The cruiser was parked behind the police station, tucked into the shadows of the lot. You sat in the back seat, heart pounding, staring at the man you once thought you knew. Rafe paced outside, his hands in his hair, blood staining his knuckles.

“You saw … everything,” he said finally, turning to look at you through the open car door. His voice was low, shaky, edged with anger.

You swallowed hard, the image of Sheriff Peterkin crumpling to the ground flashing in your mind. You hadn’t planned to witness a murder tonight, but there you were, frozen in shock as Rafe pulled the trigger.

“I didn’t mean to,” Rafe added, stepping closer, his voice breaking slightly. “It was an accident, okay? She wasn’t supposed to—” He cut himself off, jaw clenching. “But now it’s done, and you have to help me.”

You blinked, trying to process his words. “Rafe…” you started, your voice barely a whisper. “This is insane. You killed her. My dad’s going to-”

“Your dad doesn’t have to know!” he interrupted, eyes wild. “You were there. You can say you didn’t see anything. That it wasn’t me. That someone else-”

“Someone else?” you echoed. “Rafe, I’m the sheriff’s daughter! Do you know what you’re asking me to do?”

His face twisted with frustration. “I know exactly what I’m asking, alright? You’re the only one who can help me. You think they’ll believe me if I say it was an accident? No! They’ll lock me up for life.”

Your chest tightened. Months ago, when you were still together, you’d seen this side of Rafe—desperate, angry, dangerous … but never like this.

“I—I need to think,” you stammered.

Rafe’s face darkened. “Think?” he spat, voice rising. “There’s nothing to think about! You help me, or I’m screwed!”

You flinched as he slammed his fist into the car, leaving a dent in the metal. “You don’t get to hesitate, okay?!” he yelled, breathing ragged. “You’re with me, or against me.”

Silence followed. Rafe stared, chest heaving, waiting for an answer. But you didn’t have one—not yet.

Without another word, he stormed off.