Voices – Page 75
Part 8 — Unraveling
It was near three in the morning before the police released them, after multiple rounds of questioning. These meetings had culminated in Jen shouting “you can’t arrest us because people think our friend is a werewolf,” which, as it turned out, was the truth. The police had assured them that more questioning would be coming, and John said he understood.
“It’s not every day that a group of random people catch a serial killer,” he had told the Sergeant on duty, who had agreed.
When they walked through the doors of the police station, the crowd was several hundred feet deep. There was a roaring noise, the combination of shouts and cheers, cries of anger, cries of support. Cameramen, anchorpersons with microphones, and assorted other members of the media surged forward.
“Inside,” John said to his friends, and they stepped back into the building.
“What do we do now?” Brian asked.
“I’m open to suggestions,” John said.
“The news is out,” Jen said. “Brian’s a werewolf, and I blow shit up, and Kevin electrocutes people. It’s on tape, for Christ’s sake. We’re screwed.”
“Not if they can’t find us,” John said.
“You weren’t listening carefully,” Brian said. “I heard you name, and mine, and Jen’s. I’m sure they’re working on Kevin.”
Jen put her hand on her forehead and sighed. “Fuck, if they know who I am, I might as well stay here. I’m going to end up arrested anyway.”
“Why?” Brian asked.
“It’s a long story.”
“They’ll figure out who I am soon enough,” Kevin said. He was leaning against a wall, staring out at nothing. “Someone will leak April’s name. Probably it’s already happened.”
“You need to get some sleep,” Jen said to him.
“I need a half a bottle of valium and a quart of vodka,” Kevin replied, not looking at her.
“That would kill you,” Brian said. Kevin didn’t bother to acknowledge him. He looked like he was trying to keep from crying again.
Jen crossed the hall and hugged Kevin. He stood stiff for a moment and then hugged back, putting his head against her shoulder and drawing in a ragged breath.
“Do you need someplace to stay, Kev?” she asked.
He nodded into her shoulder.
“John, can we get them to call us a cab maybe? If we can get to your apartment, we can at least keep them out of there, can’t we?”
“Like we kept them out of Jackal’s house?” John asked.
Jen rolled her eyes. “If necessary.”
“I’ll check,” Brian said. He headed toward the reception desk.
“This is going to suck,” John said.
Jen nodded. She let go of Kevin, held him at arm’s length and asked, “Are you okay?”
Kevin shook his head, shrugged, looked at the floor. “Whatever.”
Brian returned. “Cab’s coming. The girl at the desk said we could have it meet us out back. I’m going to have him drop me at the hospital. Susie’s shift gets over in about twenty minutes anyway.”
“Okay, Brian. Thanks,” John said.
Brian shrugged. “Temporary solution. We’re going to have to deal with the press eventually.”
“Not tonight,” said Jen.
“No,” John agreed. “Not tonight.”
