Clearly, she omitted the part where I showed up, guided him to move to get Claire safely away from the top, and then grabbed him by the collar. Plus, the whole shoving him with force when he threatened the implication of ending Claire's life.
“And to confirm, you were alone? No one else was with you?”
I cringe at the question, knowing damn well what her answer will be.
“No, I had just gotten done studying and was going inside.”
I never meant to put Claire in the position where she would have to lie, especially to authorities. She could get caught, she could be charged with making a false statement, and that would probably ruin the State’s chance of prosecuting Griffin, not to mention make Claire out to be a liar.
He doesn’t press the topic of her company anymore. “You’re correct about the alcohol consumption. The hospital did a blood test and it determined he was under the influence.”
Claire doesn’t respond.
“One more thing, before I leave you be.”
“Yes?” There’s a hint of anxiousness in her tone.
“You mentioned Mr. Thomas grabbing your arms, can I take a look?”
I can only imagine the dread consuming Claire. She does her best to conceal the bruises and not allow anyone to see them. Even me. It’s clear she carries shame and who knows what else with the visual reminder of the assault.
She must pull up her sleeves, because the officer quietly clucks and sighs.
“I’m so sorry this happened to you,” he tells her, compassion and sympathy lining his voice. “If I could just snap a few photos for the record.”
Which must be another punch to Claire’s gut.
It doesn’t take him long, but I’m sure every second is antagonizing for her.
“I’ll be in touch,” he tells her. “I’m hoping to get a statement from Mr. Thomas, but I’m not sure if that will be possible.”
“Oh?”
I strain to hear the rest of their conversation from their spot near the door.
Officer Donovan pauses before leaving. “You’re unaware of his condition?”
Claire must shake her head because he continues.
"At this point, he's in a medically induced coma to try to give the swelling on his brain time to reduce. Doctors seem unsure of his prognosis."
The door opens, and I can’t hear the rest of what’s said.
I quietly hop up from the bed and impatiently wait for Claire to return.
She comes down the hall a minute later. "That was humiliating." Claire holds her arms close to her chest like she's shielding herself from the world.
From everything, including me.