Chapter Eleven: When Reality hits

The drive to the Bridgeport Police Department took all about five minutes, however to Veronica it felt like eternity. Every minute reminded her where she was headed. To Jail. How long would she have to stay? She couldn't afford a lawyer, would she need one? Her mind wouldn't shut up. It wouldn't let up and she had no escape. And unlike usual, she didn't have anything to ease her mind and erase her fears. Oh what she wouldn't do for a pill, beer or a joint right about now.

"We're here." Officer Jill announced. She shut off the engine and exited the car. She came around to Veronica's side to let her out. She roughly helped her out of the car and lead her inside the building.
"Ouch." Veronica said under her breath. She didn't know which was tighter, the cuffs or the officers grip.

Drew was already inside when they entered. Another officer was behind the desk and his eyes quickly zoomed in on Veronica. He let out a whistle.
"What? Your plan actually worked?" He said. Drew crossed his arms over his chest.
"You two will learn to stop doubting me one day." He replied. The other officer chuckled.
"Well I didn't think anyone would be dumb enough to offer it up right in the open." The other officer remarked. Veronica felt even more embarrassed. It was certainly one of the stupidest things she had ever done.

"Book her." Drew commanded and made his way behind the desk.

"Move it." Jill said. She tightened her grip yet again around Veronica's arm. This time Veronica let go of the lipstick in her hand. It landed with a clicking noise as it made contact with the ground. Jill kicked it out of her way. As Veronica began walking ahead she could feel the two women's gazes shooting darts her way. Veronica chalked it up as them sizing her up. She just kept her eyes forward and continued to the desk. 

Jill unlocked Veronica's handcuffs so she could give her fingerprint.
"Do I get my phone call?" Veronica asked before placing her finger in the ink.
"Yeah yeah." The officer behind the desk answered her.
"First things first." Jill said and pointed to the ink. Veronica placed her finger inside and made a copy of her fingerprint. She looked back at Jill. Jill in return nodded her head towards the phone nearby.
"60 seconds." Jill said.

With shaky fingers, Veronica reached for the phone.

"Please pick up." She said as she dialed her brothers number. Thankfully it was one of the few numbers she knew off the top of her head. 

Around the fifth ring, Daniel picked up.
"Hello?" He said. "Who is this?" He asked. He had no idea who could be calling him from the Police Department.
"Danny it's me." Veronica said.
"Veronica? WHERE ARE YOU?" He yelled.
"Calm down. I don't have much time to explain. Uh..I'm locked up." Veronica replied.
"30 seconds." Jill reminded her. Veronica resisted the urge to tell her to shut up. Jill was working her nerves more and more.
"I can't talk long. Just take care of the boys for me please." She begged. Daniel sighed.
"Of course." He said.
"Thank you." She said and hung up.
"You went over." Jill said and squinted her eyes at her. Really?! Veronica wanted to yell.
"Sorry." Is what she said however.

After patting them down and completely taking any personal belongings the ladies had, except their clothes and shoes, Jill led them into a small communal bathroom.
"You only get five minutes. I suggest you start scrubbing." Jill told them. The women stood there for a moment, confused. Especially Veronica.
"Move!" Jill directed. They jumped slightly and headed towards the showers.

Jill triggered the water to start and turned away. She hated belittling people, but it came with the job. You couldn't show any weakness in front of the inmates. She sighed. She paid attention to her shoes as a way of giving them some sort of privacy.

After their shower, Jill tossed them a towel, a uniform and shoes.
"Get dressed." She said. She turned her head again. She lead them to their shared cell after they were dressed. Jill shut the door loudly behind them and locked the door.
"Lights out in 10 minutes." Jill said and exited the room. She needed a cup of coffee right away.

Veronica stood there and stared at the bars. Hoping they'd open, hoping she could be free. Her eyes began to water. She was truly stuck. This was it. She was in jail.

"They aren't going anywhere." One of her cellmates told her.
"Stare all you want, you'll pass out before they budge." The other one interjected. Veronica turned to face the two women.

"What is wrong with you two? How can you sit there and act like this is...normal?!" Veronica yelled. She didn't care if her tone would get her beat up or yelled at. She was going crazy.
"Sorry to disappoint you Princess, but this is how it works. Now lay your ass down and shut up." The redhead told her.
"I don't belong here" Veronica said. "I'm innocent." The two almost doubled over in laughter.
"Innocent?" One of the repeated. "Right honey we are all innocent."

Fed up of being the butt of everyone's joke, Veronica made her way to her bed. She fluffed the old pillow and rested her head on it. It was going to be a long night.
"Night Princess." One of the women said mockingly. Veronica closed her eyes.