Brandi collapsed against the pump, sobbing. An older woman wrapped her in a comforting embrace.
Sirens came. Two squad cars pulled in. Officers assessed, weapons ready.
The officer asked me. “Is that true?” “I stopped him from grabbing her. That’s true. The rest is lies.”
“Lies!” Tyler shouted. “Brandi, tell them he’s crazy!” But she sat silently, hugging herself, staring at the ground.
A female officer approached her. “Are you okay? Need medical help?”
She shook her head. Then nodded. Then cried harder. “I don’t know. I just want to go home… to my mom’s house.”
“Nebraska. Three states away. Tyler made me move here six months ago. Promised a better life. But…” she couldn’t finish.
Tyler’s face went pale as the officer checked his warrants. Domestic violence in Missouri, failure to appear in Kansas. He was cuffed and read his rights.
Brandi watched silently. Relief replaced fear.
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