One of the Good Ones ✓

Orders of Protection

It had been a week since I moved in, temporarily, with Chris. It was nice and we were making it work but I was on edge and waiting for the shit to hit the fan made me irritable. I kept apologizing for snapping and he kept reassuring me that we were fine and my emotions were valid.

I had to take a temporary leave of absence from work and I hated it. With nothing to occupy my time with, I was going crazy waiting while the cops did their jobs. "You need to breathe." Chris says, coming up behind me and kissing my shoulders before rubbing them, trying to work out the tension that had been building there too.

"I'll breathe better once I have the ring back and there's finally proof that this is just the tip of the iceberg with them." I say, sighing, before I turn from the window to look at him. "They're not going to stop otherwise."

Before Chris can respond, my cellphone rings. I jump and pick it up, breathing another sigh of relief when I see it's the police station. "Hello... This is she... Really?... Ok... I can be there in 20 minutes... Yes, thank you... Same to you." I say before hanging up.

"What happened?"

"They found the ring. There are other things that they have to fill me in on but I'm needed at the station." I say while going and grabbing my shoes and a hoodie.

"Give me a second. I'm going with you." Chris says before telling the dogs to go to their beds. I'm shaking, my nerves completely shot. "It's going to be ok. Them having the ring proves they've been harassing you again. You gave the police the voicemail from a couple months ago, right?" I nod. "Then there's plenty to keep them away."

"You're right. I know you're right. I've just... I've been down this road before and I'm terrified it's going to end the same way."

He pulls me into a hug and I sigh, feeling completely safe in his embrace. "It won't be. I won't let it."

I shake my head. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"They can't hurt me."

"Yes they can. The lies they spin about me will come back to you since I am with you."

"Let's just go down to the station and deal with this first." He says, taking my hand and leading me to the garage and his car.

...

We arrive at the station and walk in together, hand in hand. "Hi, I'm Lexi Michaels. I received a call that a ring that was stolen from my home had been located." I say in a quiet voice to the lady at the reception desk.

"Yes, Miss Michaels. The detectives are waiting for you in the conference room. That way." She says before looking up and her mouth dropping open at who was standing beside me.

"Thank you." I say, offering her a small smile before I lead Chris to the room with me. "So I guess she was a fan." I laugh a little.

"Why do you say that?" He asks, turning back to look at her.

"The look she gave you, and the daggers she sent my way." He gives me a sheepish look. "Hey, fangirls I can handle. I'm not worried. I get to go home with you, after all." I smirk before we knock on the conference room door.

"Thank you for coming so quickly Miss Michaels. As I said on the phone we were able to find the ring. One of your neighbors noticed a car parked in front of your house while you were away. Through tracing the license plate, we were able to trace it back to your biological mother. When we searched the car and their hotel room, we found the ring. They're both being held here until they can go before a judge. We need to know how you wish to proceed with your portion of this."

I look at Chris, confused, before turning back to the detective. "I'm not sure I know what you mean."

"Well, they'll be charged by the District Attorney's office for breaking and entering, but as far as receiving anything for the destruction of property, that is for you to decide if you want to pursue any legal action."

I sit back in my chair. "Oh, honestly, I don't want their money, if they even have anything at this point. The most important thing you got back for me. And the only that else I would want; money can't buy me."

"What's that Miss Michaels?"

"To feel safe in my home again."

"There are options you can take, should they get off."

I nod. "I want a protective order in place."