Page 7 of Reins

Ah, look at that smile fade.

“I think you only like ‘em when they’re screaming ‘no’, isn’t that right?” I also know from the file that somehow the evidence that tied him to this case got lost in transfer.

Imagine that.

“You can’t prove anything.” Some of the bluster fades from his words.

“Then I should let you go? I haven’t seen Ford in years, but I bet he’d let my old sins fall to the side if I mentioned you were getting free.” There’s nothing in the reports indicating that Ford has taken justice into his own hands.

But with the string of disappearances of the men who were accused or mentioned in Sarah’s rape and murder, I know him well enough to make an educated guess that most of them will never be found.

By the blown look of his pupils, I’d say he doesn’t like that idea.

“You can’t make me,” he stammers.

That has me laughing. “Looks like your momma, the judge, has already started pulling some strings.” I drop the facade into a serious expression. “Who were you taking the girl to?”

“I didn’t, though!” he protests, sitting straighter.

My teeth grit. “Because you’re a weak man, dropped by a kid in the parking lot. At least, that’s what her statement says.” I make a point of glancing down at the typed pages.

It wasn’t her that had said it, but he doesn’t know that.

His features cloud and his skin mottles. “Fuck you, no I didn’t. That bitch needs to shut her mouth.”

“Or what?” Blinking up at him innocently, I give him time to stew.

Max’s jaw works like he’s chewing on his tongue, then he finally shakes his head. “I’m done, asshole.”

With a shrug, I stand and slap the folder closed. “Just letting you know, your mom is under judicial review. All those ‘favors’ she called in? Permanently frozen.”

His dark eyes narrow, but then glass over with a smirk. “No biggie. I’m a tough son of a bitch.”

“Uh huh. Dragging women by their hair and getting taken out by a boy.” I shove my chair under the table and signal the guard. “Looks like you’ll be out of here in no time.”

“Wait, what?” He jerks forward, but I’m already out the door.

I can hear him calling after me as I walk down the concrete hall to the main gate.

As I’m checking out, I stop the officer on duty. “Do me a favor? Let him make a phone call tonight and send me who he calls?”

With a nod, the sergeant jots down a note.

“Thanks. See ya in a few days.” I have no doubts that I’ll be back to talk to Max, especially after I find out who he’s turning to for help.

By the next morning, the sound of my ring tone wakes me from yet another night of reliving the fateful accident that ruined my life.

“Pete?” I say groggily, covering my eyes against the sun.

“Your idea worked. Guess who he called?” he barks out without any pleasantries.

I let out a long exhale in the slim hope he fills in the gap.

I should know better. “Blue Man Group?” I finally give in to his game.

His snort is directly into the speaker. “Better. His cousin.”

Chapter 5 - Rosalyn