shakes hands with Colt, Blake and Brooks. "Now that official business has been taken care of."
"Shane Carter! Put me down!" I squeal as he takes me in his arms in a big bear hug and spins me around.
"I heard a rumor you were in town, but I just thought it was the drunken rambling of the bar flies down at Bessie's. Imagine my surprise when Blake confirmed you were really here. It's been too damn long."
"It has been a long time. Put me down, you neanderthal." He finally lowers me back down to the ground. "I am not here for long, just enough time to be sure dad is doing okay and has everything he needs."
"How is he doing, anyway?"
"It could have been a lot worse; he has some therapies starting tomorrow so we will see how he does then," I say as I let my eyes roam over Shane. He wouldn't be a bad lay. I heard he was a pretty good kisser back in the day. I bet he would be good in the sack, too.
"Welp, I should be going. I'd love to take you to dinner before you skip town again," he says with a wink. I hear a growl behind me. I turn to see my brothers with their arms crossed over their chests, staring at Colt. Well, that's a new development .
"I don't think I will have time, but thanks for the offer," I say as I look back at Shane.
"Very well then, have a safe journey home." He looks to Callie, "Ma'am if you need anything at all, these guys know how to get ahold of me directly."
"Thank you," Callie nods and takes a seat by Millie who is watching a movie on her tablet, headphones on .
Blake walks Shane out and I can see them talking in the driveway by his cruiser. "Did everyone get enough to eat?"
Whitney pops her head in from the kitchen, "Everything is cleaned up and the leftovers put away in to-go containers for the weekend."
"Thanks, I could've done that. Momma Ann had asked for the afternoon off, so I am in charge of clean up and dinner."
"Do you even know how to cook?" Brooks asks wearily.
"I know how to cook, you jerk." I snap. "Just for that, I won't let you have any of my meatloaf."
"Fuck. Meatloaf is my favorite," Brooks whines.
"Then I guess you should shut your mouth and mind your manners," I say with my finger pointed in his direction.
"Yes ma'am," he mumbles.
"I would love to help you in the kitchen tonight, it is the least I can do," Callie says as she fidgets with her long sleeves.
"If you want, but no pressure. I am getting ready to go make some cookies. I need to bake."
"Uh oh. She's baking," Whitney says with a sigh.
"What does that mean?" Callie asks.
"Growing up it meant she was feeling emotional, and we should steer clear," Brooks says as he backs away from arms-reach.
"Fuck off. I just feel like baking. It is relaxing to me after a long day." I start to walk to the kitchen. "You boys better get your asses to work if you wanna earn dinner and dessert," I say right as I pass Colt and Brooks.
"If I am a good boy, can I have extra dessert?" Colt asks in his rough, deep voice.
"Good boys usually get rewarded."
"So hot," Whitney whispers to us both as she walks into the kitchen.
Colt winks and follows my brother out the front door, and I am just standing here hoping my face isn't red.
"I have never seen this side of Colt." Callie joins Whitney in the kitchen, and they both squeal.