Page 116 of I Stop Somewhere Waiting For You

“And your efforts were for nothing,” Mav taunts. “Nothing was ever going to keep me from her. The fact that you even thought Amber capable shows what a fucking amateur you are.”

For the first time, Cabir flashes a wide smile. And though he’s not the least bit terrifying, something about it has me chilled to the bone. “Bishop, make no mistake. I didn’t think that dumb cunt was capable of shit. Ultimately, while her antics were amusing, that wasn’t what I needed her for.”

“Oh yeah, motherfucker?” Mav postures. “Then what the fuck did you need her for?”

Cabir leans forward into the space between us, his brow arching. “Establishing motive.”

“Wha—?

“MAVERICK BISHOP!” an authoritative voice calls out from behind us. Mav and I spin just as several state troopers advance upon us; guns drawn.

“Whoa!” Mav calls out, handing me off to Nicky before raising both hands. “What’s going on?”

One of the cops approaches. “On the ground, Bishop! ON THE GROUND!”

Mav’s jaw clenches, his anger palpable, though he complies. Once his chest hits the pavement, three of them descend upon him, cuffing his hands behind his back where they also locate his weapon. “You got a permit for this?” One officer questions him, removing the gun and handing it off to another.

“Yes,” Mav grits out. “Now, if you all are done violating my rights, you mind telling me what the fuck is going on?”

A sizeable crowd has gathered by this point to watch as Mav is dragged upright before they continue to search him.

“Maverick Bishop, you’re under arrest for the murder of Amber Walsh.”

“What?!” My eyes go wide as I try to rush forward, though Nicky’s grasp on me only tightens.

“You have the right to remain silent,” they continue, undeterred by my screaming.

“NO! HE DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!”

“You have the right to an attorney.”

I look over to find Yuri has slipped away in the chaos, yet Cabir remains, taking pleasure in the ensuing madness. My head spins as I fight to remain calm, assessing what options I have in this moment.

“Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?” The officer reciting his Miranda Rights finally finishes.

“Fuck you,” Mav seethes. Turning toward me, his expression softens. “Baby, go with T. He’s gonna call Murray. Tell him to meet me at the station. Okay? T!” Tristan suddenly appears at my side. “You and Finn stay with her. No exceptions. She goes to the bathroom? She takes one of you with her. Acknowledge.”

“Heard.” T nods.

Just then Nicky’s phone goes off. He pulls it from his pocket, muttering some obscenity as he swipes up at whoever’s calling. “Yeah, a little busy at the moment!” He goes silent, listening intently at whoever’s on the other end as the cops start to lead Mav away. “Are you fucking kidding me?!” Nicky shouts, causing T and I to jump. “Fuck!” he barks out, abruptly ending the call. “T,” he directs his attention toward him, “I’m fucking serious. I know he told you, but I’m telling you too. Until we get back? I hold you personally responsible for her safety.”

“Nicky, what the fuck?” I start to panic, glancing around nervously. “Where are you going?”

“Trust me, Baby J. Not my choice.” He turns to his right, stalking off as he lets out a high-pitched whistle. The surrounding police officers turn just as Cabir looks over as well.

Then Nicky’s fist is colliding with Cabir’s face.

“Nicky!” I scream as T holds me back.

Nicky drops him, climbing on top as he pummels him five, six, seven times. Rico runs over only to freeze when Nicky points at him, issuing a silent command.

Officers pounce, hauling Nicky backward and taking him to the ground. They quickly cuff him before dragging him off in the same direction as Mav.

“I’m serious, T!” he shouts out once more just as medical staff run in to assist a bloody Cabir.

The boys are hauled off while Mav’s and my brother’s soldiers tighten their guard around me, and I’m left wondering what the fuck just happened.

CHAPTER 50

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