Page 162 of Temporary Vows

“Of course.” Jack drinks too. “Anyway. I’m working on a few ideas. Hoping they pan out soon.”

“That’s great.”

“Yeah,” Elodie agrees. “That’s really great.”

“What are you working on?” I ask.

“Mainly expanding the business to work with a few more dealerships, and services.”

Sounded like he was actually getting his shit together.

A commotion breaks through the low hum of the restaurant. Voices raise first, then the heavy thud of boots echo on the hardwood. I look past Jack and my stomach drops.

Four uniformed police officers are cutting through the dining room in a tight formation, heading straight for us. Every head turns, conversations die mid-sentence, and a waiter freezes with a plate in his hand.

Elodie grabs my arm. "What's happening?"

I don't answer because I don't know. They look like they’re coming for me. I haven’t done anything they can pin on me, but my body is already moving. I straighten and square my shoulders, ready for whatever this is. But they get closer and then I realize they're looking at Jack.

The tallest officer reaches the table first. He doesn't hesitate to grab Jack’s arm and yank him to his feet.

"Jack Harper, you're under arrest on charges related to the possession and distribution of controlled substances. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law?—"

"What the fuck?" Jack's face drains of color. "Get off me. This is a mistake."

Elodie shoots to her feet. "No. No, no, no." Her voice cracks. "Jack?"

He doesn't answer her. He can't. They're already cuffing him.

"This is a mistake!" Jack is yelling now, his voice bouncing off the walls. "I haven't done anything. Get your hands off me!"

The officers don't care. One of them pins his wrists tighter while the other continues reading him his rights like it's a script he's recited a thousand times. All eyes are on us. Phones are already out.

I don't waste time. I pull mine from my jacket and call Keith. He picks up on the first ring.

"Bring the car around to the front. Now," I tell him.

“Sure thing, Sir.”

He hangs up and I reach for Elodie. Her entire body is trembling and her eyes glassy with shock as she watches them drag her brother through the restaurant.

"Dorian." Her voice is barely there. "I don't know what to do."

I turn her face to mine, my hand firm on her jaw. I need her to focus. "You go home. I'll go sort this out."

"But—"

"Lamb. Let me handle it." I hold her gaze until I see her breathe. "Keith will be outside in two minutes. Go home. I'll take care of it."

“Oh, Dorian.” She leans into my chest and I hold her close, my mind already spinning.

Possession and distribution of controlled substances—drugs.

Jack what the fuck did you do?

Chapter 36

Elodie