“Reign, you can’t keep putting me off. We need to talk.”
“Rowan, we’ve said all there is to say. Now, I’m headed out to start my weekend. Don’t text or call me. I have plans.”
“What kind of plans?”
“The kind that doesn't concern you. Drop it,” I told him.
The rest of the ride was made in silence. When we reached the garage, Rowan stormed off without saying a word. I heard the squeal of his car tires as he flew out of the garage.
I’d cleared the garage and was turning onto the street when my phone rang. I swore as I took it out of my pocket, assuming it was Rowan. Instead, I saw it was Anastasia.
“Hello Anastasia, I just left the office. Are you anxious to see me?” I teased as I answered.
“Reign, they came back. They’re demanding entry. Arish says he has a legal right to enter.” Her voice shook a tiny bit.
Instantly, fury rushed through me.
“Did you call the police?” I asked.
“I did, then you. They keep pounding on the door,” she replied.
“Is your mom still there?”
“No, she left half an hour ago. She has a work function with Dad tonight that she has to go get ready for.”
I heard the pounding and an indistinct male voice in the background.
“Stay away from the door until the cops get there. I’m hurrying. If you feel they’ll get inside, lock yourself in your bathroom. And Anastasia, take the gun with you.”
“I will. Don’t get into an accident. I called because you insisted I should. Please drive safely. The police will handle them.”
Her tone was stronger.
“I’ll be careful, but you stay safe.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“You never need to say that to me. Hang on, baby.”
She said goodbye and then hung up. I hit the accelerator. The traffic was already heavy, but it would be worse at five o’clock. I wove between vehicles and took side streets where I knew it would reduce the backlog and cut time. It was twenty minutes later that I came to a stop in front of her place. A patrol car sat along the sidewalk, and a luxury car sat in her driveway.
I jumped out and raced to the door, which was shut. I knocked hard. It was opened after my second knock. The greeter was Officer Castle. He gave me a head nod, then motioned for me to come inside. I didn’t bother to remove my shoes.
I found Officer Sierra, Arish, Sam, and another man standing there facing Anastasia. I pushed past them and brought Anastasia to me. I glared at the three men.
“What the hell is the meaning of this?” I snapped.
“He has no right to be here!” Arish exclaimed to the cops, who ignored him.
“I asked him to come,” Anastasia replied.
“Is this the man you told me about?” The unknown man, who, on closer inspection, I saw was older and resembled Arish, asked.
“Yes,Paapa, this is him. He claims to be her boyfriend,” Arish stated with a slight sneer.
“Paapa, Dad, this is Reign Caldwell, and heismy boyfriend,” Anastasia said. At least she translated what they called the man, though it sounded self-explanatory.
“We don’t mean to interrupt, but we need to resolve this. As we were saying before Mr. Caldwell arrived, Ms. Shah had told two of you before that she doesn’t want you coming here. Mr. Shah Senior, it appears the same holds for you as well. We have to ask you to leave. If you persist in ignoring her wishes,then your daughter will file for an order of protection. I assume, as lawyers, you two know what that means,” Officer Sierra said with an edge to her words.
