Page 66 of Nyx

"Kayla," I say, trying my best not to let her questions control my body's response. "I'm not ready to share my story with anyone yet."

She gives me a sad smile, nodding as if she understands completely, and it makes me feel like an asshole. She's new here, and although she has reported her abuse numerous times, I know by reading her file that this is the greatest stride she has made in getting away from him. This is all new to her, and she's probably just trying to find her footing.

"I'm here with a listening ear when you're ready," she offers as she stands. "Do you think Andrea would mind if I grab a snack from the fridge?"

"There are no food restrictions in the house," I explain. "I'd caution against anything that looks like it's been prepped for another meal, but other than that, everything else is fair game."

"Perfect," she says. "I'll see you at the group."

Chapter 17

Nyx

"It's a debrief," Shadow says. "Routine and done after every event."

"And it has to be done right now?" I ask.

"You know as well as I do that it's best when done right after an incident and things are still fresh in your head," he explains.

"I don't have problems with my memory," I assure him.

His smile is quick, and I know it's just his personality, but I haven't told a joke, and in a way, it feels a little mocking.

"It's protocol," he clarifies.

"Anything can happen in a few minutes," I argue, looking back at the front door of the house.

"It'll only take a moment. The other guys are going to relieve you and Holler while we take care of it."

I take a step away from my station, watching Griffin as he pops in an earpiece and takes my place.

I have never doubted any of these guys. Some of their personalities don't exactly line up with mine, but I know they'll get the job done. Even with the issues I thought we were going to have with Recon, with the stupid questions on that first day, he has done well in everything that has been asked of him.

But this is my shift, and that drunk, raving lunatic showing up today proves just how needed we are here.

"Okay," I agree. "Protocol."

"Max made notes as the incident was happening," Shadow says as we walk toward his SUV. "Let's get out of the sun."

I climb into the passenger seat, staying silent as Holler walks across the yard and climbs into the back seat behind me.

"Let's go through it," Shadow urges.

"The subject pulled up. His front passenger side wheel popped the curb, leaving his car blocking the sidewalk," I begin. "He got out, demanding to know if his kids were in the house."

"I came around and provided the license plate to Max," Holler adds.

"He stumbled, tripped over the grass, and hit his knees," I say. "He continued to yell and cuss, but stayed down."

"Did you touch him?" Shadow asks.

I shake my head. "Didn't have to. He was so drunk that he couldn't get back on his feet."

"The cops were there very quickly," Holler says.

"What was said to him?" Shadow asks, his eyes locked on me.

Holler remains silent for a moment, probably replaying the scene in his head before speaking. "I told him he needed to leave, that he wasn't supposed to be there."