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“What’s the meaning of this, Detective?” I challenged as Finnegan Walsh strode into the room as if he owned the place.
Alexei had taken me to his estate late that morning, refusing to be held hostage by Sergei or anyone else. Now I realized he also had anticipated the arrest long before his attorney had arrived. He wanted everything handled on his turf.
The smirk on the detective’s face as well as his partner, Luke Marciano’s, pissed me off. Even the two police officers standing behind the brawny men seemed amused to find me inside the home of the man I was having a torrid affair with. I’d seen the news, the love triangle that I was embroiled in, the horror surrounding Gregory’s murder spiraling out of control.
My call to him would go ignored.
Finnegan had been friends with Gregory, spending time at my ex’s condo on several occasions. We’d never liked each other, perhaps because his arrogance had always topped Gregory’s.
I glared from Detective Walsh to Detective Marciano, making certain they understood that I wasn’t going to take this lightly. Up to this point, I’d heard of no plans to try to disbar me, so as long as I was licensed to practice law in the state of New York, I would fight to keep Alexei out of jail.
“I would say this has nothing to do with you, Ms. Morgan, but then that would be a lie. However, I suggest you allow us to do our job, or I’ll be forced to bring you down to the station at the same time.”
I laughed at Finnegan’s statement, knowing he was enjoying every moment of this bullshit. I moved closer, grateful the clothes and high heels Candy had lent me fit so well. The height of the heels allowed me to almost see eye to eye with the snarling detective, enough so when I closed the distance, I could tell I made him nervous.
“You must have me confused with someone else, but if you’d like me to take that as a threat, I’ll be happy to. Then I’ll report you to your chief, who happens to be a supporter of mine.”
“I doubt that since he knows who you’re… involved with.” Finnegan was just trying to get under my skin so he could make a second arrest. I couldn’t allow that to happen.
My greatest weapon would be my ability to do some sleuthing of my own. I bit my tongue, continuing to glare at him as if he was a bully on the playground.
“Ms. Morgan,” Bradley said as he walked forward. “Please allow me to handle the situation from here.” He’d spoken with me briefly after his arrival and I’d sensed that the evidence they had against Alexei was enough to possibly get a conviction.
Finnegan dared to snicker as Bradley did everything but physically push me aside. There was very little I could offer, unless I perjured myself.
“As I was saying,” Detective Walsh continued, “Alexei Kozlov, I’m placing you under arrest for the murder of Gregory Hampton.” The entire time he read Alexei his rights, the man was positively glowering.
“Fine, Detective, but I will take a few moments to speak with Ms. Morgan.” Alexei had kept the same deadly sneer on his face the entire time they’d been in the room.
When Finnegan acted as if he was going to interfere, not only did Bradley step in front of his client but also two of Alexei’s soldiers moved closer as well. Alexei grinned as he stared at Finnegan, taking a few seconds before grabbing my arm and pulling me away. “Stop worrying.”
“Do you realize that your power and influence might not get you out of this?” I asked, trying to keep my voice low.
“We’ve talked about it. Bradley knows what he’s doing. He’s a damn shark.”
“You seem to forget that the police commissioner won’t care. He’s been gunning for you as hard as Gregory was.” I glanced over at the two detectives, struggling with a decision I’d been contemplating all morning.
“The police commissioner I can handle. I’ll be out on bail in a few hours.” While he didn’t want to exacerbate the ugliness in the press, he dared to stroke the side of my face, his upper lip curling when we both heard one of the officers huffing as if disgusted. “Don’t defy me, Stephanie. There is a real monster on the loose. He will stop at nothing to get to you.”
“Is Cassian a good soldier? Can he shoot worth a damn?”
He laughed, rolling his eyes. “Yes, but I know you. He’s staying with you at all times. At. All. Times.”
“I understand. Let me see if I have any magic left.”
“Just don’t do something you’ll regret. I do know what that feels like.”
There was such complexity with the man, but as the layers had been peeled back, I’d been able to catch the light he’d shut out so many years before. And I wanted nothing more than to see it again.
“Please turn around and place your hands behind your back,” Detective Marciano ordered, directing the two policemen to handcuff him.
“I’ll go to the station with him. Then I’ll have a chat with the judge,” Bradley snarled.
As Alexei was led away, his father and brother following him, I crossed my arms and moved in front of Finnegan. “Don’t get too comfortable.”
He dared to grab and jerk my arm. I glared down at him, surprised when Cassian took long strides toward me.
“It’s okay, Cassian. I know this man. He’s not stupid enough to hurt me.” I waited until Cassian took a step back, but to my surprise, even Kirill was anxious.
