Page 53 of Cuffed (Everyday Heroes 1)
“Thanks,” he says, but I’m already looking at the top of the pink pastry box. “Donut think you’ve won this battle – Emerson”
I stare at the writing and do the only thing I can, laugh.
“What’s that?” Nate asks as he slides into the car.
“Emerson.”
“She’s sending you love notes on donut boxes now? I thought you were the one trying to get the upper hand.”
“I’m trying, dude. Believe me, I’m trying.”
“Well, try harder. If you play this game any longer, your balls will become bluer than your uniform.”
“Fuck off.”
He smirks. “At least someone would be getting some then.”
“Whatever. Dude, you wish—”
“All units. 10-16 at 12662 Serenity Court.”
I don’t even have to glance over to Nate to tell him to respond. He already has the radio in his hand as I throw the car in gear and flip the lights and sirens on.
It’s Keely’s address.
We make it there in minutes, and I turn the siren off but leave the lights on as I turn into the neighborhood. We’re parked in the driveway and out of the car, my fist banging on the door in seconds.
“Sunnyville Police Department, open up.” I pound a few more times as Nate steps on the planters to try to see inside the front window.
“There was yelling and screaming.” I round at the sound of a feeble voice, my hand automatically going to my weapon, but I ease off when I see the elderly neighbor from across the street.
“What else?” Nate asks as he steps forward, leaving me to man the front door. I hear words such as “shouting” and “threatening,” but when it comes down to being a witness to anything, she didn’t see much.
I pound again. “Mrs. Davis, open up. We just want to make sure you and Keely are okay in there.”
Glancing around, I note that a few other neighbors are home from work already, a few even nosing out of their houses to see what the problem is. More rocks are painted in the entryway—hints of a normal, creative child or signs of a little girl escaping the fighting inside her house.
Just as I’m about to pound again, I hear the deadbolt slide, and the door cracks open. Amelia Davis stands there, tears staining her face and hair a mess.
“Mrs. Davis? Is everything okay in there?” I ask, voice gentle. I’m well aware that Mr. Davis might be on the opposite side of the door, judging her every answer and the according punishment.
“Yes. It’s fine. Everything is fine,” she says unconvincingly as she widens the door without my asking so I can see inside. My eyes scan her person for bruises, but she’s wearing long sleeves mid-summer. “He’s not home, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Momma? Is everything okay?” Keely’s timid voice calls from inside.
“Yes, sweetie. The nice officers from the other day stopped by. They wanted to see the new rocks you painted.” She lies easily, and I’m not sure if I respect or detest her for protecting her child.
“He did? He is?” Awe fills her voice as she peeks her sweet face beyond the corner wall, blue eyes wide as a smile spreads on her lips.
“I did.” I nod and play along with the mother as I eye Nate to take over the questions while I separate Keely from their conversation.
“I’m sorry, Officer. It was just a fight.” I overhear Amelia say to Nate as I walk Keely down the path and away from the front door.
“Are you here because my mom and dad were fighting again?” she asks and breaks my heart.
I nod, not wanting to lie about the obvious and needing her to trust me. “Mm-hmm. It’s our job to make sure everything is okay.” I kneel so I’m eye to eye with her. “Is everything okay, Keely?”
She stares at me with eyes that have seen way too much, and her bottom lip trembles some before she nods ever so slowly.
