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“Ms. Ella Jones, we have a warrant for your arrest,” the officer said, not seeming super thrilled at the situation. It didn’t matter if he was happy about it or not, he was just a servant of his job.
Ella stared at him, not understanding what in the hell was happening. She couldn’t find her voice to ask what in the world was going on. She didn’t move, but she did feel Bass’s arm tighten around her in a protective way. It felt good to lean against him. She began to wonder how much longer she’d be able to do just that.
“What is this about?” Bass asked, his voice threatening. She saw one of the officers lower his hand to hover over his side-arm.
“I’m Mr. Coffey’s attorney, Jim Williams. We have unequivocal proof that Ms. Jones has been embezzling money from his company. There have been several large deposits made into an offshore account in her name,” the man said.
Ella shook her head madly. “What are you talking about? I haven’t taken anything. I don’t have an offshore account, and I’ve never stolen in my life,” she said, her voice barely audible.
“Ma’am, we’re just doing our job. Your attorney can work this out,” the officer said, looking like he’d rather be anywhere other than where he was.
“You needed two cop cars to show up in a big scene?” Bass snapped.
“We were told Ms. Jones might not willingly come in and that there could be possible accomplices,” the officer said as he shifted on his feet.
“Really, Frank,” Bass snapped. Of course he knew the cop. Bass had lived there for many years. He’d been on the wrong side of the law when he was young, and he’d done a lot of good since becoming a billionaire business owner.
“We’re just doing what we’re told, Bass,” Officer Frank said.
“I can bring her in with an attorney,” Bass said.
“Come on, Bass, don’t make this harder than it has to be,” Officer Frank said.
“This woman stole from me, and I want her arrested,” Paul shouted, pointing straight at Ella.
“Shut the hell up,” Bass said, taking a menacing step toward Paul, who instantly cowered behind his attorney. The officers shifted, three of them with hands on their guns now.
“Bass, you can come in right away and speak to her after processing. There’s no other choice here but for us to to take her,” Frank said as he held out a hand, trying to make sure the situation didn’t get out of control.
Bass was about to shout again when Rafe put a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll get to the bottom of this, Bass. Let’s make some calls.”
“Would you let them take Ari?” Bass snapped.
Rafe scowled and the look on his face said hell no. He let out a sigh. “I’d probably go ballistic, but that wouldn’t get me anywhere either. You can’t help her if you’re also locked up and it looks like this situation is about to get seriously out of control.”
“You don’t believe this bullshit, do you?” Bass snapped, staring at his best friend.
“I’m trying not to,” Rafe admitted.
It was more than Ella was expecting. She gave Rafe a thankful look. “I didn’t do this. I swear on Nana Bee, and you might not have faith in me, but there should be no doubt whatsoever how much I love her. I turned Paul down and this is his revenge.”
Bass looked like he wanted to kill Paul. The man took another step away, and the officers formed a wall between them and the pathetic man who looked equally frightened and gleeful. If it was the last thing on earth Bass did he’d make the man who’d harassed Ella for the last time pay a big price.
Ella didn’t want this situation to escalate. She pulled out of Bass’s arm. He fought her for a moment, but she faced him and held a hand against his cheek. She leaned up and gently kissed him.
“It’s okay, Bass. I’m going to take this ride and it will all work out. I’m innocent. Let’s just allow the officers to do their job and not give them a reason to bring more charges against me.”
He grabbed her in a hug. “I can take you in,” he insisted. She hugged him back before pulling back.
“I’ve always wanted to ride in a police car. I think it will be fun.” She didn’t really feel that way, but she’d do anything to make him feel better.
“If you dare try to handcuff her, you’re going to deal with me,” Bass said as he glared at Frank.
“I don’t think she’s a risk in the back of the car,” Frank conceded.
She pulled from Bass’s arms and went with the officers. They opened the back door and helped her inside. Paul practically ran back to his vehicle but not before giving her a smug look. She’d love to have the power to take that man down. She’d never hungered for tons of money before, but at that moment, she’d really love to have enough to destroy him.
After she was in the car, it all went smoothly. She didn’t look back at Bass and the rest of the group. She was sure they’d be at the police station within minutes of her. She was more scared than she wanted to admit, but the innocent didn’t stay in jail, did they? She certainly hoped not. For now, there wasn’t much she could do about it. What was going to be was going to be.
