The Child of Sparks

Chapter 9

Chapter 9.

We walked up to the front desk and rang the buzzer for help. A young policewoman with friendly eyes approached the window.

“Can I help you?” She asked.

“Um, yes ma’am. I’m here to fill out a statement about the house fire that happened yesterday. One of the police officers gave me a card for uh.. Detective Brunson.” I said pulling the card out of my wallet.

“Okay just one moment. I will see if he’s in. Have a seat.”

We walked over to the row of chairs beside the wall and had a seat. I nervously bounced my leg. Zeke put his hand over my knee to still it.

“What’s wrong Adena?” He asked frowning.

“What’s your phone number and do you have your phone on you?” I asked ignoring his question.

“I’ve already saved it to your contacts. I’ve got my phone right here.” He said pulling it out of the pocket on the back of his jeans.

I unlocked my phone and texted him. I was being over cautious, but it was better safe than sorry. I bet the whole precinct was covered with cameras.   

<Me> I’ve got a problem. What do I tell them when they ask how the fire started? We didn’t talk about this, but I made a bed sheet I was holding catch on fire. He was hurting Megan, and the next thing I knew it was on fire. I threw it on him, then grabbed Megan and got out of there.

<Zeke> Just let them assume your dad started the fire. When they ask what happen tell them you threw a sheet over his head and grabbed Megan and fled. Don’t mention the fire, until after you got out. So many things were going on. They don’t expect an exact statement of everything that happened.

<Me> Megan already gave them her statement. I wish we had discussed this with her before we got here. I don’t know what she told them. I don’t think she knows how the fire started. I’m scared they’re going lock me up, or put Danny and I in foster care.

<Zeke> The school has handled everything. They are aware of what happened. Danny isn’t going anywhere, but home with your step mom. You definitely aren’t going anywhere. You’ve received early acceptance into college. Remember?  Everything has been arranged. Like I said don’t worry. Just give them a short brief statement and then we can get out of here and go see about your step mom. It will be okay.

A buzzing noise came from the door nearby. The police woman pushed the door open and said “Detective Brunson will see you now.”

I got up and Zeke started to follow me.

“Sir, you’ll have to wait here. Just one person at a time.”

“Oh he’s not here to give his statement. He’s here for moral support.”

“I’m sorry he’s still not allowed back while you’re talking with the detective. He’s more than welcome to stay here in the lobby though.” She said looking at Zeke.

“It will be alright Adena.” He said as he sat back down.

With one more reassuring look at Zeke I followed the police woman back to a small office enclosed with glass. Big bulky blinds hung as a false sense of privacy. A small, balding, pudgy man stood to greet me as I entered his office.

“Hello Ms.Hughes. I’m Detective Brunson. Please have a seat. Can I get you a glass of water, or a cup of coffee?” He asked kindly.

“No, thank you.” I said. I noticed a small grape colored stain on the detective’s golf tie. The overweight man must have not noticed the jelly donut stain yet. He shuffled some papers around on his messy desk trying to place the one he was looking for. For a detective, he was really unorganized .