“Tell me your three G-men aren’t packing,” the oldest officer huffs.
“Are you gonna cuff me?” Ava smiles and holds out her wrists.
“Do we need to?” the youngest officer blatantly flirts with her.
Control lost, and I can’t help it. “Watch how you talk to my daughter, fuck stick.”
“Lucas, shut up.” Tessa pushes in front of me and leans back against me, ensuring I won’t move. “Officers, this is unnecessary. Can’t you all just go down in the lobby and chat?”
“Sorry, ma’am.” He tips his hat.
“Harper and Ava, we’ll be right behind you.” Tessa’s voice quivers.
“With an ass-load of lawyers and a fucking lawsuit, or at least media coverage talking about what a bunch of pussies NYPD employs.”
“Hey, Maddox, it’s all right,” Harper says, trying to calm him when it’s clear she’s nervous as hell.
“You’ve been through enough!” Maddox’s voice booms.
“She has me. Oh, and by the way, boys, unless your cuffs are pink and fuzzy, I would prefer they not be put on me.” Ava takes Harper’s hand. “Come on; we’re just going on an adventure.”
“If anything happens to them, I will—”
Tessa jumps in front of Maddox. “Not another word, or you’ll be joining them, and not for questioning.”
The elevator doors open, and I hear Ava say, “Did you guys know I’m a law student?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Well, technically, I’m a third year student, concentrating on criminal law. So, I know we are cooperating with you and am sure you’ll treat us as such. Harper is…”
The door shut on the elevator, and we all scramble to get our shit together and head down to the police station.
“Fuck! She better control herself.” I crouch down.
“Give her some credit, Lucas.” Tessa pats my head. “Come on; let’s get a move on.”
Tessa hugs Maddox. “She’ll be fine.”
Maddox looks like he’s going to blow. I’ve heard shit about that boy. Harper needs him to keep his shit together.
“They both will be. Hey, Logan, you hang here.”
“No, Dad. I’m—”
“Logan, it wasn’t a question, and for God’s sake, don’t call your mother.” I rub a hand over my stubble and swing my eyes to Maddox. “We got this.”
?
I walk into the precinct, holding Tessa’s hand, a show of friendship.Yeah, I remember the damn rules.
When she starts to lose it, I step up, just like she needs me to. Who the fuck am I kidding? I need to do that for her.
“Trust me, Tessa?”
“What are you up to?”
“Trust me, Tessa.” This time, it’s not a question. “Tell Hines to call whoever his publicist is and have her ready if I don’t get anywhere. But sit back and watch this shit. No worries, okay?”