Because if this was the ace in her pocket when she came in here asking for the truth, she so desperately needed to hear from me...
I should’ve shouted my innocence. Instead, I stood there like a coward and let Ava walk out thinking she was right.
The final message hit like a death knell.
Remi
I won’t be holding my punches aimed at your department anymore, Chief Gray.
You better watch your back.
Because I’m no longer there to watch it for you.
I set the phone down like it was going to bite me.
The silence returned.
I heard my own words echoing back.
“Don’t do drama.”
“You’re a jaded girl looking for betrayal.”
“You think being with you doesn’t come with a fucking manual of landmines?”
God, what the hell is wrong with me?
Remi was right, I threw her trauma at her like it was ammo. Like it was her fault I was drowning.
I was supposed to be better than the men she survived.
Instead, I became one of them.
I closed my eyes.
Thought about the morning light slanting across her face. The way she smiled when she didn’t think I was watching.
The way she looked at me like she’d found her forever.
And I wrecked it.
The door creaked open.
I didn’t look up.
“Rough evening, Chief?”
Erin’s voice. Sweet. Mocking.
I opened my eyes and stared at the wall. “Not now.”
She walked in anyway. Closed the door behind her.
“You know, I tried to warn you.” Her boots were loud against the tile. “That kind of woman… Ava. Damaged goods. Just like her little shadow. But I guess some men really like to slum it.”
I turned, jaw tight. Trying everything in my power not to hit the woman in front of me, who no doubt orchestrated this whole fucking thing. “Get out, Voss.”
She didn’t flinch. Just crossed her arms and gave me a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You’re really going to pretend they’re innocent in all this? You do know who you’re siding with, don’t you?”
