“Craig, sir. Uh ... Do you want my last name?”
“Craig, you came in here alone. Do you understand me?”
Relief hit me hard. Creighton was giving him a break. He wasn’t going to kill him. He was giving him the story to recite to the authorities.
The guy bobbed his head up and down. Quickly. Eagerly. “Uh. Y-ye-yes sir, I did this alone. You’re right, sir.”
“Your two friendsdid notcome in here with you. It was your idea. You were desperate for money to help your sister, her kid, and your mom.”
“Yeah—yeah. That’s why I joined your—okay. Yes, sir.” His voice dropped. “I acted alone. It was all my idea.”
“The security cameras weren’t working. When the police arrive, you will confess. You’ll be taken in. Are you okay with a public defender or should I send a lawyer for you?”
Craig’s head popped up. “You’re going to help me fight the charge?”
“No. You’re going to plead guilty, but my lawyer can help with a plea deal. But that’s up to you. Whatever your sentence is, you’lldo the time. You’ll be a good inmate. If you get parole or probation, you’ll follow the rules. I will have men wherever you end up so you’ll be protected. If you run into problems, you’ll need to let us know. You’ll take the fall for this, but you’ll be fine. You’ll continue earning so your mom, sister, and her child will be financially supported. Do you understand this? You were never here with your two friends. It was you and you alone.”
He swallowed. “Yes, sir. I understand, sir.”
“Good.” Creighton seemed to inspect my roommates’ faces before addressing the cook and server. He motioned for them to stand. “I’m sorry this happened in your place of employment.”
“It’s no problem, Mr. Lane.” The cook jumped up and held out his hand. He and the girl had seemed shaky, but there was a lack of fear on their faces. He shook Creighton’s hand, then Levi’s and Lassiter’s. Lassiter held out a wad of bills for the man, who took it before touching the server’s back. She was more cautious, sending Creighton, Levi, and Lassiter furtive looks, but she and the cook left quickly. They knew the drill. Of course they knew the drill. They were a block away from one of Creighton’s buildings. This would be considered his territory. Every business on this street was protected under Creighton’s watch.
Police sirens could be heard.
Creighton stood there, his gaze returning to me.
I hated everything about this. That I was here. That my housemates were as well. That they witnessed Creighton in action.
The police were getting closer. The sirens were louder.
“Boss.” Lassiter went to the door, holding it open.
More of Creighton’s men were outside, waiting by an SUV.
“Levi, you’ll stay behind.”
“No problemo.” He dropped down and crossed his legs, right next to Palma, who eyed him. She edged away.
Creighton came to stand in front of me, his eyes darkening. He lifted a hand, tracing a finger down the side of my face. It wassuch a light and soft touch, and I couldn’t stop a tremble from going through me.
He saw it, his eyes darkening even more, but he didn’t comment on it. His eyes went to my shoulder and held there. “He shouldn’t have touched you.”
Chapter Thirty
Blake
The ride home was eerily quiet.
God. What had just happened?
They were going to kick me out, and I couldn’t blame them. I didn’t have that much to pack, so that was easy, but then what? Go where? Heath’s and Marshall’s phones were buzzing nonstop, and I didn’t need a guess to ask who or what they were talking about with each other.
Our SUV pulled to a stop outside of our brownstone, and I looked at Levi. He’d been quiet ever since Creighton told him to go with us. He took up residence next to Palma, knowing I’d want space. He was multitasking. I always wanted space when my world imploded, but he was also acting as a barrier. Heath and Marshall couldn’t get to Palma’s ear as much, though they could blow up her phone all they wanted.
I was the first inside. My hands shaking, I went to the kitchen to pour myself a drink. I’d need one to get through what was coming next.
They were quiet, traipsing in behind me.
