Page 56 of The Fire We Make

“It’s a common tactic they used in HPD. Refuse to allow them to call a lawyer until they either snitch or agree to spy. Then they start the official clock for booking and filing charges. Until then it’s like you don’t exist. They can do whatever if there’s no record of you being in their custody.”

Ace looked at her, horrified but not surprised. “I hope that isn’t the case. For his sake.”

Ace and Joy talked briefly during the car ride about Blue’s case. Joy filled him in on the information she was able to get from the prosecutor and together they strategized about how to use what they had and what they knew to ensure Blue’s release during his bail hearing which had been set for a few weeks from then.

When they pulled up to the precinct, Ace unbuckled his seatbelt and Joy did the same.

“You can stay here,” Ace stopped her.

“I can help,” Joy insisted. She planned to stick to Ace like white on rice. He was clearly skilled at what he did and she needed to see how he did it. When she went home, this would be one of the many ways she showed her worth.

Shaking his head, Ace relented.

“Fine. But when we get in here, stay close and don’t say nothing.”

Joy saluted.

She removed her desert eagle from her waist, clearing the chamber and sliding it under the seat. When she looked up, she saw Ace doing the same with a glock. Their eyes met and they shared a brief knowing grin before Ace hopped out of the car and Joy followed.

“Why do you need to carry a gun if you have security?” she asked, eyeing him as she kept up with his long strides.

Ace pulled a pair of Cartier shades from the inner pocket of his jacket.

“Can never be too safe, Rose,” he winked before covering his eyes.

Joy nodded and together they walked into the precinct.

When they stepped through the door, she noticed how the officers milling about all turned their attention to Ace or tried to pretend they weren’t. Some averted their gazes. Some scowled at his back. Others left the lobby entirely.

Joy supposed you weren’t a favorite of law enforcement when you’re known for getting notorious criminals off.

Ace seemed unbothered though, his head high and his steps sure like a man who belonged wherever his feet were.

“Can I help you?” the uniformed woman at the reception desk asked with an attitude.

Ace lowered his shades and opened his mouth to speak when another officer approached.

“I got them Brenda,” he said. With one final glance at the woman that made her shrink into herself, Ace turned his attention to the officer.

Joy followed closely behind Ace and the officer as they walked through the precinct and spoke in hushed voices.

“And who is that?” Joy heard the officer ask, his eyes moving to her.

“My co-counsel,” Ace answered smoothly. “She’s cool.”

The officer escorted them to an interrogation room where they were holding Ace’s client, Marco.

“I need all of these cut off. I’d like some privacy with my client,” Ace demanded pointing to the cameras catching the room from two angles.

The officer acknowledged his request then left.

“What’s going on Marco? You aight?” Ace asked, pulling a chair out for Joy to sit then doing the same for himself.

Marco eyed Joy warily and she met his gaze unflinchingly. He was a big man and wore a blue tracksuit that was dirty and was covered in fresh scars and bruises all over his face. He didn’t answer Ace’s questions, instead keeping his attention on Joy.

“Who the fuck is this?” Marco snarled.

“Who the fuck are you talking to?” Ace asked in a clipped tone as he clasped his hands together on top of the cold metal table. His voice was eerily calm and cold, making Marco snap his gaze from Joy’s and up to Ace’s. He didn’t get a chance to answer before Ace continued.