Rocco's Atonement

“I take that route monthly when I head to the museum or library. Yes, my family knew I was going to the museum this month,” she says softly.

“This month? So, you only go to the museum monthly. How often do you go to the library?”

“I only have one day off a month.” Her voice turns even quieter.

“You’re here all the time except for one day a month?” Damian asks while I sit there in shock. He turns to George. “She’s never allowed out but then?”

I lean forward and take Guinevere’s hand. I can’t leave her here.

“She’s a prisoner to her own family,” I bark, and she jumps. I rub her hand to soothe her, but she starts to pull away and curls into herself. I hate to see her this way.

“Now, wait. That’s not true. Guinevere isn’t a prisoner. She has very little education and works here for her allowance,” George says, and Guinevere’s eyes flare wide. She turns and looks at him in shock. By her response, something he said bothers her. He moves behind her chair and places his hands on her shoulders. Her body tenses, and I watch as she holds perfectly still. I don’t see him putting pressure or squeezing, but he’s letting her know he’s there. “Correct, Guinevere?”

She lowers her chin, taking her eyes from my view. “Correct,” she says so quietly I can barely hear her.

“Do you have any enemies, Guinevere? Anyone who wants to hurt you?” Damian asks, and again I watch her. Her body tightens and her chin starts to tremble. I watch George’s hands as they tighten ever so slightly, not enough to hurt her but again letting her know he’s there.

“No one.” Her voice is quiet, almost like a small child.

“I believe you have upset Guinevere. That’s enough questions for the day.”

“We aren’t done, Mr. Chambers.” I deepen my voice to give it command but not scare her. “Guinevere, could you please show me the purse and coat you were wearing that day?” I’m hoping I can get her alone. That she will confide in me. I want to beg her to let me take her from here. From these people who insist on hurting her.

“We’ve destroyed those things so as not to traumatize Guinevere any more than necessary,” George answers for her. “Guinevere, show them out.” He squeezes her shoulders again, tighter this time. I start to rise, ready to drag her out of here, wanting to fulfill my promise.

“You’ve heard Mr. Chambers; Ms. Chambers is done.” The attorney can barely call her Ms. Chambers. He stands up and waves to the entrance.

“But we aren’t done,” I say to the attorney. “We want to find the men responsible for hurting Ms. Chambers. We can’t do that without investigating it, and that requires us questioning her.”

“I’ll just have to make a phone call to one of my friends at police headquarters.” George moves over to his desk. “Guinevere, now,” he barks at her, and she jumps from the chair.

“Please, Detectives, follow me.” She waves her hand, and Damian starts toward the door. I hold back and walk with her, not letting her feel like she is beneath us in any way.

After a quick look around the hall, I don’t see anyone, so I reach for her arm and stop her.

“Guinevere, please let me help you,” I beg.

“Detective Distonoli, thank you for your concern, but this is my family.” Her voice is monotone with no emotion in it.

“But it’s obvious you aren’t treated well here.” I continue to argue. She starts to pull away from me, ready to defend her family. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

“Please, Detective Distonoli, you need to leave.”

“Then tell me what bothered you about what your father said.”

She pauses and looks at me for a moment. Her beautiful different colored eyes are shiny with tears. She’s holding back so much, and I just want to shelter her. Protect her from these people who are supposed to love and cherish her. I want to show her what love and family is supposed to be like.

“Detective—”she says, and I interrupt her.

“Rocco.”

She looks around before she turns back to me. I see Damian is at the door waiting for me, but he’s giving me space, hoping I can find something more out. Or get her out of here.

“Rocco, I don’t know what you mean. Mr. Chambers didn’t lie.” She blushes when she says my name, and I’m instantly drawn closer to her. I want to know how far down that blush goes. I want to hear her say my name more. I pull her into my body and tilt her chin up so she is looking at me. I have one arm around her back, holding her against my body. I know I’m taking liberties with her, but I honestly can’t stop myself from having her in my arms right now.

“I like when you say my name, Ever. I want to see you again. Can I take you out tomorrow? Maybe we can get coffee.”