While I love her, I love him, too. There has to be a way to get them to like and trust each other. I’m a planner, and all I need to do is come up with a good plan. I hope Ella sees that Alexei is protecting her from a contracted hit. And I hope Alexei sees that Ella reacts out of fear and sometimes loneliness.
My phone buzzes and I lift it to my ear. “Mooncrest.”
“Hey, Rosalie. It’s Detective Battlement.”
My heart drops. “Hi, Detective.”
His sigh holds weight. “I shouldn’t be calling you, but we’re issuing an arrest warrant for you, and I needed to give you a heads up.”
“Why?” I ask.
“I like you. You remind me of my youngest sister, who’s always falling for the wrong man. She gets into trouble like you do. Also, I hate putting innocents away, but you’re culpable here. Please turn yourself in this morning so we don’t have to hunt you down and handcuff you.” He ends the call.
I feel sick and instantly call my attorney.
“Joseph Cage,” he answers, sounding distracted.
“Hi. Detective Battlement just called, and they’re going to arrest me.” A headache pounds at the base of my neck. “I need to turn myself in.”
“Shit. I was afraid of that.” Cage sounds much more focused. “I’ve had our tech folks watching the feeds from the reception area of our firm to find who might’ve stolen your letter opener and paperweight. So far, we’ve had no luck.”
“Thank you,” I say. “I’ve been racking my brain and haven’t thought of anything that helps. If we have a recording of any delivery people coming into the front reception area, at least we’ll have an idea where to start.”
“I agree.”
My head is spinning. “Do you think Battlement really has enough to arrest me?”
“He thinks he does,” Cage says. “He’s got motive, opportunity, and your prints. It’s enough to bring you in and arrest you, which will give him grounds for a search warrant for your house.”
Does the detective really think I beat a woman to death? “I would’ve let him search my house.”
“And the firm,” Cage finishes.
I rub my temple. “Oh.” It’s rare to obtain a search warrant for a law firm because of privilege. “I’m sure they’ll limit the warrant to just my office.”
“I know. I’m already having your paralegal take out all sensitive files.”
I wince. “Joseph, you’re not supposed to do that.”
“A warrant hasn’t been issued yet.”
Very good point. There’s a reason he’s the managing partner of the firm. “I guess I’ll head in to the police station now.” My voice trembles.
“Hey. It’s going to be okay,” Cage says softly. “We’re the best law firm in the state, and you’re innocent. Keep that in mind.”
I swallow over a lump in my throat and notice that my hands are shaking. “I will.”
“You don’t sound good. I’ll pick you up so I’m with you the entire time.”
Hope filters through me. I really don’t want to be alone, and I doubt I can get ahold of Alexei right now. “Are you sure? I could just meet you there.”
“It doesn’t sound like you should drive.” The ding of an elevator button comes through the line. “I like that the detective called you. I don’t know if that means that he just thinks you’re in over your head or if perhaps he believes you to be innocent. Either way, he’s working with us.” Cage sounds both thoughtful and relieved.
Okay. This will be all right. I repeat the mantra in my head. “Thank you, Joseph.”
“Of course. I’m in the car and will be there in fifteen minutes. I promise we’ll get you bailed out as soon as possible. The firm will pay for any bail you need.”
Relief flows through me. “Thank you.”
