“We’ve got a complaint we’re following up on,” Troy, the older man said, stepping forward. “Is there someplace we can talk?”
“Here is fine,” Zoey said, holding her head up. “If this is about Lisa Tribberton, I’ve already—”
“It’s not, ma’am,” Troy interrupted. “You’re Zoey Costas?”
“I am.” Zoey nodded.
“We need to ask you a few questions about…” He looked around. “Are you sure there isn’t someplace more private we can go?”
Zoey glanced around. At this time of the day, most guests were enjoying lunch. The lobby was completely empty, except for Jules. Beth had taken her lunch a few moments earlier.
“Here is fine,” Zoey said.
Troy nodded. “We’re here to ask you about a rumor that you had an abortion.”
Everyone was quiet. “She didn’t,” Dylan finally spoke up. “Her doctor, Lea Val, can confirm that.”
“Yes, well.” Larry cleared his throat. “Miss Val’s—”
“Dr. Val,” Brett broke in. “She’s a doctor.”
Larry sighed heavily as if annoyed about the interruption. “Her credentials are under investigation as well.”
“Why?” Zoey asked.
“As you know,” Larry started. Jules noticed that the younger man’s eyes were burning into Zoey’s. “The state of Florida prohibits—”
“We all know the new laws,” Brett barked out to Larry, who glared back at Brett.
Jules knew instantly that the two men didn’t get along.
Since no one was paying attention to her, she picked up her phone and shot a 911 group text to the Wildflowers.
“Cops in lobby. Zoey needs backup. ASAP.”
“We’d like you to come down to the station to answer a few simple questions about what happened,” Larry continued.
“She had a miscarriage.” Dylan almost shouted it. “We lost our baby.”
Zoey placed a hand on his arm.
“If you have nothing to hide, then you won’t mind coming down to the station to answer some questions,” Larry sneered.
Brett stepped forward. “You’ll have to go through their lawyer, who will provide any statements or evidence you need.”
Just then the rest of the Wildflowers showed up. Aubrey actually ran into the room wearing yoga pants and a sweat-soaked top.
“What is this all about?” Elle asked, holding her hands on her protruding belly.
“You can come to the station now peacefully, or we can handcuff you.” Larry stepped forward, reaching for his handcuffs.
“Troy, rein in your dog,” Brett warned, taking a step between Larry and Zoey.
“Step back,” Troy said to Larry. “Mrs. Costas has the right to retain her lawyer. We’ll expect you and your lawyer to appear in the station by tomorrow morning,” Troy said to Brett. He turned to Larry and barked, “Wait for me in the car.”
The man glared back at Brett, then Zoey, before turning and leaving.
“Sorry to do this to you, but the law is… well, you know,” Troy said to Brett.