If You Could Only See

Chapter 25

Shane~

I'd never felt more worthless than I did now, as the officers were trying to convince me not to press charges against Branson Morgan. He had attacked and almost raped me, but his last name meant something, and his family had money, so why couldn't I just be grateful that the cops had gotten to me in time, and as a thank you for not pressing charges, maybe the family would set me up comfortably?

I wanted to throw up.

Yes, I was extremely grateful that Viola had called the police as soon as she realized what was happening. I was also extremely grateful that the police had shown up just in time to pull Branson off me before he could do anything life changing. Still, to suggest that I not press charges because his family was important...well, what kind of bullshit was that?

I was sitting up on the gurney, giving them the most disgusting look that I could muster. "All I'm saying is that this would be very hard to prosecute, ma'am," Officer Munfred explained-yet again.

"I don't see how, Officer," I retorted. "My friend heard the attack on the phone, so that's one witness. Two officers pulled up and actually witnessed the attack, having to pull Branson off me, so that's two more witnesses." I pointed to my face. "My injuries have been treated and documented, further evidence of the attack. So, I fail to see the complications of charging him and making the charges stick?"

He cleared his throat, and I had to give him points for honesty. "He's a Morgan, Ms. Slaughter-"

His excuses were interrupted when the hospital curtain swung open, then four very pissed off Buchanan men stormed in, along with a very worried Viola, and crowded the bed.

Before I could say a word, Mason's voice went to cutting the officers to shreds. "And she's a Buchanan," he snarled. "And before you say another fucking word, I know exactly what you meant when we overheard you tell her that piece of shit was a Morgan. So, I want you to think long and hard about which last name holds more influence in this town."

I didn't say a word as Viola's arm came around me, then cried into my shoulder. I probably should have tried to console her, but I couldn't turn away from Mason's showdown with the cops.

"But...but she said her last name was Slaughter," Officer Munfred stuttered.

"Right now, legally, it is," Mason told him. "But it will be Buchanan as soon as she heals from her injuries."

My gasp wasn't the only one that rushed throughout the room. Viola's was also a contender for the gold.

"Where is Morgan right now?" Michael asked the officer.

Officer Peetle answered him. "He's in custody, but I imagine his family is in the process of bailing him out. The family lawyer was called as soon as he made his phone call."

My gaze never left Mason's as Michael was the beacon of calm, cool, and collected. "Okay, well, here's what's going to happen, Officers. My brother is in a highly emotional state right now, and I'd hate for him to say some shit that he can't take back involving murder and mayhem, so let me be frank here. You will charge Branson Morgan with..." he paused, and when I looked over at him, Michael was looking at me and waiting.

I knew what he was waiting for, and I knew that it might push Mason over the edge, but I wasn't going to lie. "He, uhm...he hit me a...and...he ripped my clothes and tou...touched me. He was threatening to rape me as his hands..." My eyes found Mason's again, and I stopped talking. He looked like he was one more descriptive away from tearing the place apart.

Michael cleared his throat. "So, you're going to charge Branson Morgan with felony assault, sexual assault, and attempted rape."

Gabriel spoke next. "If you don't, we'll use every dime our family has to burn down this town, the police department being the first to go up in flames."