Page 62 of Above All Else

How can he look so conflicted yet assure me everything will be fine?

Because he’s not the one being held responsible.

Immunity didn’t apply to me.

Was this how the cops explained away the societies misdeeds?

I pressed the button, and my seatbelt released its hold. “Have I done something wrong?”

“Please step out of the vehicle.” He pulled on the door handle and opened it wide, allowing me to pass through. “To the back of the car, please. Do you have any weapons I need to be aware of?”

My stomach plummeted, and bile burned the back of my throat—my lunch about to hit the ground with the rest of the debris scattered along the freeway. “No. Have I done something wrong?”

“Put your hands on the trunk of the car.”

The muscles in my thighs quivered, causing my knees to wobble. My palms settled on the trunk, my gaze clashing with Carter’s in the rearview mirror.

He searched my waist and ankles, doing the quickest pat down in history. “Turn around and put your butt on the bumper.”

I spun, following his command, and crossed my arms over my braless breasts.

“Miss Collins, are you in danger?”

“In...indanger?“ My throat closed, the saliva in my mouth evaporating.

He rested his arm on the butt of his gun attached to his utility belt as he scribbled on a small notepad with a black pen. “Are you being held against your will?”

“My will?” I licked my dehydrated lips and wiped at my irritated eyes. “Umm...“ I glanced back at Carter, his body out of view.

“Yes, Miss Collins. You seem visibly upset, and he spoke for you on most matters. I’d like to understand what’s going on here. Do you need help?”

I could tell him Carter killed the man in my bed.

That’s who they are looking for.

But... why isn’t he arresting me?

My parents said...

Were they wrong?

Theyarewrong...

I’m innocent.

“I’m...” The words stuck in my mouth like gum to a shoe on a hot day.

“You’re safe here, Miss Collins. Would you like me to call afemale officer? Would you feel more comfortable?”

I shook my head. “Sorry. I’m just nervous. I’ve never dealt with the police before.”

“No need to be nervous. I’m here to help.” He jotted something down and glanced back up at me. “So are you saying you’re with Mr. Morgan of your own free will, and he hasn’t coerced you in any way?”

My head bobbed as I swallowed. “That’s correct.”

“You’re sure?” He raised a brow, a frown marking his lips.

His badge and nameplate glinted in the sun, the cars flying by without a care in the world. “Yes. It’s been a long few days, and I’m fighting with my parents. Carter is helping me get away for a while.”

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