I’m overheating. Every inch of my skin feels sickly, like I’ve just caught a virus from Felch’s malicious power move.
Is this really all about Gareth becoming captain? Would he go this far? Ruin me to ruin him?
I reach into my purse to grab my phone, but that’s when I see him.
Felch. Leaning up against my car, chewing a cigar, a broad smile on his face. “I hear the strip club’s hiring. Maybe your friend could put in a good word for you.”
I stop dead in my tracks. Thanks to my job, I’m used to men giving me a hard time, but this isn’t just any man. This is the police captain. This is Gareth’s boss.He’sthe corrupt cop Sarah warned me about.
“You got a waitress fired. You feel like a big man now?” He chuckles and takes a drag from his cigar as I walk up to my car. He stays where he is, blocking my door. “Excuse me? I’d like to leave now.”
To my surprise, he does step aside, but only so much. I’m able to get the door open but can’t move past him.
My heart is screaming as I look up at him, waiting for his next move. What am I supposed to do? It’s not like I can just shove him out of the way or call Tony to handle him for me.
“Your new boyfriend…” he muses slowly. “If I were you, I’d stay clear of that guy.”
“Yeah? Why’s that? Soyoucan be my boyfriend?”
Felch snorts a laugh like what I just said was absurd. But at the same time, he drags his filthy eyes up and down my body without even trying to hide it.
I feel like I’ve just been violated by a pair of greasy hands.
“What’d he tell you about his investigation?” Felch asks. “I bet he said he was just defending his momma. That he’s so innocent and I’m just trying to ruin him? Well, he’s lying, Briar.”
“Oh, and I suppose you’re here to tell me the truth?” I snip back. “And I should trust you? The guy who just got me fired.”
Felch shakes his head like he’s dealing with a pouty four-year-old.
“I’m trying to protect you, Briar.”
I almost laugh. “Oh, right!”
“You don’t wanna believe me, that’s fine. But Tony’s about to get busted for something major that I know you’re not involved with. And Gareth…well, he’s not the man you think he is. And it’s my duty as police captain to keep you safe.”
I lift my chin in defiance and shove my weight against my car door, pushing him back a foot. It’s assault. He could totally arrest me. He’s the captain. He could cuff me and stuff me into his cruiser and no one would know. I’d be back at the station, in the same room that Gareth brought me, only this time, I’d be forced to stay.
Fortunately for me, Felch just smiles as I climb into my car.
For a brief moment, there’s something else behind his eyes. It’s like he’s examining me. Trying to see if anything he’s said has sunk in.
“I’ve got a file down at the station, Briar. Including an old assault case. Come look at it. Help me clear his name.”
“Sure, I’ll be right there,” I snap. I have to get out of here before I lose it. But before I can pull my door shut, Felch grabs it with both hands and holds strong.
“An old assault case on his ex-girlfriend,” he says slowly. “I’ll betthat’ssomething he never mentioned to you.”
He lets go, and my door slams shut. I twist the key in the ignition and pull out of the lot, watching his dark figure fade slowly in my rearview.
Don’t let him get to you…don’t.
My lips move, silently repeating the words over and over as I drive.
I can’t let Felch get to me. Gareth loves me. He’s a good man. I know this. I knowhim.I feel safe in his arms. I belong there.
But as I go on, I can’t help but feel a scratching in my brain. A tiny little voice whispering feelings of doubt. I reach again for my phone to call Gareth, but just before pressing his contact, something inside me falters.
I jerk the wheel hard, taking a side road that will lead me to Sarah’s. I swipe to her name and dictate a quick text:Hope you’re home. I’ll be there in less than five.
