Page 96 of Just My Luck

“Are you kidding?” I slapped a black patty on a bun with a smile. “I love that perfectly charred crust.”

He shot me a flat look, and when I gave a cheesy smile, he cracked.

Reaching his hand behind my neck, he pulled his mouth to mine. “I don’t deserve you, woman.”

I winked at him. “Well, that’s true. I am pretty awesome.”

He laughed and shook his head as the kids bounded down the steps and clambered to the table. I leaned over to make their plates as they got settled.

“Abel, what’s the best part of your day?” Ben asked between pants.

He smiled at my little boy. “Well... probably watching you two?—”

A pounding knock sounded at the front door. Abel and I exchanged a glance as he stood.

“Are you expecting anyone?” he asked.

Silently, I shook my head. I glanced at the kids and smiled. “We’ll be right back. You can keep eating.”

I followed behind Abel as he walked through the house. When he opened the front door, fear gripped my chest. Two police officers stood at the front door with serious expressions. Abel angled his body to block the kids and me from view.

“Mr. King? We need you to come with us,” one officer said.

“Dusty.” Abel tapped his own chest. “You know me. What’s this about?”

The man’s serious expression didn’t waver. “We’d really like to have this conversation at the station.”

I shouldered past Abel. “What conversation?”

The blond officer spared me only a glance before looking down at his notebook. “Mr. King, we have some questions in regards to your altercation with Jared Hansen at the Grand Harbor Hotel.”

Abel’s arms crossed. “What about it? The guy can’t take a beating like a man?”

The second officer’s eyes narrowed. “So you’re openly admitting to a battery?”

“Abel.” I straightened and placed a hand on his arm. “Stop talking.” I lifted my chin toward the officers. “He’s not admitting anything, and he is not going anywhere with you.”

“Mr. Hansen has been reported missing. Recently his vehicle was found abandoned. You and the men you were with were the last known interaction shortly before his disappearance. We’d like to talk to you about that. We would like you to come with us right now.”

I didn’t miss the way the officer’s fingertips brushed his handcuffs. The gesture spoke volumes.

“No!” I shouted. Panic zipped through me.

Abel shook his head. “Sloane, it’s fine. I’ll go with them.” He looked between the officers. “They just want to talk.”

The second officer stepped forward. “This way.”

I watched in horror as shame consumed the man I loved. Before my own eyes, he was transformed.

My eyes bounced between his, desperately trying to understand what was happening.

From behind, Ben pushed past me, clinging to Abel’s leg. “Stop! Please. Please don’t go!”

Abel’s eyes pleaded with me. “Ben. This is just a misunderstanding. I’m going to talk with them. It’s going to be okay.”

Ben cried out and tightened his grip.

I carefully pried my wailing son from Abel’s leg. “I’m calling the lawyer. Just don’t say anything. We’ll figure this out.”

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