At The Mention Of Max but she nodded quickly I'll get everything you need as they stepped outside the weight of the night seemed to settle. Over her the storage unit felt a Whirled away now and the sight of Jared being pushed into the back of a squad car brought. A flicker of satisfaction he glared at her through the window but she met his gaze with Steel in her eyes she wasn't afraid of him anymore. As the police cars pulled away James turned to her you did it Nia he's in custody this is just the beginning she said. Her voice Resolute he needs to face real consequences for Max and for everyone he's hurt James nodded then we'll see it through every step of the way.
The two of them stood in the quiet aftermath the flashing lights receding into the distance Nia clenched her fist s the fire in her chest. Now focused into a clear unshakable purpose Jared might have thought he was Untouchable but he was about to learn just how wrong he'd been the flashing red. And blue lights of the police cars faded into the distance as Nia and James stood in the empty lot the weight of the night pressing heavily. On them the officers had left with Jared in custody and for the first time since the attack Nia felt a small sense of relief. But it wasn't over not yet she still needed to give her statement at the station to ensure Jared couldn't slip through the cracks.
James glanced at her his voice breaking the silence the station's waiting for us you ready Nia hesitated her fingers tightening around Max's leash not yet. She said softly I need to see Max first I need to know he's okay James studied her for a moment. Before nodding I'll take you to the hospital first the statement can wait a little longer they climbed into the car the hum of the engine filling. The quiet as they drove through the city streets the Animal Hospital wasn't far but every minute felt stretched thin as Nia's thoughts spiraled she replayed. The confrontation Jared's taunts and Max's pained Yelp over and over in her mind the leash in her hands felt like an anchor grounding.
Her to the memory of him when they arrived James parked by the entrance and gave her a reassuring look take your time he said I'll be right here. Nia nodded and stepped into the hospital the fluorescent lights and antiseptic smell immediately enveloping her the receptionist at the front desk offered. A sympathetic smile he's resting in room three Doctor Patel is waiting for you thank you Nia said her voice soft but steady she made. Her way down the corridor each step heavier than the last the weight of the evening pressed down on her but as she reached. The door to room three she inhaled deeply stealing herself when she pushed open the door her breath caught Max lay on a soft bed.
In the corner his side wrapped in clean white bandages his golden fur was duller than usual and he looked smaller somehow. But his tail wagged weakly the moment he saw her Max Nia whispered tears springing to her eyes as she hurried to his side. She knelt beside him running her fingers gently threw his fur hey buddy I'm here Max let out a soft whine his head nudging against. Her hand the connection they shared was immediate and for a moment the world outside faded away Nia felt the tension in her chest released slightly. As she leaned down pressing her forehead to his you're so strong she murmured you've always been my Brave boy Doctor Patel entered the room quietly.
Her kind eyes scanning the scene before speaking he's stable and doing well considering what he's been through the bruising on his ribs is severe. But there's no internal damage he'll need rest but I'm optimistic about his recovery Nia looked up relief flooding her face thank you I was so scared I know Dr. Patel said gently but you got him here in time he's lucky to have you Nia turned her attention back to Max. Her fingers brushing over his bandages no she said softly I'm the lucky one Max's tail wagged a little harder and she laughed through her tears. Her voice trembling see even after everything you're still wagging that tail You're Incredible Dr Patel gave her a reassuring smile spend as much time.
As you need with him just keep his movements minimal for now he needs rest thank you Nia said again her voice full of gratitude. She sat with Max for a few more minutes stroking his fur and Whispering sof softly to him she told him about Jared's arrest about how. He wouldn't hurt anyone else again Max's eyes seemed to brighten slightly and she liked to believe he understood finally James appeared in the doorway. His presence quiet but grounding you ready he asked his voice low Nia nodded wiping her eyes and pressing a gentle kiss to Max's head I'll be back soon. She promised him you just focus on getting better okay Max gave her hand a sof soft lick and it was all the reassurance she needed.
As she stood she felt A Renewed sense of determination settle over her Jared might have hurt Max but he hadn't broken him and now. It was her turn to make sure Jared paid for every ounce of pain he'd caused as she exited the hospital and climbed back into James's car. She let out a slow breath James started the engine glancing at her how's he doing he's going to be okay. Nia said her voice resolute he's stronger than I could have imagined James nodded pulling onto the street good now letun make sure jarid doesn't have any way out of this. Nia tightened her grip on the leash the memory of Max's wagging tail fresh in her mind let's make sure of it the city lights Streed past.
As they headed toward the station Nia bracing herself for the next step in her fight for justice the station was cold and sterile. The harsh fluorescent lights casting a clinical glow over the gray walls and worn lolium floor Nia sat in a hard plastic chair. The leash still clutched tightly in her hand a reminder of Max's resilience James stood nearby leaning casually against the wall but his sharp eyes scanned. The room always assessing an officer approached with a clipboard his expression professional but kind Miss Carter we're ready to take your statement now. Nia nodded rising to her feet I'm ready the officer led her down a narrow hallway to a small interview room the walls were bare save.
For a clock ticking steadily above the door a recording device sat in the center of the table its red light blinking softly. This is just standard procedure the officer explained gesturing for her to take a seat we'll go over everything you remember step by step. Nia sat down folding her hands in her lap to steady herself I want to make sure he doesn't get away with this. She said firmly I'll tell you everything the officer nodded turning on the recording device let's start from the beginning walk me through what happened in the park. Nia recounted the events with as much detail as she could her voice steady despite the emotional weight of the memories she described Jared's taunts.
The way he'd cornered her and threatened Max her hands clenched into fists as she spoke of Max's bravery how he had tried to protect. Her only to be brutally kicked down the officer listened intently occasionally jotting notes on the clipboard when the police arrived at the storage unit. The officer prompted can you describe what happened there Nia took a deep breath James and I confronted Jared he tried to fight back. But we stopped him he said things hateful things even after everything he'd done he didn't show any remorse when you arrived. He was still trying to act like he'd done nothing wrong the officer's pen paused for a moment his gaze lifting to meet hers.