Goddess

For the first time, Arlo looks afraid. “She’s not worth this. I’m out of here.”

“Sir, you haven’t been dismissed,” the officer points out. The second officer widens his stance, ready to pounce if need be. “What about the assault charges you mentioned?”

“Forget about it. He hits like a pussy anyway. I just want to get the hell out of this town and forget she existed. Forget her father exists. Look at her and look at me. I can do better.” His threat about forgetting my father doesn’t go unnoticed. He’s planning to take this out on him just like I feared.

“Please just let him go. I just want this to be over.” His threat in regard to my father is out of my hands.

Huxley comes up to me and put a hand on my shoulder. “Goddess, no! You can’t let him get away with hurting you. He’ll just come looking for you again. It’s time to stand up and fight back. I’ll be right here by your side.”

The issues between Huxley and me fall away. It means a lot that he dropped whatever he was doing to come rescue me. He’s willing to put aside our differences to stand with me, and it gives me the confidence I need to finally stand up to Arlo.

“I would like to file charges and give my statement on the history of his abuse,” I speak up.

“We’ll need you to come down to the station to file an official statement of domestic abuse. An investigation will take place, and then you will both have to appear in court,” the officer explains. I nod my understanding. “Do you have any charges you want to file for tonight’s events?”

Yeah, he manhandled me a bit, but I just want him gone. I don’t want to give him a reason to hang around town. I will file the necessary charges, but I need him to leave. Plus, I don’t want him to file counter assault charges against Huxley in spite.

“No, sir. I just want him gone. I’ll come down to the station to file the official report for the other stuff.” Huxley lets out a frustrated breath.

“Sir. You’re free to go, but I will recommend this young lady files a restraining order with that report so I wouldn’t bother coming back until summoned.”

“Big mistake,” Arlo mumbles. “My attorney is going to have a field day with this.” He gets in his rental car and slams the door before peeling off.

The officers bid us a good night after I arrange to go down to the station first thing in the morning.

“Why don’t you take her with you tonight, Huxley?” Rosalita suggests. A look passes between the two of them that I can’t read. I look around and see several customers have come outside to see what all the fuss was about. It may not be a bad idea to put some distance between me and this place tonight. Especially if Arlo is stupid enough to come back.

“Yeah, sure,” Huxley says. “Get in the truck, Goddess.”

Huxley’s gentle command has me thinking. Where in the hell are we going? Has Rosalita known where he was the entire time?