“I think I’ll be fine, Hines.”
“If this could cause issues for my future daughter-in-law, I’d like to be there,” he states.
Pisses me off because I plan to do what I can to help my daughter’s best friend,Tessa’s daughter.
“I, too, am concerned about Harper. I’ll see to it that she is fine, as well.”
We glare at each other until a knock on the door calls all our attentions.
Logan and I haven’t even been here an hour before NYPD comes knocking at the door. My girl is in trouble, mainly because of me.
Four cops show up, and Brody and I both stand between the ladies and the cops. Tessa comes up and gets in front of us.
“You two”—Tessa points between me and Brody—“don’t act like a couple of asses. Let them talk. Ava and Harper, just be honest, you’ll be fine.”
“Good evening. We’d like to speak to Ava Links and Harper Abraham,” the cop in the lead states.
“That’s us.” Ava smiles and waves them into the room. “Would you like some pizza, Officers?”
“No, thank you, ma’am.”
“Now, do I look like a ma’am? Isn’t it more like miss?”
“Ava,” I growl as she bats her eyes at the whole situation.
“Ladies, please step out in the hall with us.” One of the four officers nods toward the hall.
“No, they stay.” I try to stay calm.
“You Lucas Links?”
“Yes, I am.”
“We were warned about your temper and about these two.” He points to Maddox and Brody. “Ladies, step outside in the hall, please.”
Tessa stands in front of me and puts her hand on my chest. “Play the game, Links.”
Maddox walks to the doorway, and I am right behind him, watching them.
“Step back into the room, Hines,” one of the fuckers snaps at Maddox.
“No,” he states firmly.
“Fine. Ladies, you’ll be coming downtown with us.”
“What? You have got to be kidding me! I have a black eye, and I’m getting arrested?” Harper asks nervously.
Maddox starts to walk out in the hall, and Brody grabs his shoulder. “Stay back, Maddox.”
“They aren’t taking her!”
“We aren’t arresting you. We’re taking you back to the precinct to interview you. This appears to be a hostile environment.”
That’s when I lose it.
“You’re fucking kidding me, right! You four are armed, for fuck’s sake.”
Tessa fists the back of my shirt.