Page 73 of Wicked Savage Cruel
I watch as the officer gets out of his car. He draws his gun from his holder and moves around the vehicle until he’s facing Dom’s driver-side window.
What the—
The officer starts shouting. Dominique raises his hand in the air and then steps out of his car. I move to the corner of the diner to get a better look and notice another police cruiser pull up. This one follows suit and two men exit that car, both with weapons drawn.
Dominique is shaking his head vigorously, hands still lifted in the air.
He turns around to face me and I see stark fear in his eyes.No. No. No.
I pull my phone out of my back pocket and rush outside just as Dom lowers himself to his knees, his hands coming to rest behind his head. I look up and down the street but aside from Dominique and the police, the street is empty.
“Ma’am, I need you to step back inside the restaurant.”
What? No. I shake my head. “What’s going on, officer?” I ask, my feet rooted in place.
Dom is on his knees, but the police have three guns drawn and trained on my friend. My phone is still clutched in my hand so as discreetly as possible I dial Roman’s number. His dad is the chief of police. I remember him telling me that. Instinctively, I know I have to call him. I know he can help.
I don’t bother waiting to see if he answers, I put the phone on speaker and turn all my attention to the officer closest to Dominique.
“Ma’am. Get back inside the diner.” His voice is hard, his eyes narrowed as he looks me over.
“I…I can’t. It’s locked now. Why are you pointing your gun at him? He didn’t do anything wrong.” As I’m talking I hear the call connect and Roman swears on the other line quietly enough that only I can hear him.
“This man is suspected of auto theft.” The officer tells me. "We got a tip and he fits the description."
I frown at that. No way would Dom steal a car. His family is loaded. He has no reason to.
“Officer, I know him. Dominique Price is not a thief. He’s here to give me a ride home. I called him at the end of my shift here at the Sun Valley Station.” I say all of this, hoping Roman will hear and call his dad. Maybe he can show up and help defuse the situation, or make a call so these guys back off.
Dominique isn’t saying anything but his normally dark complexion has taken on an ashen quality. His eyes are wide and he’s not looking at me. I’m not even sure he’s aware of what’s going on anymore.
I take a step toward Dom when another officer shouts, “Ma’am we need you to stay away from the suspect.”
Suspect? Dom isn’t a suspect. He’s a kid. He’s seventeen. He’s just a kid like me.
“But I ... I know him.” My voice wobbles. “Why are your guns drawn? He’s not dangerous. He’s not…”
“Ma’am. Please step back. It’s for your own safety.”
“Put your guns away and I will. He isn’t doing anything to justify this type of force.”
At my words, Dominique flinches and all three officers start shouting.
“Get back.”
“Get on the ground.”
“Keep your hands in the air.”
They’re not talking to me. They’re shouting at Dominique, but he barely moved.
Dom’s eyes flick to mine.
“I’m not leaving you,” I mouth.
His lower lip trembles. My eyes prick with tears. Dom, strong, quiet Dom is on the verge of tears. This cannot be happening.
Then one of the officers gets angry when Dominique doesn’t move to comply but he’s already on his knees. What more do they want? “Get on the ground. Get on the fucking ground,” he shouts, stepping forward. “I said, get on the fucking ground.” His hands shake and I can see hatred burning in his gaze.
