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He’s right, we did find a microchip. But when we scanned it, only a phone number popped up. I wanted to talk to Maverick about that, but I’ve been stalling. I don’t want to call him just yet because the sooner I do, the sooner he’ll be out of my life. For some reason, I don’t want that. It’s messed up because I don’t think I’ll ever want in a relationship with another man, but I like him.
“Technically, he’s evidence for the state of Tennessee, so we can’t hand him over. Plus, the only information we got off the chip was a phone number,” I inform him.
“Will the state be paying his bills?”
“Well, I don’t know.”
“Then call the number and get him returned. We can’t afford to keep caring for him.” He turns and heads for the exit. I look over at Hal, who shrugs slightly. He doesn’t agree with President Singer.
“What if the number belongs to the people who stole him?” My voice stops Singer.
He turns to face me. “Please, Doctor Rorke,”—he shakes his head as if speaking to a small child—“this isn’t some movie. They wouldn’t do that. Now, if you won’t call, I will.” He reaches for the phone but pauses to look at me. “You know, Doctor Rorke, you were much more agreeable and presentable before your husband went on the road so often. Let me guess, he’s gone. When does he come back?”
I’m momentarily shocked into silence. The gasps from the surrounding staff causes my face to flame up.
“President Singer, my personal life is just that, personal. You have no place to comment on it.”
“I do when it comes to this zoo. I heard what happened at the gate.”
“And that’s why the board asked me to come down here and let you know you have been voted out.” I recognize my brother’s voice immediately and avoid turning to face him.
“What happened at the gate?” My eyes flare wide at the second voice, and I turn to see Maverick standing next to my brother.
His jaw locks and he storms toward me, but Darrell yanks him back.
“Get your hands off her. Munchie, what happened to your face?” Darrell asks.
Maverick stands there looking between the two of us. A muscle twitches in his strained neck, and I can see the wheels spinning behind his green eyes. Darrell takes my chin in his hand and gently moves my head around as he looks me over.
“He’s my brother,” I say to Maverick, who relaxes only slightly.
“Dispatch didn’t tell me you were hurt.” His eyes move over me. He’s taller and broader than Darrell by a few inches. My brother has an imposing personality though, making him feel bigger.
I pull from Darrell’s arms and look back at the other men in the room before I address him. “Darrell, I’m okay. It’s nothing. Don’t worry.”
“Nothing? We heard a woman attacked another and it turned into a catfight.”
“Don’t believe everything you hear. Colton’s fiancée came to plead his case. She only smacked me once.” I brush the encounter off.
“Did you press charges? Was she taken in?” Maverick is firing off questions and is in full-on police mode.
“Officer, how do you know my sister?” Darrell turns to him.
They came in together, so I assumed they knew each other. The room grows eerily quiet as my brother slips into protection mode.
“I’ve—”
“Darrell.” I stop Maverick from saying more, or I’ll be over my brother’s shoulder and on my way to Chattanooga before I can say “Bob’s your uncle.” I straighten my spine. “Sergeant Whitlock and I met on this bear case.” I wave my hand toward the president and Hal. “And then he helped me when Sydney’s car was vandalized.”
“And your house,” Maverick adds and raises his brow.
I look up at him still in his hat. He looks so sexy in his uniform, and I want to step toward him. I want to find the comfort I found the last time we were together. But I can’t. I need to focus on my job and raising my kids. My life is meant to be for them. I can’t and won’t bring another man into their lives to screw with them.
“Your house?” Darrell’s voice takes on that pitch that tells me he’s close to losing it.
“I told you about that.” I step back. “What are you doing here? Your wife is about to give birth. Go home.”
“I was called in for an emergency board meeting. Besides, the doctor said we could have another couple of weeks. And don’t change the subject, Lydia.”
