Zach brushed a hand over the short beard on his jaw. “This is nuts. I don’t want you mixed up in this.”
“You’re going to have to toughen up. I’m not a fragile flower.”
He scoffed. “Trust me. I know that. I love that about you. I just don’t want you to have to make the hard decisions.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I mean, if it’s between you and anyone else, you have to choose yourself. If you ever get into a situation like you did last night and someone comes at you, you have to be prepared.”
Suddenly, she was breathing through a thick fog.He really thought someone could have found her out there and harmed her. “Okay.”
“I need more than that. You’re the most important person in the world to me. I don’t want us to get separated, but if we do and you’re in trouble, you have to fight with everything you have. Got it?”
She nodded, shaky and unsure of her voice. “Got it.”
“Now, tell me everything you know about Anthony Swindle.”
She gripped the sleeve of his shirt, holding onto the hope he was offering. “You’re going to help me?”
He brushed his calloused fingertips over the soft skin of her cheek. “I guess I am. Looks like I’d do anything for you, angel.”
Scooting toward him and ignoring the pull in her back, she settled down at his side. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
“But we do it the safe way,” he said. “No more running off without me for any reason. Okay?”
“Okay.”
He slid his hand to the back of her neck and pulled her in to seal their promises with a kiss.
36
Zach
Walking into the police station of his own free will wasn’t something Zach ever expected to do, but here he was, waltzing in like he belonged.
He did belong. Sort of. He had an appointment—one where he would supposedly walk out after and not in handcuffs.
The lobby of the police department was sparse and gray. A long counter ran along one side, and a row of chairs lined the opposite wall. Framed news articles showed various law enforcement takedowns and heroic moments. A towering Christmas tree dominated one corner of the room, filled with white lights and big red globe ornaments.
Zach pointed to the tree as he approached the woman sitting behind the counter. A clear pane with a silver speaker spanned from the counter to the ceiling. “It’s a little early for decorations, isn’t it?”
The woman with fake red hair clasped her handsin front of her chest. “It’s never too early to bring out the Christmas cheer. I just love the glowing lights. Doesn’t it just make you happy?”
Zach glanced back at the tree. Lauren’s voice echoed in his head, urging him to say something kind or positive. “Um, sure.”
The woman’s smile beamed as she scooted up to her computer. “How can I help you?”
“I have an appointment with Asa and Dawson,” Zach said.
“Oh, Officer Scott and Sergeant Keller? What’s your name?”
“Zach Wilson.”
There was a quick flicker of surprise in her eyes before it disappeared. She adjusted the black-framed glasses on her nose and clicked at her mouse. “Got you right here. Actually, Officer Scott and Sergeant Keller are waiting for you in meeting room three.” Pushing away from her desk, the key ring clamped to her belt loop jingled. “I’ll show you the way.”
Zach followed her down a short hallway to a metal door with a simple plaque on it. Meeting Room Three. He could have found it himself.
The woman opened the door to reveal Asa and Dawson. Both were wearing their dark uniforms and sitting at a large wooden table. Asa was holding his phone and pointing to something on the screen, and Dawson threw his head back as he belted out a loud laugh.
