Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Wow. I didn’t expect him to be so direct. I suppose he has limited time. He must know Angelo is most probably trying to bail me out as we speak. Not because my husband cares about me. He just wants to make sure I don’t talk.
He crosses his arms. “It’s something to consider—your freedom.”
If only he knew. I don’t dare open my mouth. Ever. It won’t bear well for Ryan or my family who are accomplices in murder. No, I’m stuck. I’m in this marriage for better or worse, for as long as I live, and judging by the way it’s going, it’s leaning toward the worse end of the scale.
“Mrs. Russo.” He sighs. “I’m going to put Angelo Russo behind bars if it’s the last thing I do. There are only two sides in this war. You better make sure you choose the right one. Silence makes you guilty too. When the time comes to lock him away for life, you don’t want to share that sentence.”
“Is that why you planted the drugs on me?” I ask, looking straight at the camera. “So that you could drag me down here to offer me a deal?”
He only smiles. “Take a little time to think about it.” Leaning forward, he says in a tone soft enough not to be caught on the recording, “I’ll be back for you.”
The threat hangs between us, our breaths making white puffs as the words dissipate into the frigid air. The promise feels like a noose around my neck, and the rope is in Lieutenant Lavigne’s hands. Is he bluffing? I can’t get a read on him. There’s no way of telling.
Taking a business card from the pocket of his padded jacket, he pins it with a finger on the table and slides it toward me. “That’s my number. Memorize it. You can call me when you have an answer or information.” He adds in a dark tone, “Or anytime you need my help.”
I look from the card to his face. “Your help? After what you just did, what makes you think I’ll ever trust you?”
“Your husband has a reputation. Let’s just say he has an appetite for violence. You may need me sooner than you think.”
I swallow at that, because he may be right. Only, I can never turn to him for help. I can’t turn to anyone for that matter.
The door opens with a squeak. We both turn our heads that way. A tall man in a three-piece suit carrying a briefcase in his hand enters. His dark-blond hair and pale blue eyes remind me of Colin. My chest tightens at the thought of my friend and how I left him. I hope he’s all right. I wish I could check on him. I wish I could call Ryan and make sure they’re fine.
The newcomer glances briefly at me before settling his gaze on the lieutenant. “I’m Gervais Laurent, Mr. Russo’s lawyer. I’ll be representing Mrs. Russo. What are the charges?”
Lieutenant Lavigne faces me squarely, his signature smile curving his lips. “No charges.” He adds with emphasis, “This time.”
Mr. Laurent’s manner is business-like. “Unlock her hands and feet. If Mrs. Russo has been maltreated, you’ll hear from me again.”
“Oh, she has,” the lieutenant says. “But not by us.”
Mr. Laurent ignores the comment. He waits for Lieutenant Lavigne to uncuff me and to remove the chains from my ankles. When I’m free, Mr. Laurent takes my arm and helps me to stand. I’m grateful for the support. My body is stiff after sitting for so long, and my legs are uncooperative. I feel cold and brittle from the lack of blood circulation, and by the time the lawyer guides me into the lobby of the station, my teeth are chattering.
The space is crowed with people, but Angelo immediately draws my gaze. He’s a head taller than everyone, his black hair shining under the flickering lights. Even if he didn’t stand out because of his height, the fury rolling off him in waves would’ve caught my attention. Quiet violence glimmers in the depths of his dark eyes.
The people clear a path as he comes toward me with long, powerful strides. He carries my coat in one hand and a travel mug in the other. His gaze drills into mine, a thousand turbulent emotions transmitted as he hands Mr. Laurent the mug and helps me to pull on the coat, but not a word is said. Not here. I understand that.
Angelo holds my gaze as he buttons up the coat. I don’t make sense of all those emotions. I do however register the questions burning in his eyes.
Did I talk?
Did I break?
Did I betray him?
These questions are the only explanation for the cold, silent anger that pulsates around him.
He drapes an arm around my shoulders and pulls me into the warmth and protection of his body. Shielding me against him, he leads me outside as fast as my feet allow.