Chapter 45
“Hey,” James said, touching Chris’s arm. “It’s okay.”
Chris nodded, then hugged James, holding him tight.
James gave him a gentle squeeze before he stepped back. “Go pack a bag. Ron’s right. You can’t stay here anymore.”
Chris laughed softly, running a hand across his forehead. “I’m probably going to get kicked out of the neighborhood, actually.”
“Don’t worry about your statement tonight. Tell the truth. I’m okay with admitting that I was willing to hear them out.”
“Okay.”
“Officers will be here soon,” James said. “It’s over, for the moment.”
Chris nodded.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah.” Chris leaned against the wall and let out a deep breath as he looked at the flowers on the floor. Blood drained from his face as he realized how close they had all come to losing that night. 22