High schooler, Helena Gallagher is still recovering from life's latest tragedy when chaos occurs.
Another murder.
Only this one is much closer to home. And when fingers start pointing towards her boyfriend-Elliot-she has no choice but to intervene...
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Morning comes and with it, more bad news. Elliot has been transferred to Highfield prison, over ninety kilometers away. I have to schedule a visit in order to see him, and the earliest is four days from now. FOUR FUCKING DAYS!
"I'm not leaving until he sees me," I state, arms crossed.
Harry Layton is avoiding me and I simply won't allow it. Not when Elliot's livelihood is at stake.
"He's a busy man," replies the young officer manning reception.
I intimate him and I use it to my advantage. "That's quite alright. Tell him I'm ready whenever he is."
Of course, it's not alright. It's anything but. How dare Harry-fucking-Layton send my boyfriend off for a crime he didn't commit and not even have the guts to talk to me afterwards? He's spineless. Incompetent. And boy, do I hate incompetent cops.
Calming down, I take a seat in the waiting area and pull out my phone.
Helena: Could really use a friend right now?
I stare at the small icon in the bottom right corner, feeling a false sense of anticipation. Then—out of nowhere—the word delivered changes to seen. It's not the first time Jasmine has ignored my attempt to reach out, but this time, it really hurts. This time, I really need her.
My phone vibrates with an incoming call from Jack—Elliot's friend—and I almost jump out of my skin.
"Hello?"
"Helena. What the hell's happened?"
"News travels fast, huh?"
"People are saying he murdered his aunt."
"People are stupid," I retort, fiddling with my sleeve.
Jack sighs. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Don't sweat it," I soothe. "They made a mistake. He'll be out in no time."
Jack missed graduation in favor of summer camp. It's his last year as camp leader and—his words, not mine—a great way to earn a fuck tonne of money before college.
"D'ya need me to come back?" he asks, deadly serious.
"No, it's fine," I reply, touched by his offer. "He wouldn't want you messing up your plans."
"Well, if you change your mind, let me know."
"Thanks, Jack. I'll keep you updated."
"Take care of yourself, Helena."
I smile. "You too."
I hang up and check my messages, disappointed there aren't any.
