Free Decision Time by Earl Sewell Page A

him!” I said angrily. “I can’t believe this happened to me.”
    â€œWesley, I can appreciate how difficult it is to talk about this. But I really need you to finish telling me what happened.”
    â€œI’m not sure what happened. I keep getting flashes of images from the shooting,” I explained.
    â€œHere, drink some more water. Take a few deep breaths and try to relax.” Officer Davis grabbed the water pitcher and refilled my cup. The cold water helped to calm my nerves, and a few minutes passed before I began talking again.
    â€œPercy said that he was going to shoot both of us. I tried to reason with him, but it was no use. Percy cocked the hammer back and I saw the belly of the gun rotate but just then a police officer walked in. Percy backed off and left.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you or Lori report him to the officer who’d walked in?” asked Officer Miles.
    â€œI don’t know. Neither one of us were thinking about reporting anything. I just wanted to go home and so did she. Once we were certain Percy and his goons were gone, we left. During the walk home, Lori once again apologized for getting me involved in such a mess. She also explained that Percy was not only crazy, but he was also a well-known gang member. If Percy says he’s going to shoot you, he means it. Lori made that very clear. I tried not to be afraid of him, but deep down inside I knew we would meet again, and it wasn’t going to end peacefully. During our walk back home, Lori looped her arm through my own and held on to me. She admitted how frightened she had become of Percy. She said that he’d hit her before, but he always made her feel as if she had it coming because of her bossy ways. I just listened as she talked. When she didn’t feel like sharing any more details she rested her head against my shoulder. Once we arrived at her gate, she kissed me. That was the last thing I’d expected from Lori. I embraced her and tried to reassure her everything was going to work out. Then, I heard the sound of a car door slam. I turned around and saw Percy walking toward us wearing a black bandanna that covered his nose and face. I shielded Lori with my body just before Percy pulled out his gun and fired multiple rounds. I don’t remember what happened after that.”
    â€œWas there anyone else with Percy?” Officer Davis asked as he continued to take notes.
    â€œI don’t know,” I answered.
    â€œWill you testify in court?” He put away his pen and pad.
    â€œOf course he will. I’m sure Lori’s family will testify as well,” Dad said.
    â€œI wouldn’t count on that. Ms. Lori Brown and her mother are fearful of retaliation and have refused to help us in our investigation,” Officer Davis explained.
    â€œYou’re kidding, right?” I asked.
    â€œI wish I was…. The state prosecutor will look at our report and determine whether or not to press charges. In the meantime, I’ll go back to the station and have a warrant issued for the arrest of Percy Jones. We’ll bring him in for questioning and go from there. If you can convince Ms. Brown to testify, it would help a great deal. Get well soon.” Officer Davis rose to his feet and exited the room with Officer Miles trailing behind him.

seven
    KEYSHA
    When Jordan found me at the bus station, I impulsively ran away from him. I plowed through the crowded terminal, determined to escape the punishment that awaited me. Needless to say I couldn’t run very fast or get very far with a busted suitcase. When he caught me, I wasn’t in my right mind and fought him off by swinging my fists and punching him several times in the chest.
    â€œLet me go!” I shrieked as I continually assaulted him with a barrage of jabs. When I realized my strikes were ineffective, I slapped Jordan and tried to shred his face apart with my fingernails. I was determined to be by