I keep my gaze steady and try my best not to physically react as Andrew takes several steps forward into the circle. None of the other guys seem keen to join him, so even though I’m surrounded by assholes, it’s a mostly fair fight.

“The prick wanted this. He showed up here tonight, snorted who knows what, then started raging about how he could take all of us at once. He wouldn’t shut up until we formed a circle around him and made him.”

Andrew spits toward Fielding, and my vision darkens around the edges. I suck in a slow breath and try to calm my temper. I can’t physically go after him. All it would take is one meathead to lift me up or pull me away, and I’d be gone.

I’m racking my brain, desperate for a solution, when some rando calls out to me from the crowd. “Move, princess. We’ve got unfinished business here.”

Princess. How original. He’s not the first person to call me that this week.

Dempsey.

Fuck.

I can’t let them hurt his brother. I won’t let them touch him again.

Looking Andrew in the eye, I unzip my wristlet and pull out my phone. I raise it up, slowly and deliberately, so they can all see what I’m doing, then open up the camera app and hit record.

My body is literally shaking, but I spread my legs a little wider and dig my wedges into the soft grass of the yard for balance. I bend my knees slightly, and I pull in a deep breath. When I speak, to my relief, my voice comes out loud and clear.

“Assault is a first-degree misdemeanor in the state of Ohio. The penalty for the offense could include a jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to a thousand dollars, or five years’ probation.”

A few guys in the crowd snicker—and I know exactly why. A grand is a drop in the bucket for most of these assholes.

“That is, if the charge is a first offense.”

I pause for dramatic effect, then scan my phone around the full circle, ensuring I get every single person’s face on camera.

“If a person being charged with assault already has a record, the penalties can increase.”

I clear my throat and continue. “Let’s say, for example, you were caught driving under the influence in high school. Or maybe there were charges filed by someone claiming you sexually assaulted them.” I look at Andrew for that one. The girls in my class didn’t call him “Handy Andy” for no reason.

“Suddenly, you’re looking at increased jail time, more fines, and your name in the press. Everything is Google-able these days. Nothing ever stays quiet in a town like this.”

The posture of a few of the guys in the crowd has deflated a bit.