26 – Under arrest! And worse…
“Hhaaanf!” I reach for the surface, but thankfully the canal is not even that deep, even though the water tastes horribly. Pulling away the dregs covering my eyes I call out for the other two.
“Tina!” No answer. “Claire!”
All I see is the ruins of the limousine that have crashed to the side a few dozen paces behind us.
I half-swim, half-walk to the bank, where I catch a glimpse of long black hair.
Claire is there, naked and unconscious, but at least it doesn’t look like she’s bleeding.
Tina… Tina!
“Tina!” I can’t lose my girlfriend into a ditch! She’s my first girlfriend, dammit!
I look around in a panic even as police cars slow down, sirens blasting their wail, and a dozen or so men come out, firearms at the ready.
“Tina!” I shout.
“Hnnh,” I hear Claire lament. She wakes up and yelps as she pulls back at once. Beneath her there’s a dark-skinned girl dressed in motorcycle gear. Ah, thank goodness she’s safe!
“Tina!” I rush to the two of them, checking if they are alright.
“My rambunctious love! Are you alright?” Claire embraces me. She seems fine, not even a bit of blood.
Maybe she’s still under warranty, or whatever sort of luck rich girls seem to be born with.
Tina does not look much worse for wear. She wakes up as well, sputtering some water, but she opens her eyes and she smiles faintly when she sees me, only to reach for her side as she glares at Claire. She stands up as well, water running down her body.
“Dying in a ditch seems… appropriate for you, princess.” She lunges at her.
“Stop!” I cry.
“Freeze!” comes the command from all around us. The group of policemen has surrounded us as well, their weapons trained at the three of us. “Hands up, all three of you!”
Tina and Claire share one death glare.
“Please!” I hold up my hands first. They sigh but follow my example.
“Please don’t hurt us,” I groan as the agents come closer tussling with the three of us as they lock all of us three in handcuffs.
“Watch it, pig,” Tina growls.
“My father will hear about this,” Claire warns them.
I’m just happy they are finally unable to harm each other.
As they begin to pull us away from the ditch, I shiver as I see someone else come out of the police car.
The ring on my finger pulsates angrily.
“Thank you officer. I wouldn’t know what to do without you.”
“No, thank you for calling us at once, Miss. We were able to save five lives today.”
“Oh, I’m just doing my duty as a concerned citizen,” Miss Jimenez grins, cocking her hip victoriously. “I will be taking care of the boy. He does not have close relatives besides one sister, and as his teacher, I have… responsibilities.”
My heart sinks as Miss Jimenez licks her lips.