Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

I lean across the counter, raising my voice. “Mr. Hawkins, I need the security tape from this summer!”

The old man squints at me, his wrinkled hand cupping his ear. “What’s that, Sienna? You need a tape measure for plumbers?”

I suppress a groan. Mr. Hawkins is one of the few people in town still willing to speak to me. “I need your security tapes. I think it might show something important. About the murder case.”

He leans in closer. “Something to fix a staircase?”

Okay, I’m pretty sure he’s only reading lips. Which I guess works if I’m trying to find something around the hardware store.

I point to the ancient-looking device mounted in the corner.

Mr. Hawkins follows my gesture, his eyes widening in recognition. “Oh! The camera! Why didn’t you say so?”

“I’m trying to help prove he’s innocent.”

Understanding finally dawns on Mr. Hawkins’s face. “Ah, I see. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, Sienna, but that old thing hasn’t worked in years.”

My heart sinks. “Are you sure? We could check.”

He shakes his head firmly. “Broke down back in oh eight. Never got around to fixing it. It’s just for show now, keeps the riffraff thinking they’re being watched.”

I slump against the counter, disappointment washing over me.

Another dead end.

I’m not sure what the tape would show, really. My father drunkenly leaving the bar, perhaps holding up a sign that says Not about to get murdered by Logan Whitmere? The bar is down the street from here. I had this hope that it could show him in one of his tempers, punching anything that moves, to at least show that he was provoking anyone, but the odds of catching it on tape were low.

Mr. Hawkins pats my hand gently. “I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, dear. Don’t you worry, the truth will come out. It always does.”

I force a smile, touched by his kindness despite my frustration. “Thanks. You’re probably right, but it sure is taking its time.”

“You want a wood stain for pine?”

I just close my mouth and give him a small wave of goodbye. I push the door open and step out into the warm autumn air. For a split second, I allow myself to close my eyes and take a deep breath. But when I open them, my momentary peace shatters.

Kyle stands there, flanked by his two lackeys, Randall and Lucas. Their smug grins make my stomach churn.

“Well, well. If it isn’t the circus freak’s little whore,” Kyle sneers, his voice dripping with disdain.

I clench my fists, anger bubbling up inside me. The remnants of Kyle’s black eye and split lip from his fight with Logan are still visible, which is a small satisfaction.

“What do you want, Kyle?” I spit out, my voice low and dangerous.

He takes a step closer, his buddies moving to flank me. “Just checking in on our town’s newest celebrity. How’s your boyfriend enjoying his new accommodations?”

“Fuck off,” I growl, trying to push past them.

Randall blocks my path, his meaty hand pressing against my shoulder. “Not so fast, sweetheart. We’re not done catching up.”

I slap his hand away, my patience wearing thin. “Touch me again, and you’ll lose that hand.”

Lucas laughs, a harsh, grating sound. “Ooh, she’s got claws. I like ’em feisty.”

Kyle’s eyes narrow, his smirk turning cruel. “You know, Sienna, things would be a lot easier for you if you just admitted the truth. Tell everyone what a violent psychopath your circus freak really is.”

“The only psychopath I see is you,” I snarl, my anger finally boiling over. “You’re the one who kidnapped me, thinking that made you a man. Well, news flash, you’re nothing but a small-town bully with daddy issues.”

Kyle’s face contorts with rage, his hand shooting out to grab my arm. I twist away, my circus training kicking in as I dodge his grasp.

“You little bitch—”

“We all know the real reason you’re pushing this case. Logan humiliated you, and now you’re using your uncle’s position to get revenge.”

Kyle’s face twists into an ugly sneer. “You think you’re so smart, don’t you? Always did have a big mouth.”

“At least I use mine for telling the truth. Why don’t you man up and admit it? You’re only doing this because Logan kicked your ass.”

His eyes flash dangerously, and he takes a menacing step forward. “You want to know what I think about that?”

I hold my ground, even as alarm bells start ringing in my head.

Kyle’s voice drops to a low, threatening growl. “I’ll show you exactly what I think,” he snarls, closing the distance between us. His intent is clear in the predatory gleam of his eyes, the way his fists clench at his sides. This isn’t just about intimidation anymore. The promise of violence, or worse, hangs heavy in the air.

Asshole #1 and Asshole #2 move to block any potential escape routes, their leers making my skin crawl. They’re not just here as backup. They’re active participants in whatever Kyle has planned.

“What’s wrong, Sienna?” Kyle taunts, his breath hot on my face. “Not so brave without your freak to protect you, are you?”

I swallow hard, fighting to keep my voice steady. “You’re not going to get away with this. People will see—”

He cuts me off with a harsh laugh. “See what? A whore getting what she deserves? Trust me, sweetheart. No one’s going to lift a finger to help you.”

I grit my teeth, my heart pounding like a war drum as Kyle and the assholes tighten their circle around me. The alleyway looms dark and menacing behind them, a stark contrast to the bustling main street we’re being shoved away from.

“Get off me!” I snarl, trying to twist out of Asshole #1’s grip. His fingers dig into my arm, a cruel vise that makes me wince.

Kyle smirks, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Not so fast, sweetheart. We’re just getting started.”

I kick out, my boot connecting with Asshole #2’s shin. He curses, hopping back briefly before lunging forward again, grabbing at my waist.

“Fucking bitch,” he growls, his hands rough and greedy.

Panic surges through me, but I refuse to let it show. I thrash, claw, and bite, fighting with every ounce of strength I have. But they’re bigger, stronger, and fueled by a sickening sense of entitlement.

Kyle grabs the front of my shirt, squeezing a breast through the cotton hard enough to bring tears to my eyes. I gasp in pain.

“Bastard!” I claw at Kyle’s face, leaving red welts across his cheek.

He curses, backhanding me hard enough to make my ears ring.

My head spins, but I refuse to let them see me falter. I spit blood, aiming for Kyle’s smug face. He dodges, laughing.

“You’re gonna pay for that,” he snarls, reaching for my jeans.

Panic surges through me. I kick and thrash, but the assholes hold me tight. I open my mouth to scream—“What the hell is going on here?”

The booming voice cuts through the alley like a thunderclap. Kyle freezes, his hand still on my belt. We all turn to see Mayor Lindon standing at the alley’s entrance, his face a mask of fury.

“Let her go. Now.” His voice is low, dangerous.

For a moment, no one moves. Then Kyle’s grip loosens, and the assholes step back. I stumble, catching myself against the wall.

Mayor Lindon’s eyes sweep over the scene, taking in my disheveled appearance and the boys’ guilty faces. “You three, get out of here.”

Kyle opens his mouth to argue, but the mayor silences him with a glare.

They slink away, shooting venomous glares at me as they go.

My hands shake as I try to straighten my clothes, avoiding the mayor’s gaze. I tug my shirt back into place, wincing at the soreness where Kyle grabbed me.

“Are you alright, Miss Cole?” Mayor Lindon asks, his voice surprisingly gentle. The mayor has always turned a blind eye to the bullshit in this town.

I nod, not meeting his eyes. “I’m fine,” I lie.

The mayor takes a step closer, and I tense instinctively. But he just sighs, sounding tired and old. “This shouldn’t have happened.”

I’m not sure whether he means what happened in this alleyway or the murder case. Or maybe he’s talking about entire decades of violence visited upon the Cole women. “Why did you help me?”

Though that’s not really what I’m asking.

Why didn’t you help me?

That’s what I really want to know.

If he was capable of stopping Kyle and any other asshole in this town, why wait until this moment to start doing it?

Mayor Lindon sighs, rubbing his forehead. “He’s not a good kid. I know that.”

I let out a harsh laugh. “Then why hasn’t anyone done anything about it?”

“It’s complicated. The Moore family… They have a lot of influence in this town. People are afraid.”

“So you all just let him terrorize everyone?” My voice rises, anger replacing fear. People are afraid in the circus. They’re afraid in Forrester. That fear is like gunpowder. People like Kyle are the match.

“It’s not that simple,” he says, his shoulders sagging.

I cross my arms, wincing at the soreness. “You’re the mayor. I didn’t think you signed up for just being the mayor of simple things.”

His expression mixes concern and resignation. “Honestly? I think you should leave town, Sienna. Like you tried before. It’s not safe for you here.”

“I won’t abandon him. Not now, not ever.”

“You’re stubborn, just like your mother.”

I stiffen at the mention but push past it. “If you really want to help, do something about Logan. About this whole corrupt system.”

He hesitates, and I can see the internal struggle playing out on his face. He shakes his head. “This is out of my hands.”