The New Girl

Chapter 9

“I didn't do anything and I was not with him.” Heather said once again to Donner like he was too stupid to understand what she was saying. This questioning had been going on for the last 3 hours and Donner knew Heather was throwing Ethan under the bus, as they say. She was going to let Ethan take the fall for something she suggested he do. Heather smiled at him and said once again, “Like I said, I merely told him about what happened with the fat girls. I never told him to do anything. End of story.” “There you have it Detective. I don't think my client can tell you anything more and might I add, I think this is bordering on harassment. So, if that's all.....” Frank Hanson, the Shilling's attorney, let it hang, waiting for Donner to tell them they could leave.

“I guess for now that will be all but do not leave town until this matter is settled.” Donner told them. Donner had to admit that he had nothing to hold Heather on but he sure as hell wished he did. He would have to find Ethan and even if he did he doubted Ethan was smart enough to rat Heather out. He watched as the Shilling's and Frank Hanson left, then hollered for Brad. “Get an APB out on Ethan Toliver. I want him found before...., he glanced at his watch 5:20am, noon. Connie, call the lab and see if they got anything back on that piece of materiel and bottle Brad found at the crime scene.”

An hour and a half later, Officer Shelly came strolling in with Ethan Toliver in tow. Ethan was not happy about it either. “Where did you find him.” Donner asked. “Hiding out at one of Shilling's empty rental houses out on Conner road.” Brad Shelly answered. “I wasn't breakin no laws, my girlfriend gave me the fuckin key.” Ethan said and showed them the key. Before Ethan could put it back in his pocket Donner grabbed it. “Hey, what are you doing? I have to give that key back.” Ethan hollered and stood up. “It's evidence now and set your ass back down before I cuff you to the chair.” Donner yelled back. Ethan spit on the floor right next to Donner's shoe, said, “Fuck you, asshole,” seen the look in Donner's eye's, thought better about standing, then set down with a huff.

Donner had two options, beat a confession out of him, which he really couldn't and wouldn't do or buddy up, he went with the latter. “Look, I know you've got it bad kid. Dad don't give a shit, mom left you and you feel like your on your own. It don't have to be like that though.” Donner had seen plenty of kids just like him back in Augusta. Some of them had turned their lives around because someone, him, really decided to care and help them. Ethan could be one of these kids too, if he choose to take the help.

Donner continued, “I know you see me as the enemy and I understand that, been there done that, as they say. I'm not going to set here and try and make you believe I'm not either, that is entirely your decision.” Donner could see Ethan was taking all he said in. His shoulder's relaxed somewhat and he didn't have the scowl on his face that he had come in with. “But I can't do it all by myself buddy, your gonna have to help me and the only way I can help you in return is if you talk to me.” Ethan chewed at his bottom lip and stewed over what Donner had said.

Brad Shelly pulled a chair to the table and set down next to Donner. “I don't know, I don't think he's smart enough to help himself. I think he's just a dumb ass heck kid that thinks he's got it made because he has himself a rich girlfriend. What he doesn't know is that rich girlfriend of his has already thrown him under the bus to take the blame for this.” “Bullshit you dumb fuck. I'm not stupid and my girlfriend wouldn't do that to me.” Ethan bellowed. Brad leaned on the table and smiled at Donner, “See what I mean? He's too damn stupid to realize that we've already talked to Miss High and Mighty Heather.” Donner looked at Ethan, “I think your being a little to hard on him. I don't think he's stupid at all. Ethan would you like something to drink, your looking a little pale?”

“As a matter of fact I would and I'm not talking to this asshole, he pointed to Brad, you I might but not another damn word is coming out of my mouth if he stays.” “Not a problem. I've had trouble with this one, Donner pointed at Brad, more then once. Brad get your ass out of here and go get us those coke's and while your gone, check in with that shrink of yours about your bulling issues yet again. Ethan smiled at Brad, “You heard him, get your ass out of here and get me my coke.”

Donner and Brad had had this all planned out earlier. Good cop bad cop usually worked with kids. A couple a minutes later Brad returned with the cokes, set them on the table and turned to leave. As he was opening the door he shot over his shoulder, “Oh, talked to my shrink and he said I should just beat the shit out of the kid when your not looking Donner” Brad smirked at Ethan then left the room. What Ethan didn't know or see was that Brad went into the room next door where he could watch Donner and the kid from the two-way mirror.

Ethan opened his coke, took a swig, swallowed, then said, “You should fire that asshole, dude. He's got some real issue's.” Donner stood up and walked behind Ethan, “Yup, your right I should.” then smiled at Brad behind the glass. Donner came back around the table and set down again. “So, talk to me. Tell me what really happened so we can get you out of this mess.” Ethan took another swallow of his coke, stalled for a few minutes then told Donner exactly what had happened. Ethan Toliver had sold his soul to the devil and that devil was Heather Shilling.

Donner knew two thing's for sure, Heather Shilling was going down for this if her print's came back on that bottle and or material and Donner was going to help this kid setting in front of him. Donner felt sorry for the kid, he really didn't have a chance but to end up setting where he was setting right now. Donner knew he would have to pay for his part in this crime but after that he was going to help him anyway he could.

Ethan set at the table with his head hung down on his chest. Donner reached over and patted the kid on his shoulder, “It'll be okay Ethan, we'll get through this.” Ethan sniffled and rubbed his face with the back of his hand. “How could I have been so stupid.” “Buddy, your not stupid. You just got played, it happens to the best of us, believe me I know.” Donner consoled him. Ethan covered his face with his hands, his shoulder's shook from his sobs. Ethan Toliver was not as tough as he played. Donner got up and walked to the door, turned around and said, “It'll be okay Ethan, I promise.” Then left the kid to wallow in his guilt and shame.

Donner walked into the room where Brad set. “Get that conniving little bitch back in here.” Brad jumped up and started to walk out of the room but before he could open the door Donner stopped him. “One more thing, good job on the roll playing and for finding Ethan. I think there's a good kid underneath all that tough guy exterior. He's had a few pretty hard knocks in his short life but now he's got one good thing on his side.” Brad waited for him to finish then said, “What would that be sir?” Donner looked at him and said, “Me.” Brad smile and nodded at Donner then left to bring Heather Shilling back in.

Donner walked past the front desk where Connie was, before he opened the door he told her he would be back in a few. Connie nodded and watched him walk across the street to the diner. When he came back he handed her a milk shake, winked and continued walking to where Ethan set in the locked room. He unlocked the door and told Ethan to come with him. Ethan got up, with shoulder's slumped, and followed Donner down the hall. Donner opened a cell door and nodded for Ethan to go in. Ethan walked in, turned around and stuttered, “Yo...you locking me up?” “Nope, just keeping you here to keep an eye on you so you won't get yourself in more trouble.” Donner said and handed him the shack of food and milk shake. Ethan set down on the cot, took a handful of french fries out of the bag and stuffed them in his mouth. Donner laughed then shut and locked the cell door. As he made his way down the hall Ethan called out, “Thanks.”