Page 38 of Protecting Salvation

“You’re reaching, Detective. What has the coroner put as the time of death?”

“Between three and four pm yesterday afternoon.”

“Have you even bothered to ask my client if she has an alibi?”

McCain pinned her with a look loaded with disdain and hatred. “Do you have an alibi?”

“Yes, I do. I was at home all afternoon.”

He sneered like he thought he had won. “Alone?”

“Oh no, I have seven witnesses who were with me all afternoon and one who has not left my side since my office break-in.”

McCain looked like he might have a coronary.

The door opened and Aubrey stood there looking like she ate nails for breakfast. “Detective, a word?”

It was almost funny to see him fight his natural reaction to being told what to do by a woman who was his superior.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Damon gave Peyton a short nod and tip of his lips as they waited. The clock ticking was loud and Peyton wondered what stories this room could tell as she waited for McCain to come back inside.

The door opened again and McCain was gone, leaving Aubrey there. “Dr Lawson, you are free to go.”

Peyton blinked, not sure if it was real. The weight of a hand on her shoulder made her look up at a smiling Damon, but his wasn’t the face she wanted to see, it was the dark brooding man with a gentle heart. “Thank you.”

Aubrey shook her head, clearly in professional mode now as she offered a hand, which Peyton took in a firm grasp. “I apologize on behalf of West Mercia for the treatment you have received. If you wish to lodge a complaint, my office will send over the details.”

“I appreciate that.” Usually, her default would be to let something go but men like McCain, in positions of power, weren’t something she could overlook.

Aubrey gave an approving nod and she walked out, head held high with Damon ushering her towards the front desk where her belongings were given back to her. Damon was on the phone to someone and Peyton was shocked to see the sun disappearing already, the sky beginning to smudge with darkness. She was barely out the door when Warren was there. His long strides ate up the space from Lotus’ car and she was swept up in his arms. His hand cupped the back of her head, his big body pressed against her, arms holding her firm to him like he never wanted to let go. And she knew that feeling because she held on tight like she never wanted to let go either.