Wreck the Halls: A Novel

Beat, Melody, and the production team arrive at Trina’s compound. Over the door, a sign reads “The Free Loving Adventure Club” (180). Beat and Melody sit in the car, studying the setting. Beat takes Melody’s hand and assures her everything will be okay. Then, they hear sirens in the distance. Their driver informs them that the compound attracts a lot of police attention, as Trina’s community often breaks local rules or disturbs the peace. The group follows the cops to a nearby drum circle where Trina is dancing in a pair of giant angel wings. Trina is shocked to see Melody because they only meet once a year in New York. She’s even more surprised when she realizes Melody is with Octavia’s son. The cops try to break up Trina’s circle, as they’re not on Trina’s property. A scuffle ensues, shocking everyone. The cops arrest Melody and Trina for attacking several of the other people. Joseph films the whole scene.

The cops take Melody and Trina to the station. Beat comes along, desperate to resolve the issue and make sure Melody is okay. The officers inform him they’ll have to keep Melody and Trina overnight as the bonds officer is off duty.