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“It’s either we prove Sean’s innocence or he goes to prison for kidnapping. What other choice do we have?” Jo demanded.
Viktor squeezed my shoulder lightly. “She will not go alone. Do we not have our own connections in the force?”
“I do,” Liam growled. “I’ll set it up, and we’ll have people outside to keep her safe. Thank you, Rosie. I appreciate what you’re doing for my brother.”
He must’ve walked away because the line went quiet outside of Jo’s voice. “Okay, if we’re going to be facing the devil himself, then we need back up. I’m calling in the MWC. When she’s done, we’ll be waiting for her so she can feel safe again.”
Mariana nodded. “Sounds good. And someone should go in with her.”
“Gabi should be with her. She was there when they found Rosie. She can be a witness,” Jo replied.
They continued to discuss what would happen after I met with the police, but I was too terrified to listen. Jo was right. I was going to face the devil himself. There wasn’t a chance that Carson wouldn’t show up there to try and manipulate the situation. If he got the police on his side, they could have me committed again. I’d never survive that twice. Not with the plans they had for me. My whole body trembled, and I fought back tears, clutching tightly to the armrests of my chair.
“I am taking her back to bed. She will need her rest before tomorrow.”
Viktor didn't wait for permission, scooping me into his arms and striding off. I clung to him, willing myself not to cry. I had to do this. I couldn’t let Sean suffer for protecting me. Even if the smallest part of me wished I could run. I could disappear, leave the city and never have to see Carson again. But I’d lose all the people who I’d come to cherish. Jo, Mariana, Gabi, Britney, Elizabeth… Viktor. I couldn’t leave him.
Maybe this was what needed to happen. They said their jobs were dangerous. If I wanted to be part of this life, I had to earn it. I had to prove that I was brave enough. Even if I didn’t feel that way on the inside, I had to at least fake it. To keep what I’d found, I’d be the best actress on the planet.
ChapterTwenty-Eight
“Doing okay?”
No, not really. But I wasn’t going to tell Gabi that. We were sitting outside the police station, waiting for Viktor to give us the signal that it was safe to go inside. Because there was a town car parked right out front, I knew Carson was already there. My chest was uncomfortably tight, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe right to save my life. My hands were clammy, clutching tightly to the paperwork that Gabi had brought with her. Printed copies of the emails, as well as a USB with every sound bite and even a couple videos I’d forgotten I took. If I was ever going to escape Carson, this was going to be my ticket out. If it all worked out…
“If… If he takes me away again…”
Gabi shook her head. “He won’t. We’ve got you, Rosie.”
I bit my lip, dropping my gaze. I’d been watching Viktor as he and a few others looked around. There wasn’t just one monster to contend with, and they wanted to make sure Koslov wasn’t around to cause even more trouble before we got started.
“If he does… Don’t let Viktor get hurt trying to find me… He said he’d rip apart the city to find me. Don’t let him get killed in the process.”
Her face softened, and she squeezed my hand gently. “I won’t. And he won’t be looking alone.”
The door next to me opened, making me jump. Viktor looked apologetic, offering me his hand.
“It is time, ?????.”
When I took his hand, he helped me from the car, Gabi following right behind me. It helped to have them here with me, and when we stepped inside the police station, I reminded myself multiple times that I was safe while I was with them.
While the entrance of the station looked pretty much like any other building, it still felt intimidating to walk up to the desk. The person who sat behind it eyed me suspiciously and I had to swallow a few times before I could work up the nerve to speak to her.
“Can I help you?”
“I-I…” Viktor squeezed my hand, offering me his silent support. “I’m h-here to s-see Officer N-Newport.”
She gave me a slow inspection with her gaze before picking up the phone on the desk. She talked for a moment before hanging up and scrutinizing me again.
“He’ll be right with you. Have a seat.”
She pointed to a row of chairs behind us. I nearly tripped over my feet when I spun to do as she asked. Only Viktor’s tight grasp on my hand kept me upright. I settled in one of the seats and my knee started bouncing immediately, my eyes darting around the room. Carson was in here somewhere. What if he showed up before the officer could meet us? What if he tried to take me away before I had a chance to show them my papers? What if this was a trap, and they were going to arrest Viktor for hiding me? What if they hurt Gabi for trying to be a witness?
The possibilities were overwhelmingly negative. I couldn’t see past them to anything that might go our way. I was close to hyperventilating and the woman behind the desk started shooting me concerned looks. Viktor turned, cupping my cheek in his hand, and gave me a significant look.
“You are safe, ?????. I will not let anything happen to you.”
I grabbed his hand, keeping it pressed against my face, and leaned into his support. Shutting my eyes, I took a few deep breaths. I could do this. I had to do this. For Sean.
