The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor) novel Chapter 71

Taylor’s face remained grim. He was sitting beside Charlie, his arm around her waist. He reasoned, “He bullied my brother and hit my girlfriend. I say he deserved every bit of it, Officer. I’d like to make a phone call, please.”

After Taylor made the call, Victor and Kevin’s parents arrived, followed by the West family. Charlie grew anxious, fearing that the police had already contacted her emergency contact—her mom. If Riley found out Charlie had been involved in a fight, her father would undoubtedly rush to Luxford immediately!

Surprisingly, however, at around ten in the evening, the police officer returned to the holding room, announcing, “You can all go. No charges will be filed against you, and nothing will go on your records.”

“And Miss King, as requested by Taylor’s family, your parents were not informed of today’s incident,” the Officer added.

Everyone in their group was relieved. Victor and Kevin’s parents comforted them when they exited the holding room. Charlie noticed how they exchanged a few words with the Wests. They were smiling at each other, and the women hugged. It was clear to her that they were on the same page when defending their children.

In another holding room, Luke’s group was also released. However, unlike the calm atmosphere surrounding Charlie’s group, it was obvious that they were unhappy with the outcome.

They all looked dismayed, but Charlie caught a different emotion in Regina. She seemed jealous! Her arms were crossed tightly as she walked past them. Her eyes lingered on Charlie and Taylor, more specifically on Taylor.

“What’s going on?” Charlie asked Taylor.

“Gramps took care of everything. Of course, the outcome did not go their way,” Taylor said.

Soon, Archie came out with his parents. He walked over to their group with his head down. The older man, looking like Archie’s father, instructed, “Apologize now!”

Archie clenched his jaws. His body was shaking, clearly unwilling to apologize, but eventually, he sucked in a deep breath, saying, “I’m sorry, Tristan. I’ll pay you back for the guitar.”

Tristan said nothing. Charlie knew the sentimental value of the guitar could never be replaced, but nothing could be done. The guitar was utterly ruined.

“Mr. and Mrs. West, we apologize for our son’s behavior. We will teach him good manners and be more aware of people with disability,” Archie’s mother said. “Just - please, tell the governor not to have me fired. We will cover everything, including the damages to the cafe.”

“My father won’t take it personally as long as your son does not make the same mistake,” Savannah replied.

“Archie Foster, you are guilty of committing a misdemeanor against a person with a disability. And on top of that, you ruined a costly guitar!” Governor Carrington said. “You should be thankful we settled. The only reason we did is because my grandson also had his shortcomings in how he confronted you.”

“But if you ask me—or anyone in the public, Archie—you had it coming.” The governor then turned to the Fosters and said, “Teach your son properly, or next time, I won’t be so merciful.”

“Thank you, Governor,” Archie’s mother said. They approached another officer, processing some documents.

Taylor also said goodbye to his friends. When everyone else had left, the governor turned to his family, saying, “Let’s all go back to the manor.” He glanced at Charlie, saying, “And that includes you, Taylor’s girlfriend.”

Hearing Taylor’s grandfather call her name, Charlie gasped. She thought, ‘I’m doomed.’

Guardian Angel: ‘Well, it was crazy while it lasted.’

Inner Devil: ‘You should have tasted Taylor when you had the chance.’