“I don’t know why she would feel compelled to destroy my scooter. It wasn’t much, but it was all I had to get to work and to class. She’s vindictive and irrational, and I had nothing to do with that. She’s seriously unstable, and I’m afraid of her.”
Turning to Gage, I say with sincerity, “Maybe Ishouldpursue that protection order. If you all let her go without any repercussions, what’s to prevent her from doing something worse? Especially if her father can waltz in here and sweet-talk you all into a deal.”
I hear a low rumble coming from Cooke. At first, I think he’s laughing again, but when I peek up at him, his face looks like he wants to kill something, or someone. Turning back to Gage, I look at him to see what his face tells me. Nothing. His face is showing absolutely no emotion. I bet he’s good at poker.
Then he says, “I suggested that the day of the assault, Quinn. I think that’s a good idea.”
“It’s not going to stop her from doing more damage to your other property.” Cooke sounds as angry as his face looks.
“Jesus,” Kara’s dad mutters. “Fine. This is what I’m going to do to prevent all this protection order bullshit. I don’t want that on her record, so I’m taking Kara home. She’s… she needs to regroup.”
Regroup?I call bullshit on that. She needs therapy. “When will she be back?” I ask with an arched brow.
“Never, if I have anything to say about it. She can transfer to another college next semester.”
“What about Quinn’s scooter?” asks Gage.
“How much was it worth?” Mr. Becker asks.
I’m about to say “nothing” when Gage responds. “Five grand.”
Five grand?Is he joking?
“Fine. I’ll write a check—”
“Cash,” says Gage. “Right now.”
Mr. Becker looks at the captain. “If I give her five grand, will this thing drop?”
The captain looks at me. I look at Mr. Becker. “I won’t see her again?”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
I turn and look up at Cooke. “What do you think?”
“I think you need to get all of this in writing and have that guy”—he points at Mr. Becker—“and Kara sign it, making sure they understand what will happen if she shows up here.” I smile up at him and nod, but he’s not done. “I’d also make sure he includes something in there about your mates’ mom.”
“You her attorney?” asks Mr. Becker.
“You could say that.”
I want to snicker, because I know Cooke admitted to nothing just then, but I remain straight-faced and quiet.
“Fine. We’ll draw up the paperwork and sign it.”
“In front of either the captain or Officer Golden,” I add.
“Of course.” Mr. Becker smiles, but he misses the mark; it’s more sneer than smile. “We’ll bring Kara in as well.”
“Today,” Cooke snaps.
“We’ll have this done by five today.”
Gage turns to me. “Meet me back here at five thirty. I’ll have the papers and the cash so you won’t have to see Kara.”
“Okay.” I nod. “Sounds good.” I turn to walk away, but before I do, I hold my hand out to Gage. “Thank you, Officer Golden.”
He gives me a soft smile. “My pleasure, Miss Maxwell.”
