Page 172 of Rejected By the Alpha King

“Six months. What position do you hold in that town of yours?”

“Mayor of sorts.”

“An elected position?”

“Let’s just say I can be demoted if the town isn’t happy with me. And since you didn’t wait your turn, I’m going to ask two questions. Where were you before, and what happened to the previous detective?”

“Florida. And he quit.”

I noticed that he didn’t say retired. Warnos clearly didn’t approve of the detective’s departure.

“Did you lie to me about what you’re doing in town?”

Carefully, I considered his question. “I am here for supplies, but I also came to retrieve something. Don’t waste a question on what because I won’t answer it. And no, it has nothing to do with those two dead women. What’s your relationship with the next town over?”

“I don’t have a relationship with them, but they often shop in town. What did your wife say to you when she visited last night?”

Ah, so the officers had confessed about their late-night visitors. Or maybe cameras had picked them up. I raised my eyebrows. “That’s a personal question. She’s pretty furious that I’ve been arrested. She’s unhappy about how I’m being treated. She thinks maybe you’re trying to pin this murder on me.”

“Perhaps your wife and I should have a talk.”

I snorted. “I would not recommend that.”

“You get one more question, Mr. Bishop.”

I did. I glanced at the camera and lowered my voice. “Exactly how well do you know the officers who work with you, Detective?”

“Not well at all,” he answered immediately. “One final question for you. Did you somehow manage to switch the bodies in the morgue and the pictures in my file last night?”

“That’s a weirdly specific question. It also sounds pretty impossible to do, especially for someone who was in jail all night long. however it’s a question my lawyer might be interested in.

When is he coming? Or should you just release me and we forget any of this ever happened?”

The detective stood. “I don’t think I’m quite done with you yet.”

81

Anna

I did not question why Kenzi had a miniskirt and a halter top, but I did roll my eyes when she handed it to me. It was the next night, and we were running out of time to free Jax and leave this side of the mountain.

Tonight was the last night we had to confront the motel manager.

Cindy had woken up to just cry and shiver. Finn and Saul were trying to comfort her and help her heal, which was fine. Amelia and Kenzi were both eager to help me with tonight’s errand.

“When was the last time you brushed your hair?” Kenzi complained as she yanked her brush through it. “Sometimes I cannot believe he chose you over me.”

“When you go from being a prisoner, to almost dying, to having your mate locked up in jail, you can tell me where haircare falls in your list of priorities,” I retorted as I winced. It felt like the damn woman was pulling my hair out of my head.

After tying it back with a loose ponytail, I let her put a little bit of powder on my face and then she sent me on my way. I had to remember to quit pulling the skirt down. I was supposed to look desperate, not awkward.

It was just a minute before the office closed. I opened the door and crept in. “Hello?” I called out hesitantly. “Is anyone here? I know you’re about to close, but I’m desperate.”

The magic words. Michael Jones popped his head out from the door and stared at me like I was a mirage. “Do you work here?” I asked hesitantly. “My name is Anna. I’m staying in one of your rooms. I know it’s late, but I just need a few minutes of your time.”

“Of course! I’m always happy to help. Give me just a minute.” He disappeared back into the office and returned a minute later. No doubt trying to close up his private stash of peeping videos. “Just let me lock up. As you’ve said, it is close to closing time. We don’t want anyone else coming.”

After he locked the door, he turned his full attention to me. “Anna, you said? You’re with the Bishop party, correct?”

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