Of Wolves and Oranges

Chapter 7: Elizabeth

Detective Cashazi pushes my typed-out statement in front of me. "You will just need to read through this and then sign it if it is the true reflection of what happened today. Then you will be free to go."

It has been a harrowing two hours, filling out forms and answering questions, then re-answering the same questions. All made worse by having to use my left hand to write and the constant ache in my right shoulder. One of the officers had brought me a mug of sweet tea but it didn't help the constant throbbing. I read through the statement then look up at him. "You left out the part where a giant wolf ripped out the assailants throat. And changed it to I turned around and he was lying dead. This is not the truth."

Cashazi grinned, "Truth by omission. And I don't think anyone would believe you about a wolf anyway. Just sign, this is the way things work around here."

As he led me back to the waiting area, I felt the curious eyes of the police officers following me and I shivered. All the police I had encountered at the station were tall and well built, but silent and watchful.

"Is there anyone you would like us to phone for you. To pick you up?"

I stared at him, my mind blank. "No, um, no. I'll just sit here a moment. Thank you." I slump down onto the hard, wooden bench as he nods and walks away. I feel numb, my mind desperately trying to block out everything that happen. Now what? My car was totalled, I couldn't drive anyway, with my arm in a sling. My mother is three hours away, and pretty incapable of helping me since she has early dementia. I could phone Owen or Sonja but they are working, and as a doctor myself, I know there was no way they would be able to help me until the end of their shift. The two brothers have disappeared, but they are practically strangers and I have no idea what I would ask them for. I need to find my car, find my bags, figure a way to get back to my hospital back home.

I sit on the bench trying to decide on my next move. Oblivious to the people coming and going around me. I sniff and rub at the tear which trickles down my face.

A hand lands on my left shoulder and I look up.

"Hello Golfie, I've been looking for you everywhere."

Ford squats before me. His mess of long blonde hair flopping over his eyes and almost merging with his reddish blonde beard. His bright blue eyes concerned. "Are you ready to go? We've given in our statements and Max is waiting in the truck outside."