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Peri
The detective didn’t move.Instead, he looked back and forth between us. I couldn’t help but wonder if he knew something I should know. I glanced at Spencer, who had popped open his briefcase and now seemed to be going through his own copy of the file. Seeing him here had me thinking, and the ideas formulated in my mind weredisturbing.
“How are you here?” I asked. “You called me this morning and told me to turn myself in. In fact, when we spoke, you never mentioned being in Asheville. That was what…a couple of hours ago atmost?”
Jeffries hesitated a moment then disappeared while I was trying to get an answer out of Spencer, who seemed determined not to respond to my questions and I had to wonder why. I scanned the room. One wall was a huge mirror. There was a distinct possibility we were beingwatched.
“So, you’re still mad that Devon changed his will instead of signing the one you provided?” I shook my head. “I had nothing to do with it. I was completely unaware of either will until he sprang them on me right before the party.” I rubbed my hands together. Suddenly, I felt cold, except for the burning in my gut, but I had to press on, keep pushing. “Devon was so young, and given the longevity of his family, I never would’ve even thought to suggest a will, but you did. You’re a lawyer. You’re pretty smart.” In my mind, I wondered if flattery would have any effect. His head was buried in the file. I might as well not have been talking at all. Then I considered someone might be on the other side of the glass. If that were the case, I could talk to theminstead.
“Tell me about this pet foundation you wanted Devon’s money to go to…the Reclaim the Kingdom Project. What does that even mean? Why would he leave all his money to some random foundation you suggested anyway?” I stood up and stretched, testing my boundaries. When he didn’t even look at me, I began to stroll around the room, finally coming to rest against the two-waymirror.
“You know, I’m pretty sure I can decline your services and request someone else.” I watched for a reaction, but Spencer didn’t so much as flinch. “I mean, why would I want you to represent me? Your clients have a history of dying. By last count, Devon was thirteen, right? Of course, until last night, you wouldn’t have even bothered with me. Now…because of the inheritance, I’m worth your time,huh?”
Finally he glared at me. “Stop talking,” Spencer growled. He set the file in his briefcase and strode over to me. “As your attorney, I suggest you remain silent. I’m pretty sure I can get you out ofhere.”
Fuck him, dangling freedom like a carrot in front of my face. I tried to hide my emotions, but this burning in my body had weakened my resolve. I didn’t feel nearly as tough as usual. In fact, I felt downright weak both physically and mentally. I needed Mishal and I sure as hell couldn’t see him in here. The door opened and the detective nodded atme.
“The results I was waiting on finally came back.” Jeffries tried to make Spencer ask, but the man was cold as ice. “Well, none of these tests point to you, Miss Winkler. You’re free togo.”
I wanted to be excited to leave, but I had no vehicle and there was no doubt in my mind that Spencer planned to take me with him. “Detective, can I have my phone back now? I need to call for aride.”
“Not necessary. I’ll be happy to drive you wherever you want to go.” Spencer’s tone was crisp, professional, but I could feel him seething below the surface. He started toward the door, passing the detective. Spencer had his hand on the knob when he realized I hadn’t moved. “Let’s go.” Then he pushed through the door and exited theroom.
I swallowed hard and nodded. Clearly, I had a choice to make. I could run from this, from him, or I could face him head on. I’d never been a runner. Someone needed to stop Spencer. Looked like it was going to be me. I took a deep, bolstering breath. “Coming.” As I walked by the detective, he passed me myphone.
“You can wait if you’d like a different ride.” For the first time, I read sympathy in hiseyes.
I forced a laugh. “I’ll be fine. It’s not like he’d do anything now,right?”
“Hard to say,” the detective whispered. “People react differently when you push them into a corner. And you gave him a colossalshove.”
“Go big or go home,” I joked as I walked out of the interrogation room. I turned and gave him a littlewave.
“Be safe!” He called afterme.
Without responding, I trekked down the hallway and toward the front door, holding the phone in my hand. As I walked, I slid my finger across the screen and was about to hit my last call, Mishal, when Spencer appeared and ripped the phone out of myhand.
“Thought so,” he muttered as he glanced at the screen, then tossed the phone over hisshoulder.
I watched it go skidding across the parking lot and slide under a parked car. Wrapping my arms around my body, I sighed. “Well, this feels strangely familiar. What happens next?” I looked around. “We are a little far from the woods for a goodchase.”
“Get in the car, Peri,” Spencer ordered as he shoved me down the steps. “I grow tired of yourgames.”
I stood my ground. “We’re in front of the police station. Why the fuck would I get into a car with you?” Shaking my head, I murmured, “I’ve always wondered why women do that, why they let some asshole get them in a car when they’re better off staying put. Do I look stupid to you?” Ifrowned.
Spencer laughed. “Oh, no. You’re very clever, but so am I.” He pressed his pocket against my side and I could feel the hard metal against my ribs. Obviously, he was still carrying the gun from lastnight.
“So shoot me,” I suggested. “The police will get you before you can harm anyone else.” I raised my brow andshrugged.
Leaning close, he whispered in my ear. “I’d like nothing better. After all, taking you out would soon end Mishaltoo.”
I froze. “Why would you saythat?”
“Rescued by a dragon last night. Then I get a call from Mishal today. Doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you’re mated.” Hesneered.
“We’re not mated yet.” I shrugged. “Won’tmatter.”
