By the time I’m free to leave, all I want to do is sleep.
“I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I swear you’re not alone.”
I look at Olivia and nudge her shoulder with a tired smile. The woman has been my rock for the last few hours. I honestly don’t think I’d have made it through without bawling like a baby if she weren’t beside me, tearing the cops to shreds. By the time she was done, most of the police force looked properly chastened. The only ones who didn’t were those who were pissed with how things were being handled from the start and seemed to want no part in this.
“They’ll back off now, even if it’s just to regroup. The last thing they want or need is to bring attention to themselves, and that’s what’s going to happen if they keep pulling shit like this.”
I frown, not sure what she means about bringing attention to themselves. She must understand my confusion because she takes my elbow and leads me away so nobody can hear us.
“People who are so quick to cross the line like this have usually crossed it before. I guess that there are a few people herewho have done things or have secrets they’d rather not come out. But if they keep drawing attention to you and, by default, themselves, that spotlight will shine on Tempest, and then we won’t be the only ones digging for the truth. Add to that, we have a bona fide movie star and director in our midst, and we’ve already piqued people’s interest about Tempest.”
I nod in understanding, already knowing the chief of police is corrupt—to an extent—because of what happened before.
“Your law firm is emailing me copies of everything they have on you. I’m going to go home, kiss my kid goodnight, and read up on everything so I have a better understanding of what we’re dealing with. I’m also filing those complaints. It might calm down for a while, but I doubt that it will just blow over. I want you to be on your guard. And if you can avoid being alone, so you have an alibi for whatever they throw at you, even better.”
I nod, though I don’t have anyone to stay with me. Hopefully, being at the hotel will be enough, especially if they can see my van parked there.
“I’ve texted Wade and Banner. They’ll be here any minute.”
I want to protest. I don’t need Banner in the middle of this any more than he already is. Things are already messy between us.
“Sorrow, I get it. I do, but you need him right now, and I have a feeling before this is over, he’s gonna need you too.”
I wrap my arms around myself and look away, thinking about the day we buried Alec and the promise I made to keep my silence. I didn’t know then how things would play out. I was trying to protect the people I loved, not knowing that they’d turn on me like a pack of vicious wolves. If I knew then what I do now, would I still do it the same way? I honestly don’t know. Though there is no love lost between me and Alec’s parents, I still love Katy and Banner, and the thought of hurting them by revealing the truth hurts me.
The problem is, in a town the size of Tempest, secrets don’t stay buried with the dead. I have a feeling that if I’d stayed, they’d have come out sooner. Now, I’m torn between a rock and a hard place, and no matter what happens, someone is going to get hurt in the end.
“Laura gave me the gist of things earlier on the phone, so I have an outline, but I’m guessing there is a lot I don’t know. She said she wanted you to fight to get your name clear years ago, but you just wanted to forget things and move on.”
I look back at her and wonder if there is a question in there.
“When this blows, everything will come out. I need you to prepare for that. Because even if you leave, I have a feeling the ripples will be far-reaching.”
I feel my shoulders slump, but I know she’s right. And maybe, if I’m honest, there’s a little bit of relief mixed in with my fear. I’ve been carrying this burden alone for a long time. And I’m just so tired of it all.
The beep of a car horn jolts me. I look over and see Wade pull up. He stops the car and jumps out to walk around the car.
“Hey sugar, you looking for a good time?” Olivia drawls, making me chuckle.
“Really? Are you trying to get arrested for solicitation? I’m sure with how pissed everyone is, they’d love to throw you in lock-up for the night.”
“You’re my husband, doofus.”
“With the way things are going, I’m not sure they’d care.”
Olivia sighs and walks into his arms. He wraps them around her and presses his lips to the crown of her head. I turn away, feeling like I’m intruding.
“How did it go?”
I turn when he speaks, wondering if he’s talking to me, but Olivia is the one who answers.
“It was a shitshow. The chief was acting like a peacock, puffing up his feathers. He even tried to interview Sorrow without legal counsel, saying shit like she was no longer under arrest, she didn’t need me in there, and having me there was akin to admitting her guilt.”
“Jesus Christ.”
“Yep. He shot himself in the foot with that because I don’t think he realized how many people were listening in. Cops are duty-bound to uphold shit like due process, and he stomped all over it like it meant shit.”
He runs his hand over his face before glancing at me. “You hanging in there, kid? My wife is like a barracuda when she’s on a mission.”
