*Andy's POV*
~3 Weeks Later~
Pearce's bond hearing is today. I didn't tell Emberly because I knew she'd worry. I slip into a seat towards the back of the courtroom. I watch as Pearce is led inside. He is in a white prison jumpsuit and shackles. The judge calls the court to order.

Since Pearce and his family are extremely well off, they got him the best defense lawyer in the south. The proceeding is quick and his bond is set at $500,000. Dr. Riley chose not to get out on bond and will be in jail until her hearing. Something tells me Pearce is going to do the opposite. As soon as the judge makes the announcement, I stand to leave. I glance back over my shoulder and see Pearce grinning at me.

The anger wells up and I want him dead. His fancy attorney is going to get him off and Emberly won't be safe. I can't have that. I make my way back into the parking lot. I drive home, seething. I asked off today so I get to see Emberly and spend time with her. She thought I was running errands instead of going to the courthouse. I unlock the door and find the living room deserted. I wander through the apartment, not finding her until I reach the bedroom. She's sleeping soundly, so I quietly tuck a blanket up around her and shut the door. I go back into the living room and sit on the couch. I decide to play video games to pass the time. I keep the volume low so I don't disturb her.

I decide to play Destiny 2 and am in the middle of a crucible match when there's a knock on the door. A player on the opposing team snipes me and I get up. There's a delivery man with roses that he says are for Emberly. I sign for them and take them into the kitchen quickly. I find the card and read it.

Hope to see you at my trial. Better yet, I hope to see you when I'm a free man again.
-Pearce

Blind fury courses through me. I grab my phone, wallet, and keys as well as the roses and head out the door. I dump them in the big garbage bin outside and jump in my car. My phone starts ringing. A number I don't recognize is calling. I answer it, putting it to my ear.

"I saw you today."

"Who is this?" I demand.

"Pearce. Who else?" He laughs.

"What do you want?" I snarl.

"I want to see Emberly hurt." He chuckles.

"Leave her out of this." I demand.

"Are you offering to take her place?" He asks.

"Yes." I don't hesitate. He thinks for a minute.

"Fine. Killing you will hurt her even worse. Ha." He sounds drunk with glee.

"Meet me in the warehouse district. 4737 Reverie Road." I instruct him.

"See you soon." He hangs up. I sigh, pulling out of the parking garage. The drive is quick, and I pull into the alley behind the building. It's abandoned and almost no one is around. I step out of the car.

"Hello, Dr. Biersack." Pearce steps out of the shadows. How cliche.

"Pearce."

"I hope you're ready to die." He sneers. I shrug. This angers him. He produces a pistol from the waistband of his jeans. He waists no time in aiming at me. Out of my peripherals I can see a dumpster to my right. I have to be quick if I don't want to get shot.

"Any last words?" Pearce laughs. I make my move, leaping behind the cover. The gunshot hits the wall behind me. That was too close. I lean my head out slightly to see where Pearce is. He's still where he was, grinning. I make a quick move for his legs, knocking him on his back. I throw the gun out of his reach and start pummeling him. His face is bloody and swollen.

"You won't hurt her anymore." I scream, grabbing his head and slamming it back against the pavement as hard as I can. I hear a sickening crunch and his head goes unnaturally limp, his eyes are glossy and distant. Oh shit. No. I just snapped his neck.

I whip out my phone and dial 911. I tell them someone is dead and give them my location. It doesn't take long for the police to arrive, as well as the EMTs and firefighters. I get up to approach the officers when I find myself at the bad end of a gun. The cops force me on my knees and handcuff my hands behind my back. They haul me up and direct me to a waiting police cruiser. One officer behind reading me my rights.

They think I murdered him. I didn't. It was an accident. The door is shut and the police car begins to pull away. I realize I'm royally fucked.

I was just arrested for murder.

Shit.