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His attempt to lighten the mood fails miserably as Agent Number Two—he still hasn't introduced himself—pulls out a folded piece of paper. "Miss Turner, we have a warrant for your arrest. I'm asking you to come with us willingly."
Warrant?
Dizziness forces me to reach for the rail. No.
"Warrant for what?" Marcus has Echo's leash in one hand and his other reaches behind me.
When did I hand over my dog?
I expect him to settle his hand on the small of my back for comfort, or maybe wrap his arm around my shoulders in a protective gesture. Instead, his fingers shimmy under Wes's oversized sweater I borrowed and between my leggings and bare skin. What the—?
He nudges Echo with his foot, who jerks toward the agents. She doesn't growl but is on alert. The three men stiffen and stare at my dog, waiting for her to attack. The sheriff even positions his hand over his gun, and I fight the urge to scream. Don't hurt her. Marcus shifts, his movement swift, and I don't realize what he's doing until the sheath with my knife has left my possession and is tucked in his coat pocket. That was his plan all along. As soon as the exchange is complete, he tightens the leash. "Heel." And Echo sits at his feet, looking at me for confirmation.
He leans in for what must look like a hug to the men across from us. "I got her. Do what they say. Don't talk. Stay quiet. Everything will be okay."
His words are for my ears only.
My heart jumps.Do what they say?Does he think I'm going to make a run for it? I'm fucking six months pregnant. My body temperature rises, and the pounding in my veins quickens. I'm as pissed as I am terrified.Stay quiet?I don't want to go to jail. I've finally found my happy.
On the other side of the road, Lancaster has gotten out of his car with his camera propped on the hood. Shit. My first thought is Wes. Because of his relationship with me, he will get dragged into this—his future potentially on the line again. Tears well in my eyes at the same time as my fingernails dig into the palm of my hand.
I turn and lock eyes with Marcus. "Protect Wes. Don't let him go down with me. He needs to be there for our baby when the time comes."
Marcus studies me before he eventually nods. Once I have his promise—his agreement is equal to a blood oath—a switch inside of me flips. The fear and anger dissipate, and a heavy hollowness settles in my chest.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
The second Rhysshows up in the doorframe of my class, dread settles in my stomach. Something is wrong. No, not wrong. I can feel my world being ripped from under me. King. My daughter. Something has happened to them. Kai straightens next to me. His gaze flits back and forth between Rhys and me several times before he stands up.
I'm frozen in place. The pounding in my ears muffles the question my professor directs at Rhys. There is movement at my side—Kai stuffing my shit from my desk into my backpack. All I can do is stare at my friend. My lungs begin to burn, and black spots appear in my vision. My girlfriend. My daughter. I can't lose them. A hand grips my upper arm, and I'm being dragged out of my seat.
"Mr. Raynolds. Mr. Sheats. What is going on?"
Marcus appears behind Rhys, and I notice a blonde head of hair behind him. My knees buckle, and Rhys races into the room, taking my other side. I can't form the question that the voice is screaming in my head.
Where is King?
Outside,Kai and Rhys let go of me, and I drop like a rag doll. I fall on my ass, not caring that I'm landing in a pile of snowy slush.
"What's going on?" Kai is the first to speak.
I peer up at the five figures above me. Five? Slowly, I scan everyone present and realize George has also joined the party. Lilly squats in front of me, waiting for me to give her my attention.
"Wes?" She reaches for my hand and squeezes.
I open and close my mouth several times before I ask the question that will determine what happens to me. "Are they okay?" The three words are no more than a rasped whisper.
Lilly hollows her cheeks and peers up at Marcus before she faces me once more. "She is healthy, Wes. They both are." She chooses her words carefully. "King has been arrested for the murder of Isaiah Ellis."
Arrested.
"Arrested?" I find Marcus's eyes. I've never seen this guy emotional, but at this moment, his expression ranges from worried to wanting to commit murder. He cares for King.
Hands reach under my armpits and drag me to my feet. Someone turns me to George, who starts to bark orders at everyone.
"Lilly, call Camden. She can find out what they have against King. Marcus, you stay with Lilly. Rhys and Wes are coming with me. We're going to the station." We're about to walk when he swivels around and levels Marcus. "I don't want Lilly anywhere near that place—not until we have more details."
"George, I—" Lilly starts, but he silences her with a hand motion.
