Chapter 9

The officer set him back on his feet and locked handcuffs on his wrists.

The cold metal sent a shiver up his spine, cooling his anger. Still, Adam had to demand, “What are you doing? I was defending myself.”

Leading him to the curb, the cop said, “You just sit here, and don’t move.”

Adam sank to the ground. He looked up at the man and opened his mouth to explain what had happened.

Before he could get out a word, the officer said, “Save it. I’ll get to you in a minute.” He walked over to Reggie and squatted next to him. “You want me to radio for an ambulance?”

Reggie cast a look of absolute loathing at Adam, but said, “No. I don’t think it’s broken.”

“Okay—it’s your call. Can you stand?” The cop offered a hand and helped Reggie up. Pulling out a small notebook, he asked, “Do you have ID on you?”

Reggie nodded and dug out his driver’s license.

The cop wrote down the personal information and handed it back. “So what happened here, Mr. Pendleton?”