His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 45

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
**Chapter 45**

As Lavern’s car rolled to a stop at the entrance of Southview Apartments, a sudden flash of red and blue lights illuminated the dim evening. He felt a jolt of anxiety, but he maintained an icy facade, determined not to show any signs of weakness as the officers approached.

The officers, clad in their crisp uniforms, wasted no time and instructed him to step out for an inspection. Lavern’s heart raced, but he kept his expression steely, refusing to give them any satisfaction. He was soon escorted to the hospital for a blood test, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling his nostrils.

Fortunately, as the results came back, he breathed a sigh of relief; he hadn’t consumed enough alcohol to breach the legal limit for DUI that night. However, the damage had been done. The officers delivered the news with a clinical detachment: his license was suspended for six months, and a hefty fine was imposed.

Earlier, when Lavern had disclosed his identity, the officers had remained unfazed, almost as if they had been expecting him. This realization gnawed at him, a bitter reminder that his past was catching up with him.

Robert, his loyal friend, arrived shortly afterward to pick him up, promptly settling the fine with a resigned sigh. As Lavern emerged from the station, his face was a mask of cold indifference. The moment he slid into the passenger seat of Robert’s car, his voice sliced through the tension. “Find out if someone reported me,” he commanded, his tone frigid.

“Got it,” Robert replied, nodding in understanding, though a flicker of concern crossed his face.

Lavern’s gaze drifted to the window, his brow furrowed in frustration as the world outside blurred past. After a brief silence, he muttered, “Never mind.”

Robert glanced at him, puzzled but wisely chose to remain silent, sensing the storm brewing within Lavern.

After a few moments, Lavern broke the silence again, rubbing his brow as he lowered his voice. “Have someone keep tabs on Marina. I want to know everything she’s been up to these past few days.”

“Do you think Ms. Finley reported you?” Robert asked cautiously, gauging Lavern’s reaction.

Lavern’s mind raced. *If she wanted to keep me at bay, she really might resort to that,* he thought bitterly. He knew Marina well; she understood him in ways few others did. He would never lower himself to beg her for attention, not when he felt so scorned.

Robert, sensing the weight of Lavern’s silence, drove on without asking for their destination this time, his resolve to resign growing stronger with each passing mile.

As they arrived back at Southview Apartments, Robert parked the car and opened the door for Lavern.

“Mr. Ross, we’ve arrived,” he announced, trying to inject a bit of warmth into the chilly atmosphere.

Lavern, who had been resting his eyes during the ride, opened them to find they had reached his supposed home. A wave of bitterness washed over him. *So now, everyone just assumes I belong here, like this is my sanctuary,* he thought, the taste of resentment souring in his mouth.

He sat there for a moment, expression hard as stone, unwilling to exit the vehicle.

“Is something wrong, Mr. Ross?” Robert ventured, concern lacing his voice.

Words eluded Lavern, and he simply stepped out of the car, his face an impassive mask.

Inside the apartment, he found Shawna and Carrie still awake, their eyes lighting up at his arrival. They rushed toward him, but Carrie’s impatience flared as she noticed Shawna’s overly affectionate demeanor. With a huff, she stepped in, taking Lavern’s coat and firmly nudging Shawna aside.

“Shawna, you’re pregnant. Don’t get too worked up. Go lie down,” Carrie instructed, her voice firm yet tinged with care.

Shawna stood there, hurt flashing in her eyes as she shot Lavern a pleading look. But he didn’t acknowledge her; he simply walked further into the apartment, a wall of ice surrounding him.

Feeling the weight of the moment, Shawna hurried after him, instinctively locking the door behind her as she entered.

“Lavern…” she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Just as she was about to reach out, a jarring sound interrupted them—someone jiggling the doorknob. Carrie, realizing the door was locked, began knocking impatiently.

Shawna clenched her jaw, annoyance bubbling within her. Reluctantly, she walked over to unlock the door, her heart racing.

Carrie stood there, a bowl of hangover soup in hand, her expression fierce. “Why are you locking the door?” she snapped, irritation evident in her tone.

Shawna bit her lip, her voice barely a murmur. “Carrie, Lavern and I just need a little privacy.”

Carrie shot her a cold, disapproving look. “You’re pregnant. There’s nothing you should be doing right now, so why do you even need privacy? Just be careful and don’t do anything reckless.”

With that, Carrie turned her attention to Lavern. “Lavern, I made you some hangover soup. Drink it and get some rest,” she instructed, her tone softening slightly. “Marina’s done a lot for you lately. You should spend more time with her and stop coming here so often. If she starts to get suspicious, it’ll be trouble for you.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify