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423words
They'd found transaction records from the jerk to the other woman.
Five thousand dollars. The jerk was generous.
They'd also found… evidence… and chat records at the scene, confirming it was solicitation of prostitution.
The jerk got 15 days.
The woman got 15 days too.
His company couldn't reach him and called me.
I forwarded them the administrative detention notice from the police station.
If nothing else, the jerk's job was toast.
With a record, finding future work would be tough.
Even gigs like food delivery or ride-share might be out.
Well, his family had a few acres back home. He could always go farm.
He wouldn't starve.
I thought that was the end of it. Then the police station called again, asking me to come in for more questions.
At the station, I saw Harper. The same female officer from that night called me into an interview room.
"Alright. Ms. Scarlett Wright has filed a report. She claims you and your friend assaulted her without cause…"
Before the officer could finish, I jumped up.
"She dares to bite back after being the other woman?"
"Calm down. The fact is, your friend did physically assault someone. Filing a report is her legal right. Her solicitation charge has been dealt with separately by the law."
I was furious, with nowhere to direct it.
"See if you can reach a settlement, get a statement of forgiveness from her. The injuries aren't serious, not criminal. It's best to settle privately."
"What? You want me to apologize to her?"
The officer sighed and patted my shoulder.
"If she insists on pursuing it, your friend could face a few days of detention. Think it over."
I looked out. My silly friend Harper was sitting in the waiting area, craning her neck to see if I was in trouble.
If it were just me, I'd rather sit in a cell for a few days than bow to someone like her.
The wronged party, apologizing to the homewrecker?
But looking at my clueless, loyal friend, remembering how fierce she'd been for me…
"Officer, give me a few days. I'll get her to drop the charges."
Outside the station, Harper looked worried, but her mouth was still tough.
"That bitch, actually calling the cops. Can't handle the consequences. Whatever, I heard jail has a regular schedule, healthy food. I'll treat it like a weight-loss boot camp."
"Don't worry. I'll handle it. You won't go in."
I sent her home.
