Page 22 of Ciaran

I draw to a stop and plant my hands on my hips, my anger blooming until I have no choice but to let rip before it consumes me. “I don’t care what you thought. You undermined me and made me feel inadequate, when in reality I’m more than capable of dealing with a pissed-off client. I don’t need you swooping in and taking over. I’ve had enough of being controlled. I won’t stand for it any longer.”

My hand flies to my mouth, my eyes widening. Oh, hell. Ciaran’s startled expression at my outburst mirrors my own shock, and he reaches out a hand, but I back away.

“I-I need to go.”

“Don’t. Not like this. I promise I won’t interfere again. Just…just talk to me, please.”

Shaking my head vigorously, I say, “I’m sorry, Ciaran. I can’t.”

Then I spin on my heel and run.

Chapter 8

Ciaran

Forty-five minutes earlier…

After slamming the locker, I turn to my partner. “Got time for a quick drink before I head off for home?”

“You buying?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, count me in.”

We head to a bar a few blocks down from our precinct. It’s a decent place, frequented mainly by off-duty cops. I take a seat at the back, and the bartender drops off a couple of beers. I take a long pull, then pinch the bridge of my nose. I haven’t been able to get what Millie said the other night off my mind. Her quiet plea of “Don’t ask me” told me everything I needed to know. If I ever see Tanner Bailey again, I will skin that bastard alive.

“So, you gonna tell me what’s been bugging your ass these last couple days?” Draven asks.

I tease at my beard. “I went to see Detective Black today at the DVU.”

Draven cocks a brow. “You transferring to Domestic Violence without telling me?”

I snort. “Can you imagine me working there?”

“No.” Draven laughs. “You’d be too tempted to ‘educate’ the fuckers and land yourself in a pile of crap on the daily.”

“Exactly. No, I went about Millie.”

Draven angles his chin up. “She’s finally told you what happened?”

“Nope. She’s as reserved as ever, but I’m not stupid.”

“You are sometimes.”

I roll my eyes and sigh. “Can we be serious for a minute or so?”

His palms bracket either side of his head. “Okay, got it. Go.”

“I’ve seen enough DV victims, both of physical violence and coercive control, to make me believe that’s what might have happened to Millie.”

“What did Black say?”

“That she should make a formal complaint, and if her ex turns up and harasses her, they can apply for an Order of Protection.” I grimace. So does Draven. We both know those things are virtually symbolic and won’t stop a determined abuser.

“Will she make it formal?”

I blow out a breath. “No fucking idea. But one thing’s certain: if I push, she’ll run.”

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