Page 88 of Whatever You Want

“You need to calm down and start talking. Your ride is on its way to take you to jail. There is only one way to save your ass right now. Tell us where you got the knife and what you know about that guy. If you don’t tell us before that patrol car pulls up, the deal is off the table.”

“Don’t you have to offer me an attorney first?” He looked two seconds away from freaking out again.

“I’m just simply asking where you got the knife. If you think you’re going to implicate yourself in the murder that took place in this alley a few months ago, then we’d be happy to read you your rights, book you, and call for a defense attorney.”

“I didn’t kill her, I swear. I bumped into him that night as he was rounding the corner of the alley. I spotted Tammy on the ground and the bloody knife in his hand. He chased me, but I know the streets better than him, so I was able to get away. He’s been driving around in his Audi asking about me. A guy like that don’t come down to the south side of Philly unless he wants something, or someone.” He swallowed nervously. “My brother knows I’m always getting myself in trouble. He bought me a switchblade so I could protect myself. He’d be pissed at me if he knew I was robbing people.”

We were getting off topic here.

“You sure the guy you just saw was him?” It sounded like my suspect was coming back to the scene of the crime, trying to tie up a loose end. Barry didn’t know it yet, but we might have just saved his life tonight.

“I’m sure. I always liked Tammy.” He blinked and looked over to the small crowd that had gathered around. “She was always nice to me. She would give me snacks and soda.” He smiled at the memory and frowned. “I was mad when I saw what he did to her.”

“All right, Barry.” Mike patted his chest. “I’m going to have you stop there.” Two Philly PD cars, flashing their red and blue lights, pulled up. Barry still seemed like he was trying to figure out if he had any other options.

I looked over Mike’s shoulder at the sound of more sirens getting closer. Only it wasn’t another cop car that just rolled up.

“I don’t need an ambulance, Mike.” I knew it was policy, but fuck that. It was unnecessary.

He pointed to my chest. “You need to get that checked out.” There was a warning in his tone, and I knew well enough not to argue. I grumbled as the paramedics raced over. “I can take it from here,” he said and swiftly walked away. “Call me with an update once they get you patched up,” he yelled over his shoulder as I watched Barry get shoved into the back of the police cruiser.

At least now we had a witness. Too bad I had to get stabbed to get that information. My skin burned like it was on fire. All I could think about was how pissed Ava would be when she found out what had happened.

My knees bounced with nerves as my Uber pulled away from the airport. I tapped on the last message and reread it for the umpteenth time to ensure I didn’t miss anything.

Luke: We just left the hospital. We are headed to Logan’s house now. Text us when you land.

When Luke called last night and told me Logan had been stabbed, I booked the first flight out in the morning. My mom insisted on Madison staying with her in Florida for a few extra days, which worked out better because I wasn’t sure what I’d have on my hands, and I wanted to give Logan all my attention.

My head rested against the back of the seat, and I did my best to tune out the driver, who was trying to make small talk during the twenty-five-minute drive. My thoughts were racing, and regardless of how hard Luke tried to reassure me that Logan was fine, my panic would not go away until I saw him with my own eyes.

The second my Uber pulled up in front of his house, I bolted from my seat. My driver gave me the stink eye, not liking that I hopped out of the car before he had a chance to put it in park.

I sprinted up the driveway and was completely out of breath when I reached his front door and pushed it open. His entire family was there, but all I could focus on was him. My knees almost gave out when I confirmed he was in one piece.

He was resting on the couch, surrounded by a mountain of pillows and covered in blankets. I wasn't sure what to expect, but he looked normal, so I took that as a good sign.

He opened his arms once he saw me. I rushed over and palmed his cheeks. “I was so worried.” Tears clouded my vision as I looked over his injury. “I got here as fast as I could.”

He grabbed my hands and pulled my mouth to his. “You really didn’t need to cut your trip short." He brushed his lips softly against mine. “I’m fine, but I’m glad you’re here.”

“There is no place else I’d rather be.” I melted into his embrace and buried my face into his neck. After taking a few minutes to soak him in, I lifted my head and waved to his mother. She was sipping her coffee while her head rested on Patrick’s shoulder. Luke sat in a chair in the corner, smiling warmly at us.

“Thank you for calling me, Luke.”

“Of course.” He crossed his legs and leaned back. His eyes shifted to his brother. “I wanted to make sure to keep you in the loop. My little brother has a habit of downplaying his injuries.”

I shook my head. “Not surprising.”

Logan squeezed my hip. “I’m right here, you know. You guys don’t need to talk about me like I’m not in the room.”

I rested my cheek against his chest, and he winced. “Shit, I’m sorry.” There was a white gauze bandage peeking up through the neckline of his T-shirt. I ran my hand lightly over the top of his injury and nestled myself into his good side.

He wiped the moisture from under my eyes and kissed me on the lips. “I’m fine, sweetheart.”

“See what I mean.” Luke rose from the chair and brought Logan an extra pillow to help support his arm.

“Your brother is right.” I adjusted the blanket over his lap. “It has to hurt.”

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