Blood in the water

Chapter 5

Everett stood on the other side of the glass looking at his mother, trying to piece everything together. His mind was so occupied with anxiety and anger towards his mother, that he didn't recognize the cup of water that was handed to him by the Sheriff.

"It's gonna be alright son." Baker said

"What's gonna happen to her?" Everett asked after a sip of water.

"All of that depends on how she cooperates."

Everett stood there silent looking at his mother through the glass.

Sheriff Baker left the room and entered the room on the other side of the glass that separated Everett and his mother.

"Tasha Ryder, correct? Or is it Miller?" The sheriff asked casually.

Everett's mom sat there for a moment, possibly thinking about her next words.

"I prefer Ryder, for Everett." she said.

Sheriff baker looked at her, a livid expression painted on his face. "You care for Everett?" He asked. " He found evidence, solid evidence linking you to the murder of Derek Ryder. Your husband." Sheriff Baker threw a beige file onto the table. "Does any of this look familiar to you?"

Everett's mom only glared at the file. "Open it." Sheriff Baker demanded.

Everett's mom reluctantly opened the file in front of her. With a blank expression she flipped through the evidence. "Anything surprising?" asked Sheriff Baker. Everett's mom stayed silent.

"I- I don't understand." She finally stammered.

"What don't you understand, Tasha!" Sheriff Baker slammed his hands on the desk.

"There is substantial evidence against you in this file. On top of that there is footage that shows you dragging a duffle bag into an alley!"

"I -I want a lawyer present!" Everett's mom said through clenched teeth.

Sheriff Baker straightened up and looked at the guard next to the door.

"We're done here." He said as he left the room.

Everett didn't know what to think. Everett turned to face the door as the sheriff entered.

"I'm sorry you had to see that, kid." Sheriff Baker said as he walked towards the glass.

"What's going to happen now." Everett asked following the sheriff.

"Well, she'll have to stay at the station until her trial, She will most likely face life without parole if found guilty. Is your grandfather able to take you in?"

"If it's okay, I'd like to stay at my house." Everett interjected.

Sheriff Baker sighed,"Are you sure?"

"I can take care of myself. I personally prefer solitude anyways."

"Fair enough, I'll talk to your grandparents about what happened, as well as your descision."

"Thank you." said Everett.

"Do you want a ride home?" the sheriff asked.

Everett nodded, all he wanted to do was go home.

Everett and his grandparents made arrangements for him to stay at his house on school days and go to their house on the weekends. While he was home Sabrina and Anna occasionally stopped by for a few hours to keep Everett company. Everything was going smoothly for him as the week started.

That wednesday, in Biology class Everett sat with Sabrina at the back table Anna had yet to arrive. They were minding their own business when Cameron stomped into class looking more like a gorilla than a person in Everett's eyes. Instead of heading to his usual seat he looked at Everett and a grin appeared on his face.