Chapter 16

I was woken up by my cellphone ringing. I was still in my clothes from last night. The pain in my hand brought back all the detail from last night.

I answered my phone on the second phone call. It was Vicky.

"Hmm?"

"Good morning starshine."

"Hey, What time is like?" I asked remembering I'd made plans to hang out with them this morning before their flight.

"it's 8:30."

"Shit, I mean, Sorry. I'll getting up and I'll be there as soon as possible." I hung up took a shower and put on some jeans and t-shirt.

I hands burned from the spray so I bandaged them before I went downstairs to find that everyone but Carlie was already awake.

The room went silent when I walked in. "what?" I asked and whipped my face in case there was something on it.

My mom was sitting at the island with her head in her hands and my Dad was rubbing her back.

"What's going on?"

"Eleazar, went to the urgent care to find Peter; he shot him." I was shocked but not really, My Dad would've shot any guy over the girls. I just hope he didn't kill him.

"Ok"

"The police would like for you go to down to the station to give a statement."

"Did he kill him?" I remembered the threat I placed within earshot of a large group of people, not only months ago but just last night. Shit, I almost did kill him last night.

"No, but he is seriously injured."

"Tiffany said that she was there with her little brother because he fell off the bed and sprang his wrist. Anyway, Mr. Johnson told Pete that he was shooting in the hand because he'd touched his daughter." I nodded at Renée's statement.

"Why do the cops need a statement from me? I was home…"

"They believe you knew he was going to shoot him and didn't notify them. Also it was you that you told him where Peter was there for aiding his crime."

My eyes went wide. Although I did know he might shoot him I didn't know for sure and anyone could've told him where he was Pete posted it on Instagram.

I sat down next to my Mom. "Can I go see McKenzie and Vicky off first?" I asked my Dad.

He nodded "Don't worry son, I don't think you are in trouble really. I think they just said that to scare you a bit." Well that worked because I was scared shitless.

I wanted to text Makenna, ask her how she was or what happened but my dad suggested that would be a bad idea. He didn't want me to seem even more involved them I already was.

We rode together to the hotel. I was really late it was past 9 when I got there. They had their bags by the door.

"Hey, sorry I'm late and now I can't go to the airport with you either."

"Everything ok?" No, I was a nervous wreck and was having a hard time keeping it together. I looked to my Dad wondering if I she tell her what was going on. He just kind of shrugged not wanting to tell me what to do when it comes to Vicky.

"Ahh, there has been a situation with my ex and I think I got into some trouble last night."

She looked shocked but spoke words I think I needed to hear. "I'm sure it's nothing, you are a good boy and I am sure you did the right thing. Sometimes the repercussions of our actions are worth it in the end."

That lone statement soothed me." Sometimes the repercussions of our actions are worth it" If I could go back to last night, there isn't a thing I would change. Maybe handle Angela differently, but when it came to Peter I would still beat his ass and I would tell Kenna's family about her being abused.

They only had a couple minutes before they had to leave. I took their bags downstairs and loaded them into her rental. I gave McKenzie a big hug and made her promise to call when the plane landed. I also gave Vicky a hug and asked her to take care of McKenzie.

The ride to the Police station was tense. My Dad just wanted to know all what happened last night from beginning to end. At the end he knew they really couldn't hold the shooting on me but what he was concern about was the assault that I could be charged with.

He told me that during the interview I should tell the story point by point. He told me to listen to the questions thoroughly and to answer directly what is being asked. Do not give additional information.

When we got there my Grandpa's best friend and the family lawyer; Mr. Jenks. He gave me the same instruction as my Dad. We met with Detective Smith, who was pleasant about the whole thing.

After our introductions he lead us to a small room with three chairs in one side for us and two chairs on the other where he sat with another officer.

"Ok, , Please tell us what happened last night." I looked at my Dad who gave me a head nod.

"1st I heard Makenna scream so I left my girlfriend to find out what was going on."

"Who is MaKenna to you?" He interrupted.

"My ex-girlfriend" He nodded and wrote that down.

"When I entered the kitchen he had her by her arm."

"He, Peter?"

"Yes, Peter had her by the arm and I told him to release her to which he responded negatively to."

"Negatively how?

"He kind of pulled her in my direction and yelled "Fuck you" at me then I made him release her and we got into a fight."

"Made him how?"

"I pulled her out of his grip"

"How did you start to fight?"

"I punched him in the face." He nodded as he wrote." After we were broken up I was in the yard explaining to the homeowner why the fight had taken place. When Peter came out and attacked me. I was able to subdue him by placing him into a chokehold. Once he passed out I proceeded to leave the residence."

"I just want to say that my client placing Peter in that hold until he was no longer a threat is considered self-defense." Jenks said when I paused.

Detective Smith Laughed at him." I hear you, but what about when he punched peter in the face? Why didn't he call the police and have us address the problem?"

"You expected him to allow Makenna to be manhandled. By the time the SPD got there you would have to call an ambulance"

With that he had me continue my story.

"When I was leaving a ran into Makenna again she was crying on the couch. She was holding her arm and that was how I found out this wasn't the first time he had been aggressive with her. I took Makenna and her friend home. Once we got there I took screen shots of her phone and we told her dad what happened."

"What did her Dad say when you told him what happened?"

" looked heartbroken but didn't say much. He asked where Peter might be, I told him urgent care because of the fight. He thanked me for helping his daughter and I left."

"Did Mr. Johnson give you any indication that he was planning on hurting Peter?"

"No."

"Did he mention anything about going to see him, or paying him a visit?"

"Not that I recall."

"OK, Masen. I'll let you go. Peter's parents do not want to press charges for the assault. The state may, so stay local until otherwise informed."

"How long does it usually take to find out?" I nervously asked.

"Why?"

"Umm, I start school in August."

"What school?"

"Dartmouth." His eyebrow went up into his hairline.

"We'll be in touch." Was his answer. I was totally fucked! Afterwards Jenks told me I shouldn't have anything to worry about.

I sent Makenna text asking was she alright after my dad gave me the go ahead.

"-No, everything is crazy! I was happy they gave my Dad bond but he is facing major jail time and Peter won't stop texting me. I blocked him on everything but he is getting scary. Now my dad is threatening to shoot him again. -Heartbreaker"

I shook my head and told my Dad he suggested we tell the cops about the harassment.

"It will help Eleazers case and she should be able to get a restraining order since she has bruises and prove she is blocking his communication but he still trying to reach her." He was right.

I called and she answered after the first ring.

"Hey"

"Hey" she responded sadly.

"I think you should tell the police that he is texting and calling you. It will help your Dad's case and you need a restraining order."

"Yeah, I guess so. Thank you so much Masen. I think I need you to see what bullshit I was putting up with. I don't know how I didn't see it. I didn't even love him," I don't know why her words bothered me.

"I didn't even love him." Maybe because I'm sure those same words were used for me.

"Yeah, it's no problem Kenna, you were one of my best friends. I'd do it again"

We hung up and when we got home we told my mom what all happened. She thought that things would work out ok.

I hoped they were right.