“Good call,” I admit.
The officer who arrived on scene said he’d speak to us after we were checked out. When the medic is done with Luca, he approaches Officer Davenport. It’s time. After they’re done speaking, he’ll come over here to question Luca and I about what happened.
“Are you still turning yourself in tomorrow?”
“No,” Luca responds. “Now seems like the right time. When he comes over to take my statement about what happened tonight, I’m going to tell him the complete story.”
I swallow down the lump in my throat as I glance to Davenport.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
We stand there waiting, but before Davenport comes over, another squad car pulls into the driveway. I don’t think much of it until I see who the driver is—Brooke’s dad.
Officer Guidry approaches us, his disdain for Luca evident. “Well, another Montclair in the chaos.”
His partner tells Davenport something as he nods then heads back to his patrol car.
When Guidry’s partner approaches, he doesn’t give me any better feeling than his colleague does.
The dude has beef with the Montclairs for sure. His wife and daughter are currently using their residence as a safe house to escape his abuse and brutality. Guidry doesn’t want justice, he wants revenge. And this is an easy means to do so. If he takes Luca, he’ll make certain the punishment is as harsh as possible. Then he’ll get Micah out of the way. Then their father. I don’t particularly like the guy, but he’s keeping Brooke and her mom protected. If they’re all gone, who will protect them? They’ll be alone. Just like I was with my dad. Why do I feel safer with Luca around?
I state, “It was my father who was shot.”
Luca says, “Yes. And I’d like to give a statement on exactly what occurred.”
When his eyes meet mine, I speak before he can, “No, I’ll tell them. He was demanding money to pay his gambling debts and was angry we wouldn’t bail him out. That’s when he held me at gunpoint, threatening my life if we didn’t give in to his demands. There was no choice. It was his life or mine. That’s it.”
“Ivy,” Luca mutters.
Hoping he’ll hear what I can’t speak aloud, I cut him off, “No, there’s nothing else to say. My dad was horrible. End of story.”
Guidry announces, “I have a few more questions.”
I stare between him and his partner who both look like they’re out for blood. “Maybe we should speak with someone who doesn’t have a conflict of interest.”
His fingers hook on his duty belt as he widens his stance. “And what conflict is that?”
Luca explains, “You’re aware of the conflict—your wife and daughter being under my family’s household. Therefore, you should refer any further questions to my attorney.”
“If there’s nothing to hide then why involve a lawyer?”
His partner takes a step back, waving Guidry to follow. “Let’s go. We won’t make any progress tonight.”
Officer Guidry gapes between us for a few seconds before he walks towards my house.
I wait until the door closes behind him before I say, “That guy is horrible.” And it makes me want to take Brooke and hide her away forever from the bastard. Just his presence feels heavy and demonic.
Luca utters, “Why did you stop me from confessing? I need to take responsibility for my actions.”
I avoid looking at him as I reply, “I just don’t want you to. But this doesn’t change anything between us. I need to get cleaned up.”
“Troy is going to stay and keep an eye on you.” Normally I’d be pissed to know Luca hired men to watch my dad and me, but it’s upsetting knowing the one who was watching me without me even knowing was shot by my father. Thankfully, the medics said Pierre is supposed to pull through. When I don’t answer, Luca adds, “If you won’t allow me around, please let him stick around.”
I agree before walking into the house to find Guidry and his partner are examining the crime scene. Troy extends his arm as he asks, “Do you need a hand?”
“No thanks,” I whisper before I continue on to the bedroom.
