Chapter 12
Arthur stumbled out of the police station that evening, his mind in a haze. The warm glow of the setting sun made everything around him feel strangely unreal.
"Is it really over? No detention, no lines?" he muttered to himself, struggling to wrap his head around how quickly everything had been resolved.
Earlier, a security guard had shoved a pregnant woman, prompting Arthur to step in and ultimately break the guard's arm. The property management and the guard had been hell-bent on demanding hefty compensation and ensuring Arthur stayed out of their business in the future.
But as soon as Ryan showed up, Arthur was released almost immediately. Even the guard he'd injured had apologized, assuring Arthur they wouldn't press charges.
"Hey, Arthur! What the hell are you standing around for? Get in the car!" a voice snapped, jolting Arthur from his thoughts.
He turned to see a plain-looking man, an e-cigarette dangling from his lips, who looked as if he couldn't care less about anything. The guy was probably in his thirties, but despite his sharp gaze and impressive way with words when dealing with the cops, he didn't fit the image of a high-powered lawyer that Arthur had imagined.
"Mr. Marshall, thanks a lot for your help," Arthur said gratefully. "Things could've gone really bad if it weren't for you."
"Once is enough. No need to keep saying it," Ryan replied, opening the passenger door of his car. "I'll drive you home. Your parents must be worried sick."
Arthur scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward. "You've already done so much for me today. I don't want to trouble you anymore. I can get home by myself."
Ryan rolled his eyes, knocking on the roof of the car with irritation. "What's your problem? I helped you out of a major mess, and now you're refusing a simple ride home? That's just rude, man."
Arthur hesitated, unsure if he was wrong for trying to be considerate. But with Ryan putting it like that, refusing would seem ungrateful. So, with a muttered thanks, he slid into the passenger seat.