The door opens, and part of me expects to see Striker and Lia. Instead, it’s the sheriff, followed by Ridley. I look between them, wondering what the hell this could mean. They both move straight toward me and Ria. Ridley’s eyes stay fixed on me as I hold the baby.
“Ms. Forbes?” the sheriff asks, and I nod. “Ms. Andrea Forbes of West Lafeyette, Indiana?” he asks again, seeking further clarification.
“Yes, that’s me. But I live here now, on the university campus. I’m going to be making Eastport my home.”
That was part of our conversations last night. Between making love, it was decided that I’m going to move here permanently and build a life with Callum.
Glancing around the room, I notice everyone watching me, including Callum. His eyes are focused and concerned, but when they settle on Ria, sleeping against my chest, he relaxes slightly.
“I’m Sheriff Evander. I was asked to come speak with you for the Lafeyette Police Department Investigations Division. Would you mind coming with me?” he asks. I’m about to hand Ria over to Ridley when she steps in.
“She won’t be going anywhere with you.”
My phone rings, and I see it’s my mother calling back. Juggling the phone and Ria, I answer it.
“Hello.” I barely get the word out before she interrupts me.
“Don’t answer any questions from the police. We have Lia and Striker on the way to the club, and they have an attorney friend on his way to you now. Remember, don’t say anything at all. When the police show up, tell them you want an attorney. And we will be talking about the fact that you’re at a motorcycle clubhouse without your cousin.” My mom spits out the words, breathless and practically screaming into the phone.
Ria wakes up and starts to cry. As if it’s instinct, I start bouncing her and snuggle her closer, trying to comfort and calm her down.
“It’s okay, pretty girl. I got you,” I coo to her, and it takes a moment for the silence to catch my attention. Everyone is still looking at me, and my mom hasn’t said a word. “What?” I ask Callum, who has the biggest grin on his face. “Mom, I have to go. The sheriff is here.”
“No! Don’t answer his questions. I told you that. Don’t you listen? Are you drunk?” She pauses. “I don’t know what has come over you, young lady, but you will be coming home, and we will be discussing this.”
I’m pissed now.
“No, I’m not drunk. I can’t drink. As for why I’m here at the clubhouse, it’s none of your concern. I’ll do what I want. I’m an adult. Furthermore, no, I won’t be coming home.”
I hang up the phone and try to calm my nerves so I don’t upset Ria again. Turning to the sheriff, I eye him up and down. He’s kind of cute, tall with wavy blond hair. But he’s no Callum.
“I’m waiting for an attorney. But can I ask what this is in regard to?”
“Don’t answer that.” Ridley holds up her hand. “You asked for an attorney. He can’t talk to you.”
“But I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Just wait,” Ridley says.
I continue rocking Ria, trying to soothe her. When she doesn’t calm down, I spot the diaper bag on the table and grab a fresh diaper, then reach for the bottle in its sleeve to keep it warm.
The judgmental woman has been watching me the whole time she and Callum talk. I’m not sure what this means for us, but I’m not scared to date someone with a baby. I kind of like Riaso far, and I like having a baby in my arms. I like that she needs me. I want to be needed.
“Andi.”
I look up as Striker and Lia walk in, followed by an older gentleman in a suit. He’s well over six feet, with dark brown hair graying at the sides. He has a kind face, but I can tell he’s not a man you want to mess with.
“Hello, I’m Wayne Cadell. I’ve been retained by your family to represent you. Shall we go over there and talk?”
“Um… Wayne, I have no clue what’s going on,” I tell him truthfully as Callum works his way toward me. He stands off to the side.
“Look, Wayne, I understand her family is worried, but if we can just establish whether she’s even a suspect, that would be best. I just need to know where she was yesterday and last night, starting around three in the afternoon. She could have driven back here. We don’t show she had any classes yesterday,” the sheriff interjects. “This will be quick and easy, Ms. Forbes. Where were you?”
I know where I was, but I’m not sure what to say, so I start with the obvious. “I had a study session most of the day, but no classes yesterday. I was in the library, in a private room, with my friend Lennox until…” I pause and glance toward Callum.
“She was with me.” Callum steps forward, but before he can reach me, Striker blocks his way.
“I fucking knew it.” Striker’s fist flies, and pandemonium erupts.
