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Lexie
“I hopeyou haven't been waiting long.”
I rushed down the sidewalk to the front of the building that housed our commercial kitchen.
Mrs. Shepard clutched the strap of her bag, looking as if she’d prefer to be anywhere else. She took in my heels and dress, and there was judgment I didn't like in her expression. Almost as if I were too fancy.
“Where's Eric?” Her tone was sharp as the question echoed into the evening air.
I pointed behind me. “Around back. We have to park back there. Actually, I’m not sure I have a key to this door." I motioned to the one behind her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think to tell you to meet us at the back door.”
She motioned toward the street.
A dark blue sedan was running at the curb in a no-parking zone. Did she have a partner?
A man in dark trousers and a blazer emerged from the driver’s side. The gold shield attached to his hip flashed as he rounded the car.
“Should we go inside?” My voice held a slight quaver.
“Yes. Lead the way, please.” Mrs. Shepherd sounded less irritated, which I hoped was a good sign. She didn't introduce me to the man, who also said nothing.
“I'm Lexie Logan.” I retraced the path I’d just taken, and she fell in step beside me. “Did Mrs. Thompson retire?”
“I’ve taken over this case from her.”
The man’s presence loomed behind us as we turned to walk down the side of the building.
A shrill bark pierced the sky, and then my brother’s special laugh. He was so happy to see the dogs . . . especially Millie.
Lincoln had done that.
I hadn’t had time to properly thank him. Or tell him hello. But I would when this interview was over.
They came into view. Eric crouched next to Millie, who was on her back, and rubbed her belly. Muffy pawed at Lincoln’s thigh, still wanting a treat. I supposed that one was for getting out of the van.
Mrs. Shepherd stopped short of them.
Eric waved despite I was with two strangers. I waved back.
“Maybe we should’ve spoken privately first,” she said.
Most of the people we’d dealt with from the department had been good at handling the interviews. They'd been trained not to upset Eric, to make it routine.
My palms grew damp. Lincoln’s hawklike stare was on us. I appreciated his support, but it wasn’t enough to keep my nerves at bay.
"We can do that. There’s a small office inside. Or we could take a walk,” I babbled.
“A complaint has been filed against you.”
I swayed on my feet. “A . . . complaint?” I sounded as if I'd never heard the word.
“Yes. Which means we do an immediate impromptu welfare check.”
“Of course," I said in a rush. “But I haven't done anything wrong.”
“Formal charges have also been filed.” She glanced to the man, whose gun bulged against his jacket.
“I don't understand.” I looked back and forth between them helplessly.
“We have to take Eric into state custody.”
I leaned against another car parked in the alley. “No,” I whispered. “You can't do that.”
The world spun. No. No. No. This couldn't be happening. What would happen to Eric? He'd be terrified. Who would file charges against me?
The man stepped forward. “Lexie Logan, turn around and place your hands behind your back. You're under arrest for assault and battery of Donnie Logan.”
