Prodigal Son(76)

She played along, and I felt a flush of pride at how well she could think on her feet.

“Oh, baby, I can’t wait for you to get out,” she purred, still keeping up the show.

I had so much that I wanted to tell Krystal, but between the audience I was sure was behind the mirror and the fact that I was sure I didn’t have much time left, I just pulled her into my arms and held on like my life depended on it. I knew that there was a good chance that my life was about to get really complicated, but for just a moment, I wanted to put my arms around the woman I loved.

The door opened far too soon, and Bryan came inside. He didn’t look happy.

“Listen, Luke, they’re going to charge you.”

“With what?” Krystal said, lifting her head from my chest and taking my hand. “Luke didn’t mean to kill Bug, and he only did it to protect me.”

Bryan shook his head and ran his hands thought his increasingly messy hair. “Look, I have no doubt that I can keep these charges from sticking, but I can’t keep them from charging you. It’ll most likely be manslaughter, but they may go full-bore and charge you with murder. I don’t think they have a case, but I won’t know for sure until we get in front of the grand jury. That won’t happen until Monday, and there’s nothing I can do about it. You’re stuck here for the weekend.”

The door opened again, and two cops came in. I didn’t like where this was heading.

“Let’s go, Callaway,” one of the men said, indicating that I should turn around so that he could handcuff me.

I looked to Krystal, afraid that she’d start crying, which would break my heart, and I was surprised to see that she was perfectly composed.

“Luke, we’ll get you out of here,” she said, dry-eyed and certain. “I love you.” She went to stand next to Bryan, and he put an arm around her shoulders in support. My last sight of her that day was her standing in the police station, looking fierce, despite her bruised and scratched face and her bloodstained clothing. I knew I was in a bad situation, but the sight of Krystal, so determined despite all she’d been through, gave me the hope I knew I’d need to get through the next few days.