Page 97 of Under Water

Rune’s eyes widen. “You’re serious right now?”

With a big grin, Elio stares at him, and then he bursts into tears.

Rune and Elio are back at the car before Neal is brought down. I’m standing beside Westin, giving my statement, when the doors open. I hear him screaming before I see him.

“I want to fucking press charges! I was assaulted! This is bullshit! He asked me to pick him up. He’s my stepson, and he assaulted me!”

Neal comes into view and stutters to a halt when he sees me. It takes everything I have not to burst into laughter because Elio was not lying. He did bite him.

Right in the face. It’s red and probably going to bruise, and it was most certainly bleeding at some point. God, I am going to buy that kid all the ice cream he could ever want.

Neal’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, I can see how he’s dangerous. I feel a small spark of worry because there’s a good chance he’ll be offered and then post bail.

“Listen, is there a way to make it known to the judge that he has repeatedly put trackers on our cars?” I ask the officer. “If he manages to get out, I don’t want him to be able to find us.”

The officer looks uncertain. “I’ll pass that along to whoever is in charge of the case.”

“Detective…” My brow furrows, trying to remember the name Rune told me. “Ahmed?”

The cop’s eyes widen. “Oh, I’ll for sure let her know.”

That’s something, at least. It’s obvious Detective Ahmed has some pull and respect around here. I take the officer’s card for Rune since they’ve decided he doesn’t need to give a statement today after everything, and then I take Westin’s hand and pull her toward the car.

“Uh…I’m not going with you,” she says, holding me back.

“Honey, you’re like ten miles from work.”

She snorts. “Henry is on his way right now. You and Rune go get that kid somewhere quiet and safe, okay?”

I nod. “We’re staying at North’s. Actually, could you call him for me and tell him what’s going on? I think he has some idea because he’s been blowing up my phone, but I don’t have it in me to go over all of it right now.”

“Of course,” she says quietly, stroking a thumb over my knuckles.

“Tell him I love him and I’ll call him tomorrow.”

She tugs me into a hug and squeezes tight. “You did amazing today.”

“I didn’t do anything. I just drove.”

“And under those circumstances,” she says, “that was fucking amazing. You were a rock for Rune, and I know he needed that. But you’re allowed to fall apart later too.”

I’m not sure that’s true. It wasn’t about me. And sure, I adore Elio, and if I had the chance to become his stepdad and make a little family out of this gift I’ve been given, I would jump at the chance.

But I don’t want to make it about me right now.

“Go pamper yourselves. North keeps all the snacks in the pantry beside the fridge. Top shelf.”

I hug her tighter, then let go and make my way to the SUV. Rune’s in the passenger seat, watching me, and I try for something like a smile as I grab my door and yank it open.

“Wait!” Elio calls.

I freeze. “What’s up?”

“Can you come here for a second? Like, in the back seat?”

I peer over to find him sitting comfortably in his chair. There’s a bruise on the side of his chin that I didn’t see before, and I’m scared to know what it’s from because I’m afraid there’s a line inside me between no murder and murder, and that will make me cross it.

I take a deep breath, then walk around to the side. Rune must push the button because the door opens, and the ramp drops. Climbing over it, I slide onto the seat, and then Elio holds out a hand, and when I take it, he pulls me into a hug.