Hunter’s down the steps and coming towards me. ‘Tell me your mum didn’t call the fucking cops.’
I nod, lost for words.
Hunter links his hands atop his head. ‘Shit.’
Mum climbs into her car and drives away without so much as a glance in my direction, and the two policemen head for me. When Hunter takes a step towards them, I catch his hand.
‘Don’t. Let me handle this.’
He searches my eyes, head shaking, then returns to the veranda.
I recognise one of the men as Sergeant Harry. He’s been a police officer in Chirnside for as long as I can remember. I’ve sold shoes to him and knocked on his door to share the promise of a paradise earth. Other than that, there’s been no need to interact. Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t really have run-ins with the law. I’ve never even had a speeding ticket.
The other man I don’t recognise, but judging by his age, I’d guess he’s fresh out of the academy.
Harry looks almost apologetic as they come to a stop in front of me. Past them, I can see Hunter pacing the veranda like a Rottweiler. As though sensing the threat behind them, the men look over their shoulders.
‘Annie,’ Harry says, facing me once more. ‘This is Constable Jarrod.’
I can only nod.
With a heavy sigh, Harry says, ‘Your mum’s filled us in on a few things.’
‘I just went for a ride,’ I say, struggling to keep my voice even. ‘I didn’t go in the house at all.’ I can barely believe I’m having this conversation.
Sergeant Harry repositions himself, blocking my view of Hunter. ‘Your mum has a number of concerns, the trespassing being one of them.’
Now I’m lost. ‘What concerns?’
‘In regards to your current living arrangement,’ Constable Jarrod says.
I stare at him.
Sergeant Harry rubs the back of his neck. ‘It’s our job to make sure that not only are you doing the right thing but that you’re safe. I think it’s best we have this conversation down at the station.’
Blood pounds in my ears. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘We need you to accompany us to the police station,’ Jarrod says.
I take a large step back from them, and Hunter stills when he sees it. I have to be careful not to alarm him or this could end badly for both of us.
‘Am I under arrest?’ I whisper.
Sergeant Harry gives me a reassuring smile. ‘It’s just a chat. Your mum’s a bit worried and stressed. She’ll likely drop the charges once she knows you’re safe and has a chance to calm down.’
I go from hot to cold in under a second. ‘She’s pressing charges?’
Hunter’s patience has run out, and now he’s striding towards us. I know the only way through this is with a level head.
‘I’ll come with you. It’s fine. Just let me talk to him.’
Jarrod turns to Hunter, but Harry gestures for him to start walking.
‘We’ll wait by the car,’ he says.
Hunter glares at the men as they pass one another.
‘I need to go to the police station. It’s not a big deal.’ I place a calming hand on his chest. ‘They just want to have a chat.’