Men and women began whipping out their phones and searching. I remained in place as Margrave shouted for me to fuck off. The muttering rose amongst the neighbours.
“What do you know about this girl?” the guy yelled.
“Nothing! And I’m not explaining myself to anyone!” Margrave stormed back inside and slammed the door.
“Is Walter really a predator?” a woman asked.
“Can’t say, ma’am, but Margrave’s story has more holes than a sieve.”
A black and white pulled around the corner and parked up close. I nodded at the cops as they paused, recognising me.
“Harlequin, what’s going on? We’ve had a complaint of a public disturbance, harassment, and slander,” Jaggers said, approaching.
“Probably all true. Speak to Lio, he knows what this is about,” I replied.
“Julie Rogers. I took that asshole’s statement,” Jaggers stated with a scowl. “I fucked up, missed the fact that the library was shut that day.”
“You weren’t the only one, Jaggers; the detectives did too.”
“Well, Margrave’s presence is required at the station for an interview. Harlequin, I might have to take you in.”
I smirked at Jaggers and grinned. “Wouldn’t be surprised. Think I broke every rule in the PI book.”
His partner looked at Jaggers. “I’ll follow your lead.”
“Harlequin. This is Bruce Willis; he’s transferred here from Los Angeles,” Jaggers introduced.
“No fuckin’ way,” I gasped.
“You’ve no idea how much shit I’ve taken for that film,” Willis said with a grin.
“Dude, you got my sympathies.”
“Why are you talking to that criminal? I phoned in the complaint!” Margrave screeched.
Jaggers grinned. “This is going to give me the greatest pleasure. Mr Magrave,” he called and headed towards Margrave quickly.
Moments later, Margrave was cursing and kicking up a fuss, and Jaggers slapped handcuffs on him. I kept grinning as Jaggers marched him down the path and to the black-and-white.
“Jaggers asked Margraves to come to the station and talk about his statement. Margraves, as you saw, wasn’t responsive to that request. Completely unnecessary to push an officer of the law,” Willis remarked as he passed by. I laughed, and Margrave scowled.
“If that little bitch isn’t dead, I hope she will be when you find her,” he snarled. I launched off the car, and Jagger blocked me as Willis managed to get Margrave inside before I got my hands on him.
“Back off, Harlequin, now! Margrave wants this, wants you arrested. That means he gets out on bail, and if he has Julie…” Jaggers didn’t need to finish.
I bared my teeth at the shrinking Margrave, who still wore a smirk. I leaned past Jaggers. “You and I are about to become joined at the hip, buddy,” I threatened, and Margrave began shrieking.
“Walk away. I’ll let you know when the asshole’s released,” Jaggers promised. I nodded. Margrave was about to encounter hell on earth, and I was going to send him there.
???
“What the fuck did you do?” Slaughter demanded as I arrived back at the office.
“Why?” I demanded on the defensive immediately.
“Harlequin, don’t mess with me.”
“Okay, I might have overstepped a bit.”
