My moment of excitement has been soured now. I was ready to get home to Ash, finish what we started, but now I just want answers.
Why in the hell would she lie to the cops about the father of her child? I realize she’s protecting the bastard, but that’s crossing a line.
The detective follows me down the drive, and Ash is smiling with Trip in her arms when she opens the door to see me. Her moment of happiness ends when her eyes fall on the detective following close on my heels as we both near the door.
“Hey,” she says softly as my arm wraps around her waist. “What’s going on? Did something happen?”
***
Ashiara
“I can’t believe this monster is now after Trip! Who in the fuck is this obsessed with me?” I whimper, and Tag holds me to his body as I restrain my tears, happy they're not cascading down my cheeks.
Trip is lying in his pin, sleeping peacefully, unaware of the madman out there after us both.
“Ms. Branderwood, about the person you told us was your child’s father, we know that’s your friend—your female friend.”
I swallow hard, and Tag’s grip tightens on me.
Please not in front of him.
“I’m sorry. At the time, I just panicked. I didn’t want him involved.”
“Is he a violent person?” the detective asks.
“No, of course not. He’s a great guy.”
“A great guy?” Tag scoffs. “A great guy would be here for his son. A great guy would be here for you.”
Exactly. He’s a great guy, dumbass.
The detective clears his throat a little when he senses Tag’s anger on the matter, and then he turns back to me.
“It’s possible he could be the suspect. We need to find him. At the very least, he should know what’s going on.”
“He’s not your suspect,” I quickly object. “And he’s perfectly aware of the situation.”
“And he’s still not here?” Tag snarks. “Yeah. Great guy.”
I roll my eyes, and then I see the detective not impressed or pleased with my answer.
“I need to speak with him, Ms. Branderwood. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to give me his true identity.”
“If this is about the guy who attacked me, he was short. I told you that. He’s very short. Trip’s dad is incredibly tall.”
“Ms. Branderwood, please don’t make me ask you again,” the detective mumbles, exasperated.
“I can’t. I can’t right now. It’s not him, and I promise he’s aware of the situation surrounding his son.”
He tightens his lips, and then he tilts his head as he stares at Tag. I get sick as his mind wraps around the thing Tag hasn’t figured out. He purses his lips, and then he walks over to stare down at my son.
“He doesn’t look much like you, Ms. Branderwood. I see a striking resemblance to someone else I’ve spoken to though.”
Tag whips his head around, and then he rushes over to stare at Trip alongside the detective. I almost feel dizzy. I’m so sick right now. This isn’t how I wanted him to find out.
“Who?” Tag demands.
The detective shakes his head and returns to me.