Chapter 14

Back at the hospital, Josiah’s phone buzzed. Mirala was calling again. He knew why and didn't want to argue. "Grandma, we're on our way back, almost home."

"Really?" Miranda scoffed. "Then let me talk to Sienna."

Josiah hesitated.

"I knew it! You can't do it, can you? Because you're not with Sienna at all," Miranda stated bluntly, sighing. "I've been trying to reach her, but she's not answering. Did you let her leave alone?"

"Grandma," Josiah muttered.

"I've left her alone for four years, just like you wanted. Can't you work with me on this? I'm about to go into surgery. You don't want me to have regrets, do you?" Miranda's voice was tense, her words urgent.

"Grandma, what are you talking about? She just left a moment ago. I'll go after her now, okay?" Josiah reassured her, playing along.

"Alright. When you two get home, call me together."

"Okay." Josiah had no choice. After hanging up, he shrugged at Yvette. "I have to go."

"Okay. Miranda is kind; you should go. I'll be fine," Yvette, who had heard the conversation, said, looking out the window. "This area is really remote, not safe for a girl alone at night."

"You say Grandma is kind; you're just the same," Josiah said, standing. "I'm heading out now. Just don't push yourself looking after Howard, alright?"

"Got it. Hurry up and go," Yvette smiled. Her expression shifted as he left, and she looked down.

Outside, Josiah called Sienna. He got through, but she still wasn't answering. He redialed repeatedly with the same result.

"What's going on?" he wondered, driving and searching for Sienna. He guessed she hadn't gone far, as rides were scarce in this part of town.

But she was nowhere to be seen. Thinking she might have gotten a ride back to Silver Beach, he sped there.

The living room was dark, just as it had been the previous night. Remembering that night's events, he went straight to the back, but the bathroom light was off. He wondered if Sienna had gone to sleep in her room, but he needed to wake her—Miranda had insisted on a joint call.

He checked each room, but none were occupied. Then he noticed the untouched guest rooms; the sheets weren't even laid out. No one had stayed there.

Josiah couldn't help but wonder, What on earth happened? Where has Sienna been sleeping these past two days?

"What's your name?"

"Sienna Shaw."

"How old are you?"

"Where do you live?"

Sienna hesitated, then shook her head. "I don't have one."

Jackson Smith, the questioning officer, frowned. "So, are you living under a bridge or sleeping on the streets?"

"Either is fine," Sienna said, nodding.

"That's ridiculous! Just answer the question," Jackson snapped. He didn't believe a homeless person could be dressed like that.

Sienna sighed, feeling helpless. "I'm telling the truth. I don't have a place to stay."

Jackson fell silent, wondering if she was being difficult.

Meanwhile, another officer, Robert Anderson, brought in Mike. His wounds were bandaged, his head tightly wrapped. Robert pushed him into a chair.

Glaring at Sienna, Mike yelled, "Officer, she's trying to kill me! I want to press charges and see her in jail!"

"Calm down! What are you yelling for? This isn't your home," Robert snapped, turning to Sienna. "Alright, you explain. Why did you hurt him?"

Sienna stayed calm. "He got too close, and I was defending myself."

"Self-defense?" Mike jumped up. "Officer, look at me! She hasn't lost a single hair, but I've got a gash on my head. She says I got handsy—where's the proof? What kind of decent girl carries a brick in her bag?"

"Sit down and be quiet!" Robert ordered. "We'll figure out what really happened."

The officers discussed checking surveillance footage, but the area was too remote; there were no cameras. They discovered Mike had a criminal record and past similar offenses.

Jackson said, "It looks like the girl's story checks out."

"But without evidence and him denying everything, what can we do?" Robert asked.

Sighing, Jackson added, "Maybe they should just settle this."

"What? Settle?" Mike shook his head vigorously. "No way. She hit me so hard I was bleeding—I can't just let it go."

"Quiet!" Jackson slammed his hand on the table. "Go sue if you want. But in court, who do you think the judge will believe? Especially since you have a record and were drinking tonight."

"Okay, fine, let's settle," Mike stuttered, glancing at Sienna. "But she has to pay up. No less than—" He raised his hand, wiggling his fingers.

"1,500 dollars?" Jackson turned to Sienna. "What do you think? Is that fair?"

"No way," Sienna shook her head firmly. "Not a cent. I'm not paying."

Mike exploded. "Not even a penny, huh? Fine, then get ready to go to jail!"

"Fine. Let the law decide! I believe in fairness," Sienna held her ground.

"Wow, you've got guts!" Mike sneered.

"Sit down! Quiet!" Jackson slammed his hand on the table.

The tension was thick. Mike and Sienna were locked in a stare-down.

Then, Stephen Ross, a young officer, whispered, "Sienna's phone has been ringing. It's probably her family." Their phones had been taken upon arrival.

Jackson glanced at Sienna and told Stephen, "If it rings again, pick up and ask her family to come. Maybe we can work this out."

"Got it," Stephen nodded.

At Silver Beach, Josiah called Sienna's number again. This time, it rang.

Josiah exclaimed, "Sienna Shaw, where are you? It's getting late, and you're still not home!"

Stephen paused, his voice grave. "Hello, this is the South Jeiacrity Police Station. Sienna has injured someone. You're her relative, right? Could you come by?"