Blood spurted from his mouth, along with a grunt of pain.
From the low angle, the punch wasn't enough to knock Darius out. Sebi grabbed Darius’ hand and twisted his wrist. The move was enough to give Sebi control.
The squad cars arrived as Sebastian put his knee into Darius’ lower back and twisted his arm behind him.
Darius howled in pain. “You fucking son of a bitch. Let me go. I didn't do anything to you. You black bastard. Get your greasy hands off me. Cocksucker, I'll kill you for this!"
The sounds of people running distracted Sebi. He glanced up.
Two officers ran up, hands on their holstered weapons. “We'll take it from here.” The officer reached in his back pocket for restraints.
While the officer secured Darius with flex cuffs, the second one questioned Sebastian.
Out of breath, Sebi could barely get through his story. “My girlfriend will confirm everything I've told you about this sick-o."
"We'll need a statement from her."
"We'll be more than happy to provide one and get him out of our lives for good."
After he spoke with the officers a little more, Sebi called Alexa to come and get him. To say she was freaked out was an understatement.
"Please don't get in an accident driving over here. One of our cars needs to survive the day."
"Is it totaled?"
"I'm sure it is, but that's fine with me. At least that idiot will have to answer for his behavior. We'll need to go to the police station and give your statement. I'll answer all the rest of your questions on the way there."
Sebastian disconnected the call and sat cross-legged on the ground waiting for Alexa. What a hell of a way to start the day. He ran his fingers over his bald scalp and plucked a mat of mud-caked grass from his skin. He pitched it onto the lawn, angry any of this had to happen.
One of the officers approached, handing him his business card. “Come by the station as soon as you can. We'll process Mr. Stoddard. The EMT is almost finished with him. Do you want them to check you out, too?"
"I think I'm okay. Banged up a little. Nothing serious."
"Sebi!” Alexa slammed her car door and raced down the sidewalk.
He stood, already feeling a few aches and pains for his high-speed, high-adrenaline adventure. His head hurt where he'd smacked it on the sidewalk. Maybe he'd talk to the EMTs before they left, just to be sure he didn't have a concussion.
He smiled at Alexa, hoping to ease the worry and guilt she'd be feeling.
She flew into his arms and held him tight.
"Are you okay?” She buried her face against his shoulder.
"I'm fine. Nothing a hot shower and some aspirin won't take care of.” He pulled away from her embrace. “Darius is in custody and we can press charges."
"I'm so sorry."
"Shh. Did he hurt you before?"
Tears still rimmed her eyes. “Just my arms. He has such strong hands.” She rubbed her upper arm with a shaky hand. “I'll probably have some wonderful bruises tomorrow."
"We'll make sure the police get pictures. He's lucky the cops showed up when they did or I have rearranged his face completely."
"He doesn't deserve any better."
"Did he say why he'd come looking for you?"
She gave a humorless laugh. “Money. He thought he could get twenty thousand dollars. I told him I didn't have that kind of cash and he wanted me to get it from you. He threatened to tell Greggerson I used drugs if I didn't do what he said."
"But you don't and haven't, have you?"
"No, but the insinuation could cause all kinds of problems and who the heck needs their past dredged up at work?"
He understood her anxiety. When he'd broken up with Evanelique, things had gotten nasty. He'd had to put up with several weeks of onerous conversations and awkward meetings with her until he'd landed a new assignment.
"Let's get cleaned up, give your statement, and then go back to the boat for the weekend. We can relax and plan our fall vacation."
Her face brightened. “October can't come too soon."
"One more thing."
Shrugging, she asked, “What?"
"Move in with me. This place has bad memories and I don't want you to come back here.” His voice fogged with emotion. “I don't want to live alone, without you, I mean."
Her eyes searched his. “You mean it?"
He nodded. “We'll get your stuff and you can move in permanently."
"My lease ... I've got six months or so on it."
"Screw it. I'll help you with the payments if you want. Unless you don't want to do this."
"It's pretty sudden."
He let out a pent-up breath. “I know. Look, think about it. If you decide you're not ready to do move in, I'd feel better if you found a different place."
"I like living with you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “And I love you."
He nibbled her lips. “Is that a yes?"
She kissed him softly. “That's a thank you for rescuing me.” She kissed him again. “That one's for not being furious with me."
His lips were inches from hers. “I didn't say I wasn't furious."
"I'll let you spank me later."
He sealed the offer with a kiss, languorous and full of promise that what started on the eighteenth floor might last a lifetime.
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THE 18TH FLOOR Page 10
