Sinner

Crystal something

Sam used to tell me we were strong enough to kill our ex, but in reality we didn't have the courage to ask for extra ketchup at a restaurant.

I realised by "us" he probably meant just me, since all the courage I had felt leaving the Rider's house slowly drained on the way downtown.

Earlier that day, I had imagined getting out of the house as the hardest task, but now, walking into the police headquarters looked much more eerie.

It's okay.
As okay as entering a lion's den could be.
But all the lions could be asleep, right?

On the drive over, I had googled a bit of information and it did say that one in prison was different than one in police custody.
No court orders were involved in the later so technically this should be easy.

With a breath, I carefully reached the front door and pushed it open. Walking inside, I tried coming up with a plan in case I ran into Lev, but so far I had made and discarded all ten.

The police department was lit bright in the morning light. The sun shining off the white marble tiles on the floors and walls alike. The ceilings were high with windows facing the front road and bulbs that hung low. It looked like a fine enough place to work, a lot more peaceful than Bursted Banishers— which actually seemed like a place where one would lock up murderers.

I wore a white dress with a pleated skirt and a belt. Something I hoped was appropriate for a run downtown. My legs were visible, the gauze and knee cap in sight. I debated whether I should cover up but it wasn't like everyone here hadn't already seen or heard what had happened yesterday.

"Lucrecia Freeman," I informed upon reaching the reception, as I pulled out my phone, hoping they'd accept a digital ID. "I was hoping I could see Mr. James Freeman."

The officer at the desk was a middle aged woman in uniform. The permanent frown on her forehead gave me a few ideas, but not one that could determine her personality.

She scanned my phone, then looked through her files.
"Unfortunately Mr. Wilde— in charge of visits, is not in today." She said. "I can probably get you in, but it'll take a minute, please take a seat."
"It's okay." I nodded, remaining at the desk.

I tapped my foot anxiously wondering where I was to take a seat. I didn't want to walk around, what if I found Lev instead of the waiting room? What if he was in the waiting room? Maybe I shouldn't have come here at all. What if he goes absolutely nuts again?

"Ro's tonight." The sharply pronounced s pierced through my ears, freezing my breath, dropping my heart.
I only knew one person who whistled their apostrophes, and even when he didn't it was still just as rattling.

My phone slipped through my hand and clanked loudly on the desk.

That was definitely his colour washing over me. Last I checked I wasn't this unlucky a person! Why was this man everywhere!?

I lowered my face, hoping Lev hadn't noticed me.
"Axente," he called. "Did the parcel arrive?"
"It's at the door, I'm just checking in Mr. Freeman's visitor," she said. Fuck her. "I'll get right to it."

... Out of the corner of my eye, I watched an arm slide over the counter, followed by Lev's very familiar face leaning in to see me.
"Mr. Freeman's visitor?" He murmured.