My stomach lurched as my dream ended, and I was shaken back into reality. My eyes shot open, and I blinked, the blurriness faded, and my surroundings became crisp. My body was bathed in a cold sweat. The unfamiliar thin sheets were twisted around my limbs, probably because I thrashed in my sleep. My heart pounded as the remnants of my night terror clung to my mind.
I let out an exasperated sigh, groaning as I rolled myself to sit on the edge of the shitty cot I’d been lying on for God knows how long. What time was it? How long had I been asleep? Where the fuck was my prosthetic? I rubbed what remained of my leg finding it to be sore to the touch.
The coldness of the air was more apparent as I regained my senses. The fluorescent lights above flickered as I took in my surroundings. I was in a fucking jail cell. Nothing but four walls and a mattress, everything a depressing shade of grey—and my head throbbed like a mother fucker. The pain felt like someone had taken a knife to my skull. I leant my head against my hands. Squeezing my eyes shut, I willed the pain to go away. Now wasn’t the time to get a migraine, though I got them after every PTSD plagued dream.
A loud bang on the door made me wince as I glanced over at it. Disembodied eyes peeped through the small window, a rectangle of glass situated in the steel door.
“Why the fuck am I here?” My voice echoed off the walls, penetrating my skull.
The guy chuckled, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe I’d asked. “You sent some guy to the hospital.”
My brows furrowed as I tried to remember but the pulsating in my brain didn’t let me remember shit.
“You’re lookin’ at attempted murder and assault first degree.”
I gripped my head. “The only thing I remember is being at Evelyn’s. Is she okay?”
“The woman you were with? Yeah. She’s fine. Shaken up, but I don’t even know the story. Someone’ll be in to talk to you soon.”
I heard his footsteps walk away, but I couldn’t fucking concentrate. Flashing spots of color blinded me, and the nausea was overwhelming. I collapsed back on the bed and pulled the thin, stiff sheets over my head as I curled into a fetal position.
I’d stayed that way for hours until the throbbing subsided enough for me to formulate my thoughts. I’d remembered it all as the memories crashed back. That fucker was on top of her, and I’d fucking lost it. I don’t regret it either, someone had to make that piece of shit pay.
A knock on the door caused me to pull myself up again. Sheriff Sanders and Evelyn walked in. Evelyn was carrying my prosthetic and I couldn’t bite back the chuckle.
“Um, I thought you might need this.” She held it out to me. A pink-color tinged her cheeks as she shifted her gaze around the cell.
I grabbed it and fastened it on as quick as I could, ignoring the pain radiating from the stub.
The Sheriff nodded at me. “You got lucky, son. Evelyn explained everything. The shitbag that broke in is going away for a long time.”
I stood up and shook Sheriff Sanders’ hand. “Where is he?”
“Hospital.”
I nodded, glancing at Evelyn. I couldn’t believe I’d snapped like that in front of her. What was going through her mind?
“All the charges are dropped. Given the circumstances, you acted in self-defense. You’re free to go. I cleared you.”
“Thanks, Sheriff. I appreciate it.”
I walked out of the jail a couple of steps behind Evelyn. She’d been quiet, hesitant even. I didn’t know if she was worried about how I was feeling about Oliver’s death or if she was scared of me—still digesting what happened last night. Either way, I had to give her some space. I needed to mourn my friend, and I wanted to protect Evelyn’s state of mind. She needed to come to terms with the fact that I had issues I wasn’t sure would go away.
“I’m sorry you were taken to jail.” Her voice was low as we sat outside the farmhouse in her car.
I shook my head. “Don’t be sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t hear the fucker break in. Are you alright?”
She nodded, not meeting my gaze. Her face was pale, and her eyes were swollen. I noticed the bruising around her throat, and I clenched my fists. “Just shaken up still. Thank you… for stopping him. I’m not sure what would’ve happened if you hadn’t been there.”
I reached over to grab her hand but she flinched so I pulled my hand back. Swallowing the pain I said, “Don’t think about what would’ve happened. I was there, and I’ll always protect you. If you need me, call.” I opened the car door to get out but her hand grabbed mine.
“Call and let me know when Oliver’s funeral is. I’d like to go with you.” Her gaze was locked on where she’d grabbed me before she let her hand drop.
“You don’t have to do that.” I got out of the car and leaned down to look at her.
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to be there for you like you were for me.”
“You don’t owe me anything.”
She shook her head, her honey eyes finally meeting mine. “I know. I want to be there for you, Flynn.”
I gave a curt nod. “Alright. I’ll let you know when it is.”
“I’ll see you soon then.” Her statement came out more of a question.
“Take care of yourself. Call me if you need me.” I shut the door and headed into the house, ready to face Ma’s questions. But something inside me didn’t
