Down Under

Chapter 10

"You gotta believe me! The gun... okay, the gun makes me look really bad, but it helps with my anxiety. It's like a protective measure that I take so that I feel safe," you argue, voice raw with pain as you continue fighting for your innocence. You could tell that none of the police officers wanted to pin the blame on you, but their job was to get to the bottom of this case that you had so stupidly woven yourself into. "I always carry it in my bag and forgot it the last time I went to Casey's place. I was literally on the phone with her about it!"

"(y/n). Look it's late, I get it, but there is no reason for you to carry a gun that's not registered under your name," the officer replied, voice gruff as he exhaled smoke. A cigarette was perched perfectly between his fingertips, slowly dying out as the questioning continued. "There has to be a bigger reason behind this. You're not the type to stir up trouble for no reason."

Groaning, you rested your head in your hands and kept it low to fight off the impending headache. "A woman was murdered not even a year ago, and it's surprising that I want some extra protection for myself. Can't we just agree that this town can be dangerous? I mean clearly! Another fucking murder just happened."

Sighing in resignation, the officer turned to the side to look at Dewey, who was trying to peek through the door's window without getting caught but failing terribly at it. A clock hung just above the door, ticking away as the seconds grew longer in silence. It was two in the morning, and approximately three hours of interrogation had led to nowhere, since there was nothing to prove other than your paranoid actions.

"Look. We already know about your... history and while it can explain a lot, it won't stand for much in terms of evidence. Let's give Casey and her family some time to recover and give a statement before jumping to conclusions, but we will have to keep an eye on you, so no funny business." The officer smudged the butt of his cigarette on the ashtray between you two, coughing again as the final string of smoke wafted through the air. "Dewey will be in charge of keeping tabs on you, so try not to push him through the wringer. Your mom is waiting outside since your car will be in custody until the victim can prove your claims. My suggestion? Lie low and get some rest for the time being."

While it wasn't the best outcome, you were at least happy to not be locked up in a cell for the night. Perhaps Casey's parents had already spoken on your behalf and the timing of your arrival so that there would be more wiggle room in terms of your current situation. Either way, you stood up and stretched out your legs before thanking the officer and walking out of the room to be face-to-face with Dewey. The poor man looked more tired than you, with the dark circles around his eyes becoming more and more prominent with each second.

"Did he tell you?" he whispered, head raising to nod at the officer as he walked out after you and back into his main office. "This is huge. Well, not like Prescott big but still a big deal. Also, your mom is pretty pissed off outside. Something about having to be awake late and whatnot." He rolled his eyes at the last statement, muttering away about some other pointed comments your mother had made in the time she was forced to wait for you.

Dewey continued talking throughout your entire discharge process, pointing out neat facts or certain rumors already running around about you and the crime. The lady assisting with the return of your belongings had to stare him down to finally get him to keep quiet for a few seconds as your sweater and bag (minus the gun) were returned.

"Look, kid. This is some heavy stuff and I don't expect you to be fine with coming back to school for the next few days, which is comple-

"Dewey, I'm going to school today. I'll continue going to work like normal," you replied, stopping in the waiting room of the department to finally look at him directly again. "Can you imagine trying to hole myself up in my house, the rumors will just grow stronger, and I'll have to deal with my mom. Honestly, pretending everything is fine seems like the better option. Sure, Tatum and the others will be on my ass, but I'll keep details hidden."