Page 20 of Breakaway

“They’re going to ask you some pretty invasive questions, and you’ll need to answer in as much detail as possible. I don’t want my presence to cause you any unease, or for you to stifle your responses because you’re uncomfortable with me hearing about certain aspects,” he explains.

“I don’t see it being an issue, but if it gets to that point, I’ll let you know,” I respond, knowing I’m more inclined to speak the truth with him present. Since the day we met, something inside me intuitively knew I could trust him. So far, he’s yet to prove that theory wrong, and honestly, there isn’t much he doesn’t know about, if anything.

Except there is something he doesn’t know about, and I’m too scared to tell him.

“Okay.” Raiden smiles, dipping his chin appreciatively. “At this point, we’re still actively gathering evidence, and the prosecutors are working on a list of charges, but the current arrestees are set to appear before the magistrate over the next few days. As of now, we don’t anticipate anyone being offered bail. After that, preliminary hearings will be scheduled. Once the case is sent to circuit court, a grand jury will determine whether or not an indictment is warranted. From there, charges will be read at their arraignments, and they’ll be instructed to enter their pleas.”

“That’s…a lot,” I whisper, my gaze drifting to a blank spot on the wall as I attempt to process such an excessive amount of information. “Sounds lengthy.”

“It can be,” Raiden agrees. “But best-case scenario, Tobias pleads guilty to the murder of LeAnna Taylor, as well as kidnapping, and we go straight to sentencing.”

“He’ll never do that,” I state vehemently.

“Maybe not, but the odds are stacked against him. If his attorneys are worth a damn, they’ll do their best to secure the bastard a plea bargain in exchange for his admission of guilt.” That would be the ideal outcome, but Tobias’ arrogance won’t allow him to cave so easily–of that, I’m sure. “We need to get going. Are you ready?”

“As ready as I can be,” I answer, my reluctant smile doing little to convince either of us.

I slip my shoes back on and follow Raiden to his truck. The roads are busier now, so it takes us a while to get to the police station. Thankfully, he brings me in through the back entrance, avoiding the crowd of onlookers stationed out front. We’re led to a private room and instructed to wait, but it doesn’t take long for the others to join us.

“Ms. Adams, I’d like to thank you for meeting with us today. I’m Wade O’Connor, Chief of Police, and these are Agents Jeanine Foster and Reid Pullman.” I shake each of their hands and take the seat that Raiden pulls out for me.

“For the record, this interview is being recorded. The date is Thursday, September 5th, 2025, and the time is nine forty-two AM,” Agent Foster recites. “Could you please state your full name?” She looks to me in question.

“Andilyn Rae Adams,” I respond, my voice hitching with nerves.

“Could you start by giving us a brief breakdown of how Veritas operates?” Agent Foster requests. I nod my head, then clear my throat and begin explaining things as best I can.

“Veritas means truth-seeker in Latin. That’s what they believe themselves to be: Seekers. They’re convinced they were chosen by their Divine to pursue the truth, by any means necessary. We’re Harbingers, our dichromatic eyes a beacon that denotes us as having two souls, one of them being tainted and demonic. In their eyes, they’ve been entrusted with the exorcising of that soul.” My knee begins to bounce, the nervous energy pulsing through my veins desperate for an outlet. Beneath the table, the heat of Raiden’s hand against my flesh startles me, but the squeeze he gives my thigh does wonders for calming my anxiety.

“And their hierarchy within the community?” Agent Pullman questions.

“Stillwaters founded The Order of Veritas and have always maintained control. There are seven Houses in total. The eldest male or female from each House makes up the Council of Elders. Their children or anyone else in their lineage are figureheads. When Tainted, as they like to refer to us, reach the age of eighteen, a Claiming ceremony takes place. As the name states, we’re claimed, branded like cattle, and our sole responsibility from that point forward is to act and do exactly as they say, or reap the consequences.”

What follows my introductory explanation is nothing short of the longest day in existence. I’m asked a million questions, each one more probing than the last. I’m forced to recount things I’d much rather forget, but I keep reminding myself that every detail counts. At one point, the information I’m divulging is so gruesome that Raiden asks if I’d like to take a break. I politely decline, preferring to get this over with as quickly as possible. Many hours later, we’re finally excused with instructions to be on standby for when I’m needed next.

Our drive back is quiet, but there’s not much I can say that will eclipse the revelations Raiden is now privy to. Private things that were humiliating to speak about. He might have known about them in a vague sense, but hearing about the numerous times my so-called husband had his way with me in vivid detail is something else entirely. It’s apparent now why he questioned my comfort level, but I’m more concerned with his response than mine. Based on the way his body keeps shifting, the flexing of his fingers around the steering wheel, and the silence stretching between us, it’s safe to assume he’s struggling for words. It’s not until we’re standing outside the door of his apartment that he finally speaks.

“You did good today, Andi,” Raiden voices, his gaze focused on the ground. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry you were forced to go through that. It’s bad enough you had to live it, but reciting that shit for strangers couldn’t have been easy.”

“It wasn’t,” I admit. “But I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Veritas pays for their crimes. Especially Tobias.”

“I know you will.” His sad smile hurts in a way I can’t quite explain. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I wave goodbye, but watching him walk away leaves me feeling conflicted. I want to be alone, but at the same time I don’t. Closing the door behind me, I flip the lock and head towards the bathroom. I sink inside the tub before it’s finished filling, hoping the heat will free my body of the tension stringing it tight. Brushing my hand across my stomach, I ponder how long I have until my dilemma becomes apparent and everyone knows, whether I’m ready for it to be public knowledge or not. Of all the topics we discussed today, my parents were the hardest. Admitting how negligent they were, even before Veritas, was a trip down memory lane I could’ve done without. I have no basis for mothering, not when my own was so awful at it. Between myself and Tobias, this child is doomed.

Since finding out, I’ve cycled through every emotion possible, but the horrifying thoughts creeping past my defenses make me question what I might be capable of. I’ve contemplated taking a tumble down the steps outside, or slipping in the shower. Any number of things that could be ruled an accident so I wouldn’t be painted the villain. I’m disgusted with myself, but how am I expected to love someone who shares half their DNA with a Stillwater? I’m terrified of who this child might become. Tracing the scarred S permanently seared into my skin, I’m reminded of how dangerous the stakes truly are.

I pull the plug from the drain and force myself to stand. Marinating in my own proverbial filth is doing nothing to lighten my mood. I quickly dry off and dress, then head to the kitchen. It’s been hours since I last ate anything, which can’t be good for the baby. Once again, my brain tries to intervene, coaxing me to go to bed without giving my body the nutrients it needs to grow a human. I settle for a sandwich instead. As I’m rinsing my plate, eager to call it a night, there’s a knock at the door. I glance at the time displayed on the microwave, my stomach dropping when I realize how late it is. Quietly, I tiptoe over and check the peephole, relieved to find a familiar face on the other side.

14

Andilyn

“Raiden?” I question in concern, curious to know what’s brought him back.

“Hey, Andi,” he greets me sheepishly, doing his best to stifle a yawn. “I hate to ask this of you, but Mr. Taylor called, and he’s wondering if you’d be willing to come over? Hudson is having a rough night, and he can’t get him settled.”

“Um,” I start, at a loss for what to say. I’m not convinced I’ll be much help, but I still agree to try. “Sure. Let me grab a jacket.”