Calculated Risk (Blackbridge Security 5)

“Of course,” Quinten snaps. “Is there a reason you don’t—”

Augley holds his hands up as a laugh slips past his lips. “My office is the size of a postage stamp, Lake. We wouldn’t fit in there. Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re fu—freaking big, man. I’m just looking out for your comfort.” The detective turns to look at me. “I’m just taking your statement. You’re not in trouble or in custody. You’re free to leave at any time. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, just say so.”

I give the man a nod and a weak smile. Even with his assurance, I still feel like a criminal as we enter the room and take our seats.

“First, we’re going to talk about what happened. After, I can either have you write it down for your statement, or I can have one of the clerks type it up from the tape and you can come back and sign it.”

“Whichever you prefer,” I offer, trying to be helpful, but the very last thing I want to do is show up here twice.

“Handwritten is always best,” Detective Augley says. “Now, let’s get started.”

He asks questions and I answer, just like I thought was going to happen, but he doesn’t take an accusatory tone or try to catch me in a lie. I relay exactly what happened, and I’m doing well until I have to talk about the moment the guy’s gun came out. I’m unable to get through that part without shaking and keeping my eyes dry.

Quinten clasps my hand in his but remains silent. He doesn’t try to interject or tell me to breathe when I get a little out of sorts at the end, and that brings me more comfort than he could possibly know. He doesn’t discount my emotions. He lets me feel them, lets me work my way through them.

“All done?” Augley asks as he steps back into the room. He gave me time to write my statement.

I sign my name at the bottom with him showing me how to initial in different spots so nothing can be added to the document later.

“I can’t tell you much about the investigation, but please know that we haven’t apprehended everyone involved. I highly suggest not returning to your house until we do.”

“Okay.”

“If that’s a problem, the Feds can arrange a safe house for—”

“She’s staying with me,” Quinten snaps, his arm going around my back once again.

Augley smiles. “And that’s probably the safest house in the city.”

Tell that to my heart.

“Thank you for your time,” I tell him.

“If you remember anything else or have questions…” Augley says, handing me his business card.

I take it and nod, letting Quinten guide me out of the police station.

Chapter 31

Quinten

“That was exhausting,” Hayden mutters once we’re both inside my truck.

“I need to run by the office to take care of a few things, but I can drop you off back at—”

“I’d love to see where you work,” she says, a tiny smile playing on her lips.

I get distracted at the sight of them until I have to clear my throat when I realize I’m staring.

“It won’t take long,” I assure her as I pull into traffic.

“Will Jude be there? Or Wren?”

I clench my jaw. “Probably both. Why?”

I see her shrug from the corner of my eye as my hands tighten on the steering wheel. “It’s just more comfortable to be around people I’ve already met.”

I relax a little, but that doesn’t stop my mind from wandering back to the night at the bar and Parker trying hard to get Jude and Hayden to notice each other in a romantic way. The woman flirted with me all damned night, and I couldn’t see anyone else but the woman in my truck right now. In truth, I haven’t been able to see anyone since she gave me attitude over the phone when I called to welcome her back to class along with her flirty friend.

Something shifted recently because I have Hayden with me, and Parker’s car was in Jude’s spare spot this morning in the garage. I make a point to ask my best friend just what the hell is going on when I get a chance, but that concern is secondary to the woman with me now.

“This office is filled with a group of characters,” I warn after opening the passenger door for her. “They’re probably going to give me a hard time.”

“For what?” she asks, her hands automatically going to my shoulders when I reach to help her out of my truck.

“Could be anything but know that we’re family. Blackbridge is home, and even though I may want to throttle them on occasion, I trust each of them with my life. You can do the same.”

She nods, her fingers toying with the tiny hairs at the base of my skull as I lift her out of the truck. I’m reluctant to release her, but I get the feeling she wouldn’t be okay with me carrying her into the office.