It was weird to be so incredibly pissed and empathetic at the same time.
The ripple effect of events had begun when Blake MacNeil’s dream to serve his country was squashed. A medical issue had stopped that from happening. Everything else resulted from the moment Maki had decided to fulfill his brother’s dream.
Mara sighed. “Thanks to Seth and the others, no one got hurt.”
Marcus grinned as he tapped his notebook. “You had a lot to do with that. Your compassion for Blake and his loss helped de-escalate MacNeil. Helped remind him his brother wouldn’t have wanted anyone hurt.”
She sighed. “Even though he scared me so badly, I feel sorry for him. Do you know whether he has anyone to help him talk through things? Is there anything we can do to help him? Can we talk to the judge or write a letter on his behalf?”
Seth was in love with a spectacular woman.
Marcus smiled softly. “Sounds like he’s mostly alone, but I plan to talk with his boss today. I want to find out more about the people he’s surrounded by. See what his employer thinks of him without talking about what happened last night. That’ll give me a direction for what to recommend.”
Mara frowned. “What do you mean?”
Marcus tapped his notebook again. “MacNeil crossed state lines. He kidnapped you with the intent to harm you and Seth. I wanted to speak with you both before I call the FBI.”
“The FBI?”
He nodded. “That’s the next step for crimes like this.”
Mara frowned, and he could feel her worry. “Will they help him?”
Another nod from the chief. “They will. From my conversations with MacNeil throughout the night, I believe he’s no longer a threat to anyone. The anger has turned to shame and remorse.”
Seth squeezed Mara’s hand. “Is there any chance I can speak with him?”
Mara looked at him in surprise. “Should I go, too? Would that help?”
He wasn’t sure he wanted her anywhere near the man, but it might help her deal with the trauma. “Why don’t we see how he reacts to me first?”
Marcus nodded. “That sounds good. He’s in a cell in the back. I’ve got a video and audio feed. Mara and I can watch from here.”
Seth kissed Mara and rose. Marcus led the way and unlocked the door to the cells. There were two, but MacNeil was the only occupant.
Blake sat on the cot, head down and forearms resting on his knees.
Marcus spoke softly. “You’ve got a visitor.”
MacNeil’s head jerked up at that. Emotions chased across his face as he rose to face Seth.
Marcus closed the door behind him as he returned to Mara. There wasn’t a chance Blake could do anything to injure Seth, and the chief knew Seth well enough to see the reverse was true.
The resigned look on MacNeil’s face told Seth he didn’t know it.
Seth nodded at him. “Thought I’d stop in to see how you’re doing.”
Blake’s eyebrows shot up, and his mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Seth sighed. “Half of me is completely pissed at you.”
That loosened the man’s vocal cords. “Only half?”
Seth almost managed a smile at that. “Only half.”
“You’re a better man than I am. I’m a hundred percent pissed at myself and I’m so ashamed. I’m sorry I tried to hurt your woman. And you.”
Seth nodded. “Good to hear. Why’d you do it?”
