Free Stepbrother Fallen by Aya Fukunishi Page A

description and a positive ID from a witness. I
don't want to imply anything, but something doesn't smell right
here."
     
I can tell I need to up the ante if the cop
is going to buy it. I take a breath, look him straight in the eye
and launch into my best dumbass Valley girl impression.
     
    "Oh my God, I bet this came from Manda Sloane, right? Gawd,
she is just the biggest bitch alive! She's just mad because I told Penny Graham from
school that I thought Manda put on a few pounds even though she
said she's been totally sticking to her juice fast for, like, I
don't even know, like three weeks or something? Anyway, Manda
just hates me right now because Penny told her what I said about her
weight even though I told her that in confidence, so Manda just wants to make my life a
living hell and stuff, just like she did with Stacy from home room
when she said Manda looked like she bought her nose job out of a
catalog! That's why I had to leave the party early, because Manda
was just totally bitching me out in front of, like, everyone and
then Rafe called and saw how upset I was and then he took me out
for a burrito cause I told him that's, like, my biggest comfort
food for when I'm feeling down or I've got my period and
stuff!"
     
Aaaaand breathe.
     
Officer McIntyre looks like he's been hit
in the face with a Clueless DVD. His eyes grow wide, and for a
moment he stands in stunned silence as he tries and fails to
process my crazy onslaught. After what feels like an eternity he
simply says "Wow," and beckons Karl out onto the porch.
     
    I take a deep breath and try to get my heart rate under
control. I've never in my life lied to a cop. Hell, I've barely
ever even spoken to a cop, and now I'm... what, and accessory to an assault?
I don't even know if it's against the law to lie to the
police.
     
Just as I'm beginning to breathe normally
again I turn to Rafe, who narrows his eyes and gives me a quizzical
smile that sends my pulse pounding once again.
     
Damn it, woman, focus!
     
I lean against the door and strain my ears
to hear the conversation between Karl and officer McIntyre. They
speak quietly, but just loud enough for me to pick out a few
sentences.
     
"Well, I just don't know, Karl. I mean, it
all sounds a little crazy to me, but this Sloane girl does had a
reputation as a bit of a troublemaker. Your Maddy never so much as
got a ticket for jaywalking, so I know who I'd be inclined to
trust."
     
Dad mutters something unintelligible, and
Donald replies.
     
    "Well that's what I'm saying. Does Maddy have any reason to lie for your
son?"
     
"Not really, Don," replies dad. "They only
met last week, and as far as I can tell Rafe's been teasing the
shit out of Madison. I can't imagine why she'd cover for him if it
wasn't the truth."
     
"OK, then. For now I'm gonna put this down
to teenage bullshit and leave it alone. If and when either of the
guys decide to come forward and tell me who beat the shit out of
'em we might have to revisit the matter, but for now they're not
talking."
     
I step back from the door as dad finishes
up his conversation, and I turn to find mom looking like she's
trying to blend into the wallpaper behind her. I feel pretty bad
for her. She was right to get mad, but as far as she knows she's
just exploded at Rafe for absolutely no reason.
     
Dad returns from the porch, closes the door
and looks guiltily at the floor.
     
"Well, Rafe, I guess Aubrey and I owe you
an apology. Right, honey?"
     
Mom gave a quick, embarrassed nod and
mutters, "Uh huh."
     
"I'm sure you can understand why we might
have jumped to the wrong conclusion, but I'm still sorry we didn't
give you the benefit of the doubt from the get go. Can you accept
our apology?"
     
For a moment I worry that Rafe will keep up
the surly attitude, which would really fucking piss me off since I
know he's totally guilty. Fortunately he nods. "Yeah, I understand.
I would have done the same if it was the other way around. No harm
done." He looks