The Hidden Genre (C. H. H. Ain't Dead 01)

chapter twenty-three

THE ROOM was beyond plain. The walls were an endless white. The cuffs no different than before. The chairs hard, might as well been rocks.

   “Then you guys came and the rest is history,” said Isaac.

   “You really expect me to believe that, son?” said the Captain, with a tone willing to make accusations.

   “Whether you believe it or not, sir,” replied Luke, “that's how it happened.”

   The Captain eyed them both, but they challenged him blow for blow.

   “How's the kid?” asked Isaac, concerned.

   “He's critical, but stable,” said the man in charge.

   “So he'll make it?”

   “Most likely . . .”

   A knock on the door startled the young ones. The Captain was like one of those teachers that ignored the sound to leave, for he dismissed you, not the bell. He wanted confessions, but he wasn't going to get any. He pretty much decided to put the stares on hold and left without another word.

   The best friends absorbed the atmosphere of being arrested for the first time.

   Isaac never feared it. He was prepared for the coming persecution promised by the Messiah. This was only a taste.

   Luke wasn’t afraid of walls. The people inside were the problem. Surely Payton’s death would be broadcasted all over the city. Surely one of them would come to avenge their fallen brother. Surely . . .

   “You get to use your one call?” asked Isaac, curious to what the agent would have said.

   “Yeah . . . you sort out the car?” asked Luke.

   “Yes, my mom's going with Mrs. Rennells to fetch it. You'll get your phone then . . .”

   “I'll be gone by then.”

   “Gone?”

   “Nick's still in the state.”

   “Oh . . . does he know?”

   “Yeah, but not that I'm arrested,” said Luke, “apparently there are videos on social media and he wants to talk to me about my contract.”

   “Where are you going to meet him?” asked Isaac.

   “At his place, or at least the address he gave me.”

   “You want me to join?”

   “Nah, I'm all good.”

   “What you going to do when you find out it's true.”

   “If it's true . . .”

   “Bro –” started Isaac, but was cut off when the Captain returned with back up, “New evidence has been found,” he said, “videos have gone around social media showing the incident. And we would bring shame to our name if we couldn't figure out that Payton shot the kid.”

   “Luke's reactions were crucial in this situation,” said Dave.

   “Yes,” agreed Isaac. “He saved my life.”

   “Yes, he did,” said a woman, “if Luke Chase hadn't interfered with Payton Rogers, you would have been shot in the head Isaac Banner. Instant death.”

   All eyes flew her way, but nothing was said. Riley Sanders, said her name badge.

   “I'm currently working on the Grand Fortuna Case,” said another officer, with eyes on the celebrity, “so I'm starting to think that Luke just likes punching people.”