Rites of Passage | Damian x OC

6. Winning Stupid Prizes

She would have gladly spent more time in custody if it meant delaying seeing her aunt. After nearly three hours with Renee, they'd sent her to a temporary cell in the precinct for the rest of the night, and Jess didn't sleep for even a minute. At least it made the time go by more slowly. Unfortunately, when lunchtime rolled around, a police officer was approaching with jangling keys and calling for her attention.

He handed her the small bag containing what few belongings they'd taken the previous night: her watch and pocket knife. Shoving them into the pocket of her hoodie, Jess followed the officer through the precinct. Passing officers and GCPD employees barely glanced at her, too caught up in their own tasks to notice her presence, which was relieving. She wanted nothing more than to disappear and be alone.

Sitting on a bench in the hallway ahead of them was the familiar figure of Renee. Next to her, Lora Fairchild stood with her arms crossed, her graying, brown hair tucked behind her ears. She was sporting one of her fancy trench coats, this one a bold red, as well as one of her equally fancy designer handbags. The woman looked the exact same as the last time Jess had seen her, living in her own little bubble without regard for anyone or anything outside of it.

When her impatient gaze landed on Jess, the disapproval was evident in her eyes. The teen said nothing as she stopped a few feet from them, looking instead at the detective.

As the police officer left, Renee stood up and split a glance between Lora and Jess. "Well, this is where we let you go, Jessica. I hope the cell wasn't too uncomfortable."

"I've been in worse," Jess responded. She could feel her aunt looking at her, and it took a lot of her strength to avoid looking right back.

"Is that all?" Lora made no effort to sound polite, her tone sharp and almost condescending.

Renee turned to her with a brow raised. "Actually, no. Her case is being referred to our juvenile court. It'll be a day or two until they decide whether they'll dismiss it or file charges."

Her words sent chills over Jess's skin. Charges... as in being prosecuted and potentially going to jail?

Lora appeared equally shocked. "You can't just let her go?"

"In most cases involving minors, we do let them go. But considering everything Jessica has been through and the nature of this case, the circumstances are different. It's out of GCPD's hands at this point while the court reviews the evidence and report."

Neither Jess nor Lora said anything. With a sigh, Renee added, "That's just how most states handles these things. But trust me — you wouldn't want her tried as an adult. Especially not here in Gotham."

"So we have to stay here in the meantime," Lora said, reaching up to rub her temple. It sounded more like a complaint than a question.

"Do whatever you have to do, but be ready to be summoned." Renee looked at Jess, her expression unreadable. "I wish I could do more. I'm sorry. You should hear an update within 48 hours."

The detective walked away, leaving Jess with her frustrated aunt. The woman huffed a sigh before turning to head out the building's front doors. Following reluctantly after her, Jess kept a safe distance of several feet. The cool air swept into her face as they walked down the front steps, and she found herself subconsciously taking a deep breath of the open air. Gotham's sky was a gray-blue, the afternoon sun hidden behind a thick blanket of clouds. Few people walked to and from the parking lot, most of them in GCPD attire.

A cab was waiting at the curb. Jess slid into the backseat, continuing to avoid her aunt in every way possible by turning her knees and looking out the window.