Page 31 of Ruthless Intent

“There was a 911 call made from this location. Is everything okay here?” one asks.

I prop one shoulder against the wall and wait to see what she does. She could completely ruin my life again, if she wants to. All she’d have to say is what I’m proposing to her. They’d ask to see the envelope I’m holding. Even though I’ve been exonerated, that won’t matter to them. I’ll always be an ex-convict to the police … especially the ones in this town.

“Oh … I’m sorry, officers. No, it was an accident. I was talking to … to …”

“Mr. Ryder, is that you?” The other cop looks past her.

I push away from the wall and walk forward. “Hi.”

He frowns at me. “May I ask why you’re here?”

“Ashley?” I keep my voice steady, and move to stand beside her. “Would you like to explain to the nice officers why I’m here?”

She glances up at me, licks her lips, then gives a quick nod. “Zain … I mean … Mr. Ryder wanted to clear the air. Obviously, the … the last time we saw each other was … was …”

“What Ashley is trying to say,” I cut in smoothly, “is that I stopped by to tell her there were no hard feelings. I understood that she was young, and she didn’t see what she thought she saw.”

“Is that right, Ms. Trumont?”

Her lips quirk up into a smile. “Yes, yes that’s correct. In fact, he was just leaving.” Her head turns, and angry blue eyes meet mine. “Aren’t you?”

“Once I’ve secured your agreement for me to take you to dinner.”

Her eyes narrow. I smile.

“Unless, you’d prefer me to?—”

“No!” She almost yells the word. “I’ll be ready at seven.”

“I’ll be here.” I step through the door. “Officers.” I incline my head. “I’ll see you later, Ashley.”

All three of them are still standing there when I reach Peter’s car. I don’t drive off straight away. Instead, I take out my cell and place a call. It’s answered on the first ring.

“I expected you to call yesterday. How did your first day of freedom feel?” The male voice has an amused undercurrent to it.

“Honestly? Weird.”

He laughs. “Yeah, I feel that. It took me a couple of months to adjust and I wasn’t inside anywhere near as long as you. Where are you now?”

“Back in Whitstone.”

“Already? No, don’t answer that. It’s what I’d have done. How’s your plan going?”

“It evolved.”

“Don’t they always?”

“Do you have any of the information I need or do you need more time?”

“Oh, I have lots of information. Let’s see. The things we know about Ashley Trumont, page one …”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

ASHLEY

The police stay on the doorstep, making small talk. But I know they’re lingering because of who they saw in my house. I guess it’s to make sure he isn’t forcing me to say or do anything I don’t want to. The thought makes hysterical laughter rise up in my throat.

“Are you sure everything is okay, miss?”

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