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From what I heard, Dad wasn’t so understanding when he discovered Tyler and Ian were dating. He actually threatened to end Tyler’s career over it.
Ian laughs. “Come on, let’s get Layla home.”
Chapter 34
Jason Miller
I’m seated in front of the campus police chief’s desk, while he, Shane, and the company attorney, Troy Spencer, are conversing out in the hallway. I can see them through a glass wall, but I can’t make out what’s being said.
When the campus police brought me in, I was permitted to make a phone call. I called Shane, and he set everything in motion. Shane and Troy showed up within a half-hour. Now Troy is negotiating with the police chief—at least that’s what it looks like to me.
Troy and Shane are both dressed in dark suits with white dress shirts and ties. Troy makes a striking figure in his Armani suit, with his lean build and dark hair and eyes. He and Shane stand shoulder to shoulder as they make their case to the chief. The two of them make a formidable pair.
I barely know Troy, but I do know that when there’s trouble, he’s the one who gets called in to fix it. He has a reputation for getting things done. I know he’s bailed Shane out of more than a few scrapes. Tyler too. And then there was the time that Tyler actually had Shane arrested—but that’s another story.
The fact that I’m no longer handcuffed says a lot.
Earlier, before Shane and Troy arrived, I heard the wordsassault and batterybeing tossed around, but I haven’t been arrested yet. There were at least a half-dozen witnesses to the scuffle; hopefully their statements will make it clear that Reese and his buddies were the aggressors, not me. I was just defending myself and protecting my client.
Troy has a lot to say to the chief, and Shane’s looking on, seemingly at ease. No one has told me anything about how Layla’s doing. I just hope Ian’s with her. She’s going to need support right now from the people she trusts, namely her family.
I watch as the police chief nods at something Troy says. Then the three men come back into the office. Shane and Troy stand on either side of me.
The chief takes a seat behind his desk. “Mr. Miller, witness statements corroborate your assertion that those five men attacked you, and that you were simply defending yourself. All of them were assessed on site, and none seemed to have suffered any significant injuries. They were brought in for questioning, though, and it looks like charges will be brought against them. As for you, you’re free to go. We’ll be in touch if we need anything.”
I stand, anxious to get out of here and find Layla. “Thank you, sir.” Then I turn to Shane and Troy. “Thanks, guys.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” Troy says as we shake hands. He checks his watch. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m due in court in an hour. Let me know if you need anything more.” Troy nods to Shane. “We’ll talk later.”
Shane nods. “Thanks, Troy.”
The chief returns my personal items to me—my phone, my car keys, and my wallet.
Shane claps a hand on my back as he walks me out the door. “Thanks for not critically injuring five members of the student body. I appreciate your restraint.”
“I can’t say I didn’t want to. It was tempting. Those assholes scared the shit out of Layla.”
“I’m sure they did. Still, I appreciate you holding back.”
I check my phone for messages and find one from Ian. “Looks like Ian and Tyler took Layla home. Her mom is on her way home, too.” I wince. “Do you think they’ll fire me?”
Shane shrugs. “There’s no telling.”
“I’m sorry, Shane, for putting you in this position.”
He squeezes my shoulder. “No need to apologize. I would have done the same thing if I were in your shoes.” He sighs. “The only thing Ruth and Martin care about is Layla’s safety and happiness. I doubt they’re going to be upset that you got into a fight with some hot-headed college kids. The only way to know for sure is to head home and face the music. But I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You were just doing your job.”
Shane and I leave the police station, but before we exit the building, I stop him. “There’s something you need to know about.”
“What’s that?”
“Martin and Ruth have given me permission to date their daughter.”
Shane’s eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn’t say anything.
“I wanted you to know, in case that’s a problem for you. For the company, I mean.”
Shane contemplates the situation, then shakes his head. “I did not see that coming.” He sighs. “It certainly complicates things for you, but if her parents are okay with it, then I won’t stand in your way. Like I said, their daughter’s safety and happiness is what they care about.”
