Page 21 of Wild Escape

"Even to save their chapter?"

Harrison considered it. With a sigh, he said, "I guess in this day and age, nothing is out of the realm of possibility.”

"Are you aware that Gabby was having a relationship with Joshua Morris?" I said.

He looked astonished, and his eyes rounded. "This is the first I'm hearing of it."

"I can't prove it at this time, but the evidence is not in Professor Morris's favor.”

"Be assured, my office will look into that. That is a serious violation of university policy and will not be tolerated. Thank you for bringing these matters to my attention.”

I gave him a card and told him we’d be in touch. He said he would call me if he discovered anything of note.

JD and I left his office and headed across campus to the Porsche.

We drove back to the Avventura. There was enough time before band practice to get in a workout and a quick run with Buddy.

By the time I made it back to the Avventura, I was drenched in sweat. I showered and got dressed, then the sheriff called.

“Alright, Wild. She’s all yours. I got a court-approved temporary release. You’ve got 72 hours with her to find those scumbags. Don’t you dare screw this up. It’s your ass. You understand me?”

“I won’t let her out of my sight.”

“And for God’s sake, Wild, don’t sleep with her.”

"Where is that coming from? That's totally out of left field,” I said, trying to keep a straight face. “I would never do something like that."

He scoffed. "Get down here and sign her out.”

"I'm on my way.”

I ended the call and filled JD in on the situation. We left the Avventura, hustled down the dock, and hopped into the Porsche.

"We don't have a lot of time to screw around. I've got to get to band practice. Think you can handle her on your own?"

I gave him a flat look.

We zipped down to the station, drove into the secure garage, and pulled into the sally port. Once inside the pod, we checked in with intake. The court order was already in the system. We presented ID, signed paperwork, and waited for the prisoner.

Daphne had lost the orange jumpsuit and changed into her street clothes that she had worn at the time of her arrest. She wore a slinky little cocktail dress with daring cuts, a plunging neckline, and a hemline so high it would make your heart skip a beat. Her spike-heeled shoes accentuated her toned calves.

She was definitely a sight to behold. That orange jumpsuit had been hiding a lot.

It was hard not to stare.

"Where were you when you got arrested?" I asked.

"I was going out for the evening. You should have seen me then. I looked cute."

She still looked cute.

Daphne signed the paperwork, and the corrections officer asked me if I wanted her to remain handcuffed.

"Absolutely," I replied.

Daphne gave me a sad, pouty look. "Oh, come on. Don't be a wuss. I'm harmless.”

"You're anything but harmless," I said.