“This is a friendly conversation. No need for lawyers. I haven’t read you your rights, so nothing you could say would be admissible in court anyway. I only wanted to get to know the bride of Adam Harris.”
“What interest do you have in my husband?” I take a seat behind my desk, needing it between us.
“Other than him being part of a motorcycle gang?” He gives me a knowing look.
“Motorcycles are his hobby. He enjoys riding with others who feel the same. They are far from a gang.” I recite the words my father always taught me.
“Of course. We can’t prove they are a gang, but Ridge recently did something that brought him onto our radar. Did you know that while it is not illegal to get married for an inheritance, it can call into question if the couple has committed fraud. We might be able to prove it. Might not.” He shrugs. “Either way, it would tie things up for a long time. Or we could leave you out of this…”
I snort. “Oh, yeah? You’ll leave me out of it if I turn on the club? Tell you all their dirty little secrets. Or maybe you want me to plant devices in my own home so you can spy on my husband. Is that it?”
“Your home. The clubhouse. Really, anywhere that you think we could find good information,” he says, taking the bait.
I shake my head. “Does this actually work?”
“More than you realize. There are a lot of people out there not willing to do time for others, even if they claim they will. Now,let’s be honest with each other here. You haven’t changed your name. You live with him, but you don’t share a room with him. You are never seen on his bike. It’s not a real marriage. What skin is it off your back to help us out?”
“You have it all wrong. You know nothing about me or my relationship with my husband. Since this isn’t a formal conversation, you won’t mind if I’m less formal with you then. You can get fucked. Seriously, take those ideas you think you have, stick them up your ass, then spin because you don’t have the first idea about my love life. Why I didn’t change my name is none of your fucking business. Many women keep their maiden names, especially after losing their parents. If you want to go after him and me and claim this isn’t real, we will prove how wrong you are, and then, just for the hell of it, I will spend all of my free time making sure you never have a job in law enforcement again. You think you can come in here and threaten me? You have no idea what you have done. I’m not some little girl who is scared of law enforcement. I’m a well-educated woman who knows the laws and what you are and are not allowed to do. As of right now, you are trespassing on this property. You will leave and not come back unless you have a warrant for my arrest. If you continue to harass me, I will report you to every board from here to DC for the harassment and blast your name and face all over social media so that everyone knows what a small-cocked asshole you really are. If that doesn’t stop you, well, use your imagination,” I growl at him.
“Is that a threat?” he asks, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Did you hear a threat come out of my mouth? I am only educating you on the avenues I will take should you continue to harass my husband and me. You are free to show yourself out now. Don’t let the door hit you as you go.”
He chuckles as he stands. “I was told you were a spitfire, but I never realized how much. I look forward to seeing you again, Mrs. Harris. Oh, I’m sorry. Miss Wilson.”
“A viper,” I tell him.
“What?” he asks, looking over his shoulder at me.
“I’m not a spitfire. I’m a viper, and if you aren’t careful, you will get bitten.”
He smirks. “I look forward to it.”
As he leaves my office, my heart pounds in my chest. I don’t know how much of what he said was true, but I know I need to talk to Ridge right now.
I gather my things, leaving my office in a rush.
“Hey, where are you going?” Alice asks.
“It’s an emergency. I’ll be back tomorrow. Sorry,” I yell to her as I head out the door.
I don’t have time to stop and explain.
I need to get ahead of this as soon as possible.
Ridge
It’s been another long day of working in the sun. The skin on the back of my neck feels tight. I forgot to apply sunscreen before I climbed up on the roof, so I’m sure to have a burn.
“Hey, Ridge. Isn’t that your old lady?” Harold, one of our workers who isn’t in the club, calls out to me.
I look down and see Rain’s truck come flying into the construction parking lot. My heart starts to beat faster.
Something is wrong.
“I’ll be back,” I tell whoever might be listening as I climb down the ladder.
Then I head toward her, but she is already halfway to me. When she is within reaching distance, she throws herself at me, her arms wrapping around me.
