Page 3 of Wild Escape

I let that hang there for a moment before I said, "The sheriff talked to the prosecuting attorney, and we’re prepared to offer you a deal if you cooperate.”

"I'm sorry, but I can't help you. I really have no involvement in any of this.”

My eyes narrowed at her. "Which one did you date?”

"Excuse me?”

"Dane or Brock?”

She shifted in her seat and glared at me. "That's none of your business.”

"My money's on Dane."

Her eyes flared, telling me everything I needed to know.

I tried to contain a grin. "What caused the falling out? I mean, that's pretty harsh for a guy you dated to send you to prison.”

A frustrated exhale escaped her nostrils. "You have no idea what you're talking about.”

I chuckled. "You're probably right." Then I added, "According to the file, you got busted twice with him. Once for shoplifting, once for possession. Seems like you guys go way back." My eyes narrowed again. "I'm trying to figure out who's the bad influence, you or him."

"Do I look like a bad influence?"

I laughed. "You look like trouble."

"Some guys can handle me, some guys can't."

"Well, your dating life is about to take a drastic turn if you don't cooperate."

She said nothing.

After a long pause, I said, “Suit yourself.”

The chair squealed as I pushed away from the table and stood up. JD and I marched toward the door.

I knocked, and a guard buzzed the door open.

"What kind of deal?” Daphne asked in a burst of last-minute desperation.

2

"Five years instead of 30," I said, taking a seat at the table.

Daphne balked. "No. No way. You're out of your mind. Without the two of them, you don't have a case. This whole thing falls apart. Not like those two idiots have a lot of credibility to begin with." She leaned back. "I'm more than happy to sit in that cell, take this to court, and walk away scot free. If what you're alleging is true, and I do know where that dagger is, I'll be a very rich woman. You don't want that, do you?"

She had a point.

"I'll help you find Dane and Brock, but I want full immunity. For everything up to this point, known or unknown. A clean slate.”

If I were in her shoes, I would ask for the same thing. "And you take us to the dagger."

"I'm not admitting that I know where said artifact is, but if you come back with a deal, in writing, I'm sure I might be able to develop psychic powers and lead you right to it."

I gave her a flat look.

"And there's one more thing. I get out of here right now. You need me on the street to help find them.”

I laughed. "The last thing anybody needs is you on the street.”