Page 84 of Burn

His rough hand lands on my cheek, tilting my head back to inspect me. He studies the damage done by Aaron’s punch, and his face shatters. Behind us, I hear Jordan on the phone with the police. He speaks in a low tone, still crouched next to Aaron. “He’s pretty beat up. He attacked a girl. I think she’s okay. How long until you get here?”

When I try to look toward Jordan and Aaron, Adrian stops me, pulling my gaze back to him. I can feel his heart beating wildly in his chest, but mine has started to slow, the fear subsiding.

“Stay with me, Lex,” he whispers, eyes locked on mine.

So, I do.

I map out the drops of blood that splatter his face like constellations.

We stay like this, locked in each other’s arms, as blue and red lights illuminate the property, and a whole new type of chaos descends on Blake’swedding.

Report #: 2025-0722-041

Agency:Carradock Regional Police Department

Report #:2025-0722-041

Date/Time Reported:July 22, 2025 / 22:46

Location:Event Grounds, 478 Mill Hill Rd, Coldwater

Incident Type:Aggravated Sexual Assault / Aggravated Assault / Disturbance

REPORTING OFFICER:Cst. G. Delacroix #1614 Carradock Regional Police Department

VICTIM:Morgan Alexandria Donnelly

Alias: Lex

DOB: [REDACTED]

Address: [REDACTED]

Status: Interviewed on scene, medical attention provided by paramedics, advised to attend local hospital: declined.

SUSPECT: Aaron James Turner

DOB: [REDACTED]

Address: [REDACTED]

Status: Apprehended on scene, transported to Carradock General Hospital in custody

WITNESSES:Adrian Liberty — Present at the scene Jordan Ellis — Witness to suspect being restrained and to physical altercation

NARRATIVE:At approx 22:46hrs, CRPD were dispatched to the location of 478 Mill Hill Rd for a reporteddisturbance during a private event. Upon arrival, officers observed one male suspect, identified as Aaron Turner, unconscious and suffering severe injuries, primarily to the face, neck, and chest. Visible swelling present, active bleeding from the nose, mouth, and multiple contusions. Victim Morgan Donnelly (Lex) was seated on the ground several meters away, in visible distress. She was conscious and verbally responsive but physically unsteady. Responding paramedic unit assessed her on scene and recommended follow-up medical treatment and eval. Initial statements were obtained from witnesses, Mr. Adrian Liberty and Mr. Jordan Ellis. Both advised they witnessed the suspect sexually assault the victim in an outdoor area behind the venue. Mr. Liberty admitted to using force to restrain and subdue the suspect after discovering the assault in progress. Mr. Ellis physically intervened to prevent further escalation. The victim was able to confirm that the suspect misrepresented himself to her while she was in a disoriented state, led her away from the public area of the event, and proceeded to initiate non-consensual physical contact, including penetration with fingers. She reported partial memory due to suspected intoxication or drugging. A rape kit was recommended and accepted. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to CGH for treatment. Charges pending based on further investigation, forensic testing, and formal statements.

EVIDENCE COLLECTED:Dress belonging to victim (bagged) Surveillance footage from venue (pending review) Witness statements Photographs of victim and suspect injuries Physical injuries documented on scene (both parties) The following were located in the suspects jacket pocket during search: Small plastic bag containing white powdery substance (suspected controlled substance - cocaine) Small unmarked vial containing clear liquid (suspected GHB – gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) Evidence submitted to CRPD evidence locker (item#2025-0722-E07) for laboratory confirmation Cell phone

STATUS:Open. Case referred to SVU/Major Crimes. Further interviews and toxicology results pending. Victim to be contact within 24 hours by victim servicesliaison.

Fractured

Adrian

I’ve always handled my booze like a champ, which may explain my growing irritation as I walk down the corridor toward the women’s restroom. No lights illuminate the hallway; the only light source spills out from under the doors that line the wall.

I lean into the door, listening for movement inside, retching from Lex, assuming she’s drunk enough to be sick, but it’s silent inside. I rap my knuckles against it, but still, no sound. I slowly ease the door open. The room is in stark contrast to the dark hall, brightly lit by wall sconces. There’s no one in the common area, so I step inside and lean over, looking for feet.