Thirteen (Otherworld 13)

"Absolutely not," she said. "This young woman is my publicist, and you can't treat her like a terrorist. I came here to check out venues for a possible charity appearance. That's right--charity. New Orleans has been through hell, and if you want tourists coming back, you can't arrest them on the street . . ."

She continued her diva rant as Medina started leading me toward the cruiser.

"It's okay," I said to Jaime, trying to shut her up. "You stay here. Let Adam know I've been delayed. He'll have to postpone the interview. I won't be long and--"

"Take your hands off her!" Jaime yelled at the cop.

"She's not touching me," I said. "Listen, Jaime--"

She aimed a kick at Medina's shins. It didn't come close. Intentionally so--the one thing Jaime can do is kick with the precision of a stiletto-clad kung fu artist.

The younger officer--Holland--grabbed her. "Cut that out," he said. "Or you'll be going to the station with her."

Jaime wrenched free. "Don't you dare lay your hands on me!" She feigned another kick and lost her balance, stumbling. "You tripped me!"

"Get her in the car, too," Medina said.

As H

olland muscled her toward the car, Jaime put up little resistance. Once in the backseat, she slid over, making room for me.

"What the hell?" I whispered as Medina shut the door.

"You're my backup and I'm yours," she said. "If they take one, they take both."

While I appreciated the support, I'd rather she made sure Jeremy and Adam got Bryce to a doctor. Before I could protest, the officers climbed into the front seat and we pulled away. Jaime handed me her cell and whispered, "Call Paige."

I didn't. I called Lucas. After he'd answered, I leaned into the gap between the front seats.

"I'm calling Jaime's manager to cancel the interview. That's okay, right?"

Medina looked ready to say no, but her partner nodded. "Just keep it short."

Lucas was waiting patiently, having realized from my comment to Medina that something was up. "Hey," I said to him. "Can you call Adam at the Daily and postpone that interview and photo shoot. Jaime and I . . . we kinda got ourselves arrested. Adam's waiting for us with the photographer. Bryce something-or-other."

"Dare I ask what's going on?"

"Mmm, better not. Seems someone thought they saw me near an explosion, which is total bullshit. I've been baby-sitting--" I cast a quick glance at Jaime, who faked a scowl. "Um, keeping Jaime company. Anyway, it's a big misunderstanding that I'm sure will amuse everyone at the office later. I'm hoping this will be cleared up soon, but tell Adam to wait no more than thirty minutes. I know he has important things to do."

"All right." Lucas paused, then asked, "Are you both okay?"

"We're fine. We didn't embarrass ourselves too badly, so no emergency intervention required."

Another silence on his end.

"Really," I said.

Medina twisted to look back at me. "A short call."

"Gotta go," I said.

"All right. Let me know if you need legal help."

"I'm sure we won't. It's just questioning."

Medina signaled for me to cut it off. I said good-bye and handed the phone back to Jaime.

TWO