Page 335 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

“Still holds true, Lara. Here I am.” He stroked his palm down the length of her hair. “You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.”

She didn’t meet his eyes. “I never expected to hold you to that. You said those words a long time ago.”

“When I said always, I meant it.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He sighed, wishing he could’ve been there for her all along. But fate had brought them together again. This time—the gift of a second chance—he wouldn’t let her go. And she wasn’t doing this alone.

He brushed away the teardrop that clung to her bottom lashes. “I’m right here with you. Ready to give your statement?”

She exhaled a determined sigh. “I’m ready.”

“That’s my girl.”

Tucking his arm securely around her, he escorted her into the police station. He flashed his military badge and requested an urgent meeting with an available detective. Two of the town’s three detectives on duty were at the site of the bombing, the dispatcher revealed.

“We have information about that,” Dominic stated.

Recognizing Dominic’s position of authority, the woman swiftly led them to Detective Rally’s office. She knocked before introducing them. “These folks want to give a statement,” she said. “About the bombing tonight.”

The detective stood and ushered them inside. The dispatcher closed the door for privacy.

“How can I help you?” the man in his late forties asked, a haggard expression etching creases in his forehead. His gray-flecked goatee framed the weariness in his mouth. No doubt this small-town force rarely faced the drama of a bomb going off in their jurisdiction.

Dominic revealed his badge again, and Detective Rally straightened. “This woman owns the car that exploded forty-five minutes ago.”

Detective Rally’s eyes widened, his expression alert as he set down his coffee cup. A welcoming tone colored his words as he asked them to have a seat. He reached for a pad and pen, ready to take notes. “I’m glad you’re still here to give your statement, ma’am,” he said, his tone laced with compassion and concern.

Dominic immediately warmed to the detective, sensing his professionalism.

Lara hesitated before speaking. “I don’t want to accuse anyone without proof. But today my boss Mr. Landon was arrested on charges of…” She paused, rubbing her forehead. “There were five charges, I didn’t memorize them.”

The detective cleared his throat. “You mean Mark Landon, the financial consultant?”

Lara flicked a fearful glance at Dominic. “This was a bad idea. I-I don’t want to say anything more.”

“We’re here because you’re in danger, Lara,” Dominic interjected. He shifted toward the detective. “And we believe her professional association made Landon orchestrate that bomb to destroy evidence—to destroy her. An attempt on her life.” Dominic’s jaw clenched as he directed a sharp look across the desk. “You took an oath to serve and protect.” His voice lowered to a menacing octave. “Is there any reason you can’t fulfill that duty, on behalf of a woman who needs your help? Because you might have a personal connection with the potential perpetrator?”

Detective Rally bristled slightly. “No, sir. I take that oath seriously. In fact, my grandparents have their life savings invested with Mark Landon.” The man paled slightly. “If he’s been arrested on financial fraud charges, most of this community has a stake in what you have to say, Miss…”

“Atlas,” she said. “Lara Atlas.”

“I need to record your statement. Are you okay with that?”

She glanced at Dominic, and he nodded with encouragement. “You need this on the record. An official statement, to protect yourself.”

Her lower lip trembled. “In case…something happens to me…”

“Nothing’s gonna happen to you, honey,” Dominic vowed with steel in his voice. As long as I’m alive and in your world, no one will hurt you, Lara. Ever.

She spent the next thirty minutes giving her witness statement, valiantly providing detailed accounts of her experiences despite her anxiety. She also revealed her doubts about her boss’s recent behavior, based on what Dominic had logically pointed out, reinforcing her concerns and worrisome conclusions.

When the interview concluded, he felt proud of her.

“One last thing.” As he walked them out of his office, Rally pulled Lara aside in the hallway “Off the record.” He scratched his goatee, shifting from foot to foot. “My grandparents poured their life savings into Landon’s funds. Grandpa worked damned hard as a butcher for three decades in this town before he retired. I’d hate to think they’d be left destitute, without access to the money he slaved for his whole life. Lara, can you check on their account balance?”

Disheartened, she said, “Sorry. I no longer have access to anyone’s balance or accounts.”

---