Lies & Deceit (H.S)

24

A/N: I just felt like giving you an update. Please comment and vote- it only takes a second to vote :).

Enjoy♡

"Oh wow that's a long time." I gush and cautiously eye her. I don't know why, but if she and Lee are not together I am definitely playing matchmaker.

"Yeah." She sighs and smiles at me. I notice how her eyes linger on the fading bruise on my neck. I also realize how she's the only person who has yet to question me about it.

"How about you? How long have you known everyone?" She questions and I feel a lump grow in my throat.

"A month." I squeak and bite my lip. She laughs at my nervousness and leans over to pat my knee.

"Don't worry about time honey. Time is overrated. It doesn't matter how long you know the person or people." She shrugs and eyes James who is wandering into the living room with cups of hot liquid.

A small smile plays at my lips at how understanding Stacy is. I'm really glad she didn't say something about the time I've known Harry. It's crazy how in such a short while we've come this far. I hope we're not moving too quick. I glance at Harry who is laughing at something Lee mentioned. I feel my stomach flutter at the sound of his laughter. I really am in too deep. I thank James for the cup of cocoa and slowly sip on the drink. I feel my body warm up as I drink. Suddenly I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I quickly dig out the phone and put down my cup. I excuse myself from the conversation and walk into the hallway of James' house.

"Hello?" I answer, not knowing who is phoning.

"Miss Malin?" A rough voice booms with authority at the other end of the line.

"Y-Yeah?" I stutter and furrow my brows.

"This is Lieutenant Burrow. I'm calling you with regards to the case you opened against your brother." My ears heat up at the mention of my brother and I feel my stomach start to tighten.

"Mhm?' I hum, not trusting my voice one bit. I slowly start to pace down the hallway as I eagerly wait for his response.

"We did some research on him and found three cases filed against his name for different accounts of abuse. Do you know of any of this Miss Malin?" The Lieutenant interrogates me.

I feel my throat tighten as I process his words- Three cases? There's no way- I would definitely know about this as we lived under the same roof for so many years. How is this possible?

"N-no. Are y-you sure?" I stammer and start picking at my nails.

"Yes miss. Apparently your brother's cases were bought off before anything could be processed at the county." I shake my head in disbelief. Could my parents have anything to do with this? Of course they could, who else would help my brother. He's only 21 for pete's sake!

"Miss Malin, we did a background check on you as well. We spoke to the doctor who helped you in the hospital and it seems that we have enough to hold your brother for at least ten years by which he can apply for parole at year seven." I nod and realize the Lieutenant cannot see me.

"Okay?" I say, not sure how to reply.

"Do you wish to proceed with the charges ma'am?" He questions.

"Yes!" I exclaim and lift my hand to grip my neck instinctively.

"Alright. There will be no need for you to come into the station as we have all the evidence we need. All we do require, however, is that you testify for his actions in court. The court date will be communicated with you. Stephen will be held in a temporary cell until the court date."