Dismount (Off Balance 5)

"FaceTime me and I'll show you."

I did, and she flipped the screen so I could see what she saw. I leaned against the kitchen counter.

My heart skipped a beat looking at the picture of Kova from the shoulders up. His green eyes lacked vitality, and he had a purple fat lip. His hair was disheveled, and there was a small cut near his eye. A series of pangs thumped in my chest. I still couldn't believe Dad had him arrested.

I stared at him, feeling his torment crash over me in waves. There was anguish in his gaze, though resigned, like he deserved this.

This was all my fault, and I would fix it. I just hoped he didn't hate me for this.

"What does it say?" I asked, my voice a little shaky.

Avery scrolled. "He was arrested the night you were admitted to the hospital. No bond has been posted…" Her voice trailed off, then picked back up. "It says he hasn't been released."

Chills coated my arms. I stared in confusion. I didn’t know what to think.

"Ah, Aid?"

My heart dropped at the dread in her tone.

"He wasn't arrested for assault, he was arrested for aggravated assault and simple battery."

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"What! What does that mean? Is that worse? Why are there two charges? Are you sure?"

"Yeah. That’s what it says." Avery sounded like she was in a state of disbelief herself.

"How long do people stay in jail for something like that?"

"No clue. Let me see what I can find." Avery placed the phone in her bra so I could watch while she opened a new tab and typed. "Aggravated assault charges in Georgia…"

She grew quiet. I couldn't see what she was reading no matter how hard I squinted.

"Okay, there’s a couple different things… I could be wrong, and don't quote me, but it's a felony. He could face one to twenty years in prison, plus fines and restitution."

"What makes it a felony?" I asked, my voice low.

"Let me see, hang on."

I held on for what felt like an eternity.

"…with intent to murder, rob, or…" Her voice trailed off again. "Or rape someone." She spoke so low I almost missed what she said.

Chills raced down my arms. I moved to a chair and took a seat.

"So your dad did file charges against him," she said more to herself, her voice full of sympathy.

I nodded as if she was sitting in front of me. My mind flickered like a strobe light with thoughts flying to every corner. How had he managed to file rape charges if I was eighteen?

My heart plummeted to my gut. He must've lied. Again. I bet Dad had told the police I was seventeen since I was unconscious and couldn't speak for myself.

This was all sorts of fucked up.

"And simple battery?" I whispered. "What’s that?"

I almost didn't want to know the answer.

"It's a misdemeanor," she said a little brighter. "He’d serve up to a year in jail and some small fines, could be elevated to an aggravated nature if…"