Grace

Chapter 8 - Within 100 feet

Clearly the police didn't know Wade like she did. Protect me, my ass she thought. She was counseled about a restraining order and went through the motions as the myriad of officers that passed her around for various reasons; fill out this form, answer these questions... Was it okay to record her statement? "Okay... Sure... Whatever."

In the back of her mind she had the ever present thought that Wade had friends in the department. It's a small town. Of course he'd know people in the sheriff's office. Of course he'd be in with the good old boys of the town... He's lived here his whole life. It was clear in her mind where she stood when one male officer asked her what she did to provoke Wade.

Even if he thought it was her fault, couldn't he hide that assumption? Couldn't he phrase the question better?

She lowered her head and hugged her arms around herself when he asked that; taking a moment to collect her thoughts and quell the urge to scream at him that nothing she could have done warranted Wade's reactions.

The hours spent at the police station were made worse not only by the occasional glimpse of Wade, but also the pit in her stomach. The pit of worry she had for the lack of news about Tim. All she knew was that Officer Neilsen had told her that Tim had been stabilized at the hospital; though he still hadn't fully regained consciousness. She didn't have any other information about the state of his wounds or the chance of recovery.

Before she left the station, Officer Neilsen informed her that the temporary restraining order had gone through, having been signed off by the judge pending a hearing for the full one. Wade had been notified. Wade had also had bail posted by a buddy of his.

Grace dropped her purse to the floor and flopped back into a chair. "Already?" She asked.

"He knows he is not allowed within a 100 feet of you, Grace. ...And I'll come check on you periodically," Officer Neilsen stated. She then handed her a card and said "Here's my number if you need me... But remember to call 911 in an emergency."

Grace looked up at her knowingly, "You don't think the restraining order would stop him, do you?"

Officer Neilsen kept a steady gaze and said "I'm sure it will all be fine, Grace.... but..." She paused for a moment to choose her words. "But, it has been known to happen... Restraining orders being ignored, that is."

Grace reached for her purse and then stood back up. "I'll keep that in mind," she said. "Thank you for your help, Officer," she stated as she held her hand out to shake hers.

Grace walked out of the station with as much confidence as she could muster; the feeling of trepidation rising silently in her chest.

She wondered to herself how quickly she could get a gun permit and a pistol. She then decided she'd not only go start the process for that – she'd go to her Daddy's house and ask to borrow one of his in the meantime. He surely would let her have one. In fact, he'd likely insist on her staying with them in the meantime as well.

She decided on the spot, however; that she wouldn't draw Wade towards her parent's house. That would be the first place he'd look for her anyway if she wasn't at home.