Chapter 5 Crushed

Arden

"I demand to speak to my lawyer!" I thundered, my voice echoing off the cold cell walls. The police officers had pushed me to the limit, leaving me in this dingy cell since morning.

"Keep it down, young man," one of them sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.

"How dare you!" I exploded, my fury boiling over. "You arrest me, deny me my rights, and now you're silencing me? This is outrageous!" I slammed my fists against the cell gate, the metal rattling from the force.

The officer who had warned me sauntered closer, his eyes glinting with malice. "You're going to be here for a long time, considering your violent nature."

"Oh, for heaven's sake! Can I please speak to my lawyer?" I pleaded, exasperation etching my voice. The police officer standing before me remained silent, his expression neutral.

"Truth be told, there's no point, Mr..." he began.

"Arden!" I interrupted, frustration boiling over. "Why is there no point? Just let me speak to him, for goodness' sake!"

"Keep it down!" a stern voice bellowed from the doorway. A senior officer strode in, his authoritative presence commanding attention.

"Why are you causing a ruckus here, fellow?" he demanded, his eyes scanning me.

"I just want to speak to my lawyer," I explained, trying to calm myself. "I've been here since morning, locked up without any tangible explanation."

The senior officer turned to the junior officer, his eyes demanding an explanation. After a whispered conversation, he turned back to me.

"So, it's you," he said, his gaze piercing. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"What's going on here?" I asked, confusion and alarm rising.

"Give him his phone," the senior officer ordered finally. "Ten minutes, that's all you've got." With that, he turned and walked away.

Finally, I let out a sigh of relief as they handed me my phone. But my excitement was short-lived - the screen remained blank, switched off.

I couldn't help but wonder how many times my mother had tried to reach me. She was always the first person I shared my news with, and my recent promotion had left her beaming with pride. Now, she must be frantic with worry.

I quickly powered on the phone and dialed my lawyer, Mr. Cole. Explaining the situation, he apologized for being out of town and promised to arrive the following day.

Disappointment and anger coursed through my veins. A night in this cell.

The police officer, lingering nearby, snatched the phone from my hands. "Are you satisfied?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

I shot him a glare and slumped onto the lone bench, exasperated.

All I wanted was to reassure my mother that I was fine.

Today was meant to be a triumph, but fate had other plans. If only I hadn't gone to that club... Yet, I couldn't regret it entirely – I'd helped Isla.

My thoughts drifted to her, and the brief time we shared. Our encounter had been fleeting, but its impact lingered. How was she doing now?

Lost in contemplation, I bowed my head, elbows on knees. "Rex Norman..." I whispered, resentment simmering.

That arrogant individual had landed me in this cell. I gritted my teeth, anger flaring.

But tomorrow would bring vindication. This nightmare would end, and I'll go back my normal life.

The night dragged on endlessly, each minute ticking by like an hour. I paced restlessly, my eyes fixed on the clock, counting down the moments until dawn.

Finally, the door swung open, and my lawyer, Cole, walked in.

"Cole!" I exclaimed, relief washing over me.

He strode purposefully toward the officer in charge, his expression confident and assertive. I watched as they discussed. Their conversation was hushed, but Cole's face turned sour.

As they released me from the cell, my hands remained shackled by handcuffs. Cole's expression was grim, and his words stunned me.

"Arden, what have you done?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

I was taken aback, not by the question, but by his demeanor. "I thought you were here to help me," I said.

"I'm sorry, Arden. I can't take your case," Cole announced, his voice firm.

"What? Why not?" I demanded, alarm rising.

Cole hesitated before speaking. "Only a fool would take on a case against Pamela Norman."

"Pamela Norman?" I repeated, the name not registering.

Cole's eyes locked onto mine. "Yes. She's the one who had you arrested. That woman wields immense power and influence."

I shook my head, confusion swirling. "I don't understand. Who is she?"

Cole's expression turned grave. "You really don't know, do you?

The name still didn't ring a bell, but Cole's words sent a chill down my spine.

"The only advice I can offer is to pray and seek Pamela Norman's forgiveness," Cole said, his expression grim.

I shook my head, incredulous. "I don't understand. I haven't seen my accuser, and I've never met Pamela Norman. Rex Norman, yes... but-"

Cole's eyes locked onto mine. "Pamela Norman is the matriarch of the Norman family. She wields immense power."

My mind racing, I connected the dots. "So, this is about Rex Norman's family... and their influence?"

Cole nodded. "I'm afraid so. My firm can't take on a case that could jeopardize our reputation. The Normans can ruin lives, Arden. I'm sorry."

His words infuriated me. "I don't care about their power or money! I want my freedom!"

Cole's expression turned sympathetic. "Perhaps another lawyer can help. I wish you luck, but... await trial and hope for the best."

With that, he departed, leaving me stunned and enraged.

I was uncuffed and taken back into the cell.

I bit my lip, fury boiling within. Was this how the powerful operated? Using their influence to trample others?

As I faced imprisonment without a lawyer, the harsh reality hit me - the Normans' money and power were crushing me. Years of hard work and dedication would go down the drain.

No colleagues visited, not even Stephanie. I was alone.

Then, my phone rang, breaking the silence. I jerked my head, curious.

"Please, can I have my phone?" I asked.

"Your tone's changed, knowing your fate," the officer sneered.

"Please, just let me take the call." I hoped it was my mother.

"Here." He handed me the phone.

I grabbed it swiftly, seeing an unknown number.

"Who could this be?" I wondered.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hello, is this Arden?" a gentle voice asked.

"Yes."

"Hey, Arden. It's Isla."

Isla's voice sparked hope amidst despair.

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