“Are you almost done?” she asks.
I nod. “Yeah, just a few more.”
She eyes my stack of dishes with a frown. It’s not that big and should take ten minutes tops to get through. “I’m supposed to meet some friends at a party and I’m already running late. Are you okay if I head out? The doors are already locked and the till is zeroed out. All you have to do is make sure the door is closed all the way when you leave.”
“Yeah. That’s fine.”
She squeals. “Thank you so much. You’re a doll. I’ll see you next week.”
And then she’s gone.
I finish up the dishes, no longer in a hurry, and then collect my bag and hoodie. I shut off the lights and I’m just about to open the door when I spot a man standing across the street. All the lights are out inside the diner so I’m confident he can’t see me, but it’s like he’s staring right at me anyway, even though I can’t make out his eyes.
Goosebumps break out all over my skin.
The streetlight casts him in shadow, hiding his face but illuminating enough of his body that I can make out his dark washed jeans and flannel shirt. He’s big. Built like a man and not one of the boys I go to school with.
Fear freezes me before I stumble back a few steps away from the door. The man never moves. I glance toward the parking lot, spotting my Audi right where I left it. In the furthest spot on the lot because I hadn’t wanted to be parked close to anyone.
The ten yards or so between it and me feels like a mile.
Can I make it to my car before him? If I run I probably can. Maybe. What reason does he have for standing out there, lurking?
“Come on, Allie. Pull yourself together,” I mutter to myself. Just because I was attacked once before doesn’t mean it will happen again. But my attacker's words echo in my mind as if he’s standing over me again. “I’d be happy to make another visit,” he’d said. What if this is him, or his friend? What if Gerald messed up again?
Gerald and I never talked about what caused the attack in the first place. He just said he’d take care of it and then he never brought it up again. I should have brought it up again. I should have made sure something like that could never happen to me another time.
Oh God. I’d been so stupid.
I slump into one of the booths toward the back, away from the windows, and pull my phone out with shaking fingers. I dial Julio’s number before I realize he can’t help me and hang up. Okay. Plan B. I’ll try Aaron.
I call him and wait. The line rings once, twice, six times.
Voicemail.
Dang it.
I try again.
Voicemail again.
I wipe my clammy hands on my knees and stare at the screen of my phone. I don’t know who else to call. Feeling desperate I try Janessa. She doesn't pick up. Against my better judgment, I try Gerald next.
“You’ve reached the voicemail box of…”
I hang up.
My heart skips a beat. The man is still out there. What is he waiting for? A knot of dread expands in my chest. It crawls through me and my entire body begins to shake. I squeeze my eyes shut. I need to get it together. I can’t think if I panic.
My breaths are ragged as if I’ve just run a marathon. My chest heaves up and down. I press my forehead down on the cool surface of the table and force myself to slow down my breathing. I can’t have a panic attack. Not here. Not now.
Think, Allie. Just think.
The idea to call Roman leaves me as quickly as it came. I swallow hard and chew on my bottom lip until I’m certain I’ve bitten through the tender flesh and the tang of copper fills my mouth.
I try Dominique.
He answers on the second ring. “Allie?”
“Oh, thank God.” I choke out the words on a sob.
“What’s going on?”
His voice is hard, and a sense of urgency has me rushing to say, “I just got off work and there’s a man outside. I think he’s waiting for me. I let Julie leave early and I’m alone and my car is far away and—”
“Breathe, Allie. Take a breath. Slow down.”
I try to do as he instructs but I can’t seem to slow down.
“Where are you at?”
“The Sun Valley Station.”
“Okay. I’m on my way. I’ll give you a lift. We can get your car tomorrow morning.”
I nod even though he can’t see me. “Thank you.”
“Just hang tight. Go in the back. I’ll be there in ten.”
Allie
I’m huddled on the floor in the kitchen hiding behind one of the cook stations. My knees are pressed to my chest and I have my arms wrapped around them as though through sheer will, holding myself tight will keep me from falling apart.
My phone chimes and I lift it to glance at the illuminated screen.
Dom: I’m here.
“Thank God.”
I squeeze my eyes shut once before forcing them open. Dominique is here. I’m safe. He’s a big strong football player and whoever the man is outside won’t want to mess with him. He’s probably gone by now anyway. I’m okay. Everything is okay.
Me: Be right out.
I push myself up from the ground, my legs still shaking as I shove my phone in my back pocket and try and catch my bearings.
I take several deep breaths and press my hand over my chest. My heart is racing but there isn’t anything I can do about it. I force myself to move toward the front of the diner. My steps are slow and I keep checking my surroundings to make sure I’m still alone. I know the man couldn’t have gotten inside. The doors are all locked. But I still feel the urge to double and triple check.
I spot Dominique’s Escalade parked right out front and a small sigh of relief escapes me. I’m almost to the door when a police cruiser pulls up behind it. I stop. Did he call the cops? I look around and don’t spot the man outside any longer. Inwardly, I groan. I’m going to have to explain the false alarm to an officer. He’s going to think I’m an idiot for getting all worked up over nothing.
Dominique is sitting in the front seat of his car seemingly not paying attention. His eyes are on his phone, the screen casting light on his face in the darkened vehicle.
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 off
icer 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.
No. No!
I drop my phone, purse, and sweater so there’s no way any of them can think I’m hiding anything. Then I move closer.
“Ma’am!”
“Miss!”
I keep my arms raised as I walk toward Dominique, my steps measured. I don’t look at the officers. I don’t look at the guns. I keep my gaze locked on Dom and watch as he tracks my movements with his eyes but he doesn’t move. He’s still as a statue.
When I’m right beside him I finally look up and meet the gaze of the closest officer. Then I step in front of Dom, protecting him with my body.
My voice shakes as I say, “His name is Dominique Price. He’s seventeen years old. He goes to Sun Valley High.” My heart is pounding in my chest. I can barely hear myself, but I push more words past my lips, determined to make them understand. “He’s here to pick me up from work. He was giving me a ride.”
The officer closest to me, an older white man with dark brown hair shot through with streaks of silver, eyes me warily.
“He’s driving a brand-new Escalade. We have reason to believe the vehicle is stolen.”
“It’s not!” I shout the words. I don’t know why I’m not scared anymore. But I’m not, all I’m feeling is anger. Cold and visceral. They have no right to do this. To make Dom feel a certain way when he didn’t do anything wrong.
“Miss. I understand you know this man but—”
“He’s a kid. A seventeen-year-old kid. The car is his. His family has money. Why are you doing this?” I can hear the hysteria in my voice but can do nothing to quash it.
“We have reason to believe—”
“How? Why? Because he’s black?”
His eyes narrow. “This has nothing to do with race. We received a call—”
I cut him off. “Do you know the chief of police?” I ask him. “Do any of you know Police Chief Valdez?” I shout.
One of the men nods so I push on. “His son, Roman, goes to Sun Valley High. He’s best friends with Dominique Price. This is Dominique Price. Chief Valdez has known Dominique forever. Please, just put the guns down and call the chief. He’ll clear this up. He’ll tell you—”
Another cruiser pulls in. Two more officers exit and add two more guns raised in our direction.
I can't catch my breath. Panic rises in my gut.
My voice is frantic now. “Call the chief. I’m not letting you shoot my friend. This is not happening.” The last part I say to myself.
It takes every shred of courage in me to turn my back on them but I do. I turn around and the crouch down behind Dominique. I take in his broad back and raised hands. I look at his hands. Always hands. This is Dom. I tell myself. He’s my friend. I can do this. I have to do this. Wrapping my arms around his waist I use my body as a human shield. Panic floods through me at the contact but I close my eyes and shove it away. It’s just Dominique. Dominique is safe. He would never hurt me. I’m touching him. He’s not touching me. I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m okay.
To him I say, “Don’t move. I’ve got you. I won’t let them shoot you for being black. I’ve got you.”
He trembles beneath me. Seconds stretch into minutes, but I don’t move. Neither of us do. I can hear the officers in the background arguing amongst themselves, but I block out their voices.
My legs begin to shake but I hold on tighter, refusing to move away and abandon my friend. Then a familiar voice calls out from the crowd. “Allie?”
I turn my head but still don’t release Dom.
“Roman?” My word is a whisper and I feel Dominique’s shoulders slump in relief.
Roman shoves through the cluster of officers, a severe-looking older man right behind him. A man I recognize. Oh shit! The man who found me that night. That’s Roman’s father? I can see the resemblance now.
“Drop your weapons and stand down. Now,” he orders the men.
A breath whooshes out of me as one by one the officers holster their weapons.
“Everyone but the first officer on the scene, get the hell out of here. Beat it.”
No one argues, and once I can see that they’re clearing out and there aren’t any more guns trained our way, I loosen my hold on Dominique and stand. My heart pounds in my chest now for an entirely different reason.
Police Chief Valdez meets my gaze. There’s concern there but it’s fleeting. Then he turns and starts in on the officer forced to stay behind.
Roman is there, yanking me into his arms. “What the hell were you thinking? Fuck. Were you trying to give me a heart attack? Seeing you like that just shaved ten years off my life.”
I freeze in his arms and close my eyes. Silent tears track down my face. I… I can’t… I can’t breathe.
He releases me and turns toward Dom, completely unaware of the meltdown taking place inside of me.
“What the hell happened?” Roman asks.
No answer. I swallow several times trying to force the lump in my throat down.
“Dom?”
He’s not getting up. Roman sends me a worried look and I force my feet to move. I step around him until I’m standing in front of him and I bend down to catch his gaze. “Dom?”
His jaw is locked. His eyes glassy and far away. I send a worried gaze toward Roman but he shrugs, unsure of what to do. I bite my bottom lip. Words aren’t getting through to him.
I take a deep shuddering breath and swipe the tears from my face with the backs of my hands before turning my attention to his. They’re still held above his head.
I shove past my fear and with shaking fingers, reach out and cup Dom’s cheeks in my palms. “Dominique?” His gaze flickers to mine. “It’s okay. You’re okay. They’re gone. It’s okay.”
His hands slowly lower but his arms are trembling. He sucks in a shuddering breath. “I need…”
I know and I force myself to give it to him. I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him close. His strong arms wrap around me in an almost painful embrace. I bear it and when my limbs lock up and my breath becomes erratic, I just squeeze him tighter
.
“It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
Roman
Allie took off ten minutes ago. I tried to convince her to let me give her a ride but as soon as Dom released her, she took off straight for her Audi with barely a backward glance.
I was tempted to go after her. I don’t know what the hell came over me but seeing her like that, in the line of fire, I’ve never been so fucking scared in my life. My girl was in danger. My girl.
Fuck all the bullshit with her and Julio. Fuck the fact that she ghosted me. She’s mine. She ran off tonight but as soon as I get Dom settled, she and I are going to have words.
It’s just the three of us now. Dom, me, and my pops. We’re sitting in Dominique’s Escalade but I’m in the driver’s seat. No way am I letting him drive himself home tonight. Dom gave my dad a recount of what happened, and one thing for sure is heads are going to roll Monday morning when my dad gets to his office. He assures Dominique that all of the officers will face consequences. I’m almost positive the first asshole on scene will lose his badge. You can’t be a racist prick on my dad’s force. He has zero tolerance for that shit.
“You boys going to be alright tonight?” my dad asks.
“Yeah. I’ll drive Dom home and crash at his place. What were you doing here, anyway?” I ask him.
Color is coming back to his face. He seems a little more like himself. “Allie called me. She was freaked out. I guess there was some dude outside and she didn’t feel comfortable leaving the diner by herself.”
A stab of pain hits me in the gut when I realize she was afraid and she called him. Not me. But before I say anything, my pops curses.
I flick my gaze toward him, and he asks, “Are you two close with her?”
We both shake our heads. “Used to be. We don’t talk anymore,” I tell him.
He frowns but I have no idea why. What does he care whether or not I talk to Allie?
“What’s that mean exactly?” he asks.
I shrug, not wanting to get into it with him. Allie and I were on the outs but after tonight, I plan to rectify that. “Nothing. It’s whatever.”
Wicked Devil: An Enemies to Lovers, High School Bully Romance (Devils of Sun Valley High Book 1) Page 20
