AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It wasn’t like I had a choice,” I snapped, glaring at the officer.
The suit chuckled like this was all funny. “Sorry about that. We wanted to preserve your cover.”
“My cover for what?”
“For why you left today.”
I leaned forward, pressing my arms into the table. “I left because I was forced to.” I jerked my sleeve up, showing him the bruises left on my arm from the officer.
His eyes turned glacial as he looked at the officer. “I’m sorry, ma’am. That never should have happened. Officer Smith, please step out of the room.”
“But I was just?—”
“Now!” the man yelled, leaving no room for argument.
If looks could kill, I’d be speared to the wall. The officer stormed out, slamming the door behind him. The suit turned back to me and sighed.
“Ms. West, I’m very sorry about Officer Smith. This was not meant to be a hostile interview.”
“I don’t even know what’s going on.”
He nodded and opened a folder, turning it around for me to look at. “My name is Detective Wilson. I’ve been investigating illegal weapons sales in the area for the last five years, trying to pin the sales on a man named Baz Gelbero. Do you know him?”
It was clear he knew I did. “Yes, but you already know that, so why are you asking?”
“How close are you with Baz?”
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Closer than I’d like to be. My son is his grandson.”
“Did you know who Baz was when you had a child with Rico Gelbero?”
“I didn’t even know who Rico was. It was a one-night stand. And while I’m not proud of that, I never thought having one night of fun would ruin my life.”
“So, you didn’t know anything about him.”
“I still don’t. I’ve heard rumors.”
“Yet, you live in a neighborhood known for housing Gelbero’s associates.”
“Not by choice,” I gritted out.
He seemed surprised by that, interlocking his fingers as he leaned on the table. “Maybe you could explain the situation to me.”
“And how do I know you’re not going to use the information I give you to pin something on me? Maybe you’ll decide to take away my son.”
“I’d like to help you out, if you’ll let me.”
I stared at him for a moment, wanting to believe him. But my dealings with Baz were enough to teach me that there was no escaping a man like him. “Listen, I’m sure you mean well, but the only thing you’re going to accomplish by pursuing this is ending up dead.”
“Is that a threat?”
“No, that’s just experience from being connected to a man that will threaten your life for daring to live a life away from him and his criminal organization.”
I could tell he didn’t trust me. I didn’t expect him to. To outsiders, it probably looked like I was staying silent to protect him. The truth was, Baz probably knew I was here right now and would question me about this later.
“Ms. West, I’m sure you love your son…”
My whole body stiffened in anger, waiting for the other shoe todrop. He must have sensed that he was walking on eggshells with me right now, because he immediately changed tactics.
