“I’m just saying!” he defended.
“Nah, you’re right. She’d be pissed if I broke my hand. ” I sighed heavily, feeling the intensity of my anger dissipating. “I’d better go tell her the news. Thanks for coming out with me, guys. ”
I shook hands with each of them as the damage between us slowly healed. We walked toward our cars as a group before dispersing. I’m sure it looked like a scene out of Swingers, that old movie where people drove around the corner because no one walked anywhere.
*****
I found Cassie sitting on her bed, so engrossed in whatever she was reading that she hadn’t noticed me standing in her doorway. It was moments like these where I could stare at her for hours. I watched as her eyes scanned the words on the page, her forehead creasing and her eyes narrowing with her emotions. I cleared my throat and she looked up.
“Jack! How long have you been standing there?”
“Not long. ” I smiled and moved next to her bed.
“I didn’t know you were coming over. Is everything okay?”
“I just talked to Dean and they found the guy. ”
Her eyes widened as she carefully marked her page, closed her book, and set it down beside her. “They caught him?”
I sat facing her. “He tried to sell your camera to a pawnshop. They have regulations to check if things are stolen goods or not. The shop called the police and they arrested him. ”
“Oh my God. Well, that’s good. Do they have my camera? Can I get it back?” Her eyes lit up with hope.
I reached out my hand and felt her relax with my touch. “Sorry, Kitten. The police have it as evidence. It has to stay there until the sentencing is done. ”
“How long does that take?”
“It can take months. ”
“Months?” she repeated, her voice filled with disappointment.
“I’m sorry. ” And I was. Seeing her disappointed, hurt, and sad practically killed me. I repositioned myself next to her before resting my arm on her leg.
“It’s not your fault. ” Cassie tried to smile, but it looked pretty halfhearted.
“Dean positively identified him. So did Brett. He’ll most likely be charged with assault and battery and grand theft. ”
“Wait,” she breathed out, interrupting my download from Dean. “Is there going to be a trial? Am I going to have to testify?”
“I was getting to that. ” I leaned over, planting a kiss on her cheek. “He pleaded ‘no contest,’ so there won’t be a trial. ”
She shook her head. “What does ‘no contest’ mean?”
“He’s basically saying he did it, without saying he did it. He waives his right to a trial because he doesn’t think he’ll get off if it goes to a jury. But the other thing about pleading no contest is he can’t be sued for any damages he caused and his sentence will most likely be less. ”
“Less? How is that fair?”
“He’s a pussy. He took the easiest and best way out for him. ”
I watched as the confusion cleared from her eyes before she leaned her head against my shoulder. “So, no trial. You’re sure?”
“I’m sure,” I answered.
“Good. ”
“Aren’t you pissed off? Or angry?”
Her head lifted and she turned to eye me. “I can’t change what’s already done. I just want my camera back. ”