“We need to speak to Emily.” TJ exhaled heavily, ignoring the pain in his eye. “She knew when we opened the door.”
“Do you want me to handle it?” Miles looked at TJ’s eye. “It’s already swelling.”
“Thanks, but this is something I need to do. Come on. Let’s find her and get this over with.”
TJ found Emily in the family room. When she saw them, she stood and held her wrists out. “I knew this day would come.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“You don’t know the real Cass. The man you think he is doesn’t exist.”
“I think we caught a glimpse of him earlier.” Miles looked at TJ, who nodded, then went over to Emily and cuffed her as he read her rights.
“I know where he keeps all his money. The accounts, the overseas ones. I’m willing to talk in exchange for a deal.”
“We’ll let the lawyers and the judge decide.” The side of TJ’s face began to throb, and he walked with Miles as they took Emily out and placed her in the car. Once she was secured, TJ turned to Miles. “I have to call Carter and tell him to collect Cassie from school.”
“I’ll wait in the car.”
TJ walked a few paces from the car, then dialed Carter. “Hey TJ!”
“I’ll cut to the chase. Cass and Emily have been arrested for embezzlement. Someone needs to get Cassie from school.”
“What the fuck? Cass? Now just wait—”
“It’s done.” TJ hung up and pocketed his phone, then got in the car and drove back to the station. As soon as he entered,escorting Emily with Miles, they heard Cass. “Has he been booked in?”
“We are in the process of doing it. He’s advising us on how he will see that we’re fired and lose our homes and families etc etc.” Savon sat behind a computer logging information. “He’s quite descriptive.”
“I need you to book Emily Paarman in as well.”
“Same charges?” Savon glanced at Emily, then back at TJ.
“Yes. We’ll give Cass an hour or so to calm down, then begin questioning.”
“He’s requested a lawyer.”
“As he is entitled to. Bring his lawyer in. Hopefully, he’ll convince Cass to be honest.”
“We’ve got this.” Miles brought Emily around, who ignored TJ as she walked past. TJ left them and went to his office and shut the door. Forcing himself to walk, he staggered to his desk and dropped into his chair. His face throbbed, but he ignored it as he stared into space. He’d done it. He’d arrested Cass and Emily.
It wasn’t long before Cass’ lawyer arrived, and Miles conducted the interview. With TJ’s connections to the family, he decided it would be best if he stayed out of the interview room, but he watched from the mirror. Cass was argumentative, belligerent, denied everything even after the evidence had been presented. At one point, his lawyer had spoken to him privately, had advised, under the circumstances, to cut a plea deal and let Angelo Ricci take the fall. The same Angelo Ricci who sat in another interview room, blaming everything on Cass.
The day went on and on, and by the time TJ could finally leave, he wanted to crawl into bed and pull the covers over his head. Carter had collected Cassie from school and had Toni call to let him know.
“I wouldn’t have arrested him if we didn’t have concrete evidence. I can’t tell you anything more than that and I’veprobably already said too much. Carter will understand once everything comes out.”
“Cassie has already mentioned some things about Cass and money, so he’s not as angry, but Cass is his brother.”
“I know, and I understand why he feels the way he does. This wasn’t an easy decision to make, but he broke the law, Toni. I had no choice.”
“I think he’s more angry at himself for not seeing what Cass was doing. He’s a mess right now.”
“And you? How are you? You need to remain as calm as you can right now. The stress won’t be good for you or the baby.”
“I’m good. I’m trying to stay out of it. Thanks for letting us know before everyone else finds out. At least we can be prepared for the questions when we’re out.”
“I’m going home. It’s been a long, difficult day. I wanted to make sure you and the boys were okay first, though.”
