Page 94 of Stealth Mission

“Hey, don’t be upset. I’m fine.”

“You arenotfine. Is this because you tried to help with the bank robbery?”

“Yes.”

Something snaps. It’s clear as day.

Hands are fisted and shaking, she turns on the other man and bites out four words. “Unlock the cell, NOW.”

Oh shit.

I leap off the floor and grab the bars. “Marianna, listen to me. I’m just waiting for a friend to come over and bail me out.”

“This is not okay and I will not leave you in here, you were only trying to help protect this town.”

“It’s all a misunderstanding.” Making my voice steady, I hope I can diffuse this situation before she goes off like a powderkeg.

The last thing I want is for her to be locked up too.

Stabbing a finger at the uniformed man, but looking at me, she seethes, “He pointed a sawed-off shotgun at you!”

That is a true statement.

“Yes, he did. But I discharged my weapon?—”

“Four times!” the cop shouts over my words.

She presses her lips flat, and glares at him. “Unlock the cell.”

He shakes his head, his frown deepening. “No. Now move along. Your father was looking for you.”

Marianna’s spine snaps straight. A vein pulses on her temple.

Not good.

Ever watched a pot boil over? That’s what I’m witnessing.

She shouts, “You didnotjust say that!”

Any sane man would flinch under her withering glare.

“Marianna,” he warns. “Unless you’re here for some reason besides bailing this reckless man out, then you need to leave.”

Taking a stalking step forward, Marianna’s hands clench. “I’m not going anywhere unless he goes with me.”

Weirdly endearing, this announcement is also incredibly alarming.

My knuckles protest as I clench the rough metal bars. “Marianna, hold on now. Let’s talk this through.”

With a smirk the cop looks down at her. “Since I know you don’t have the money for bail, his ass is staying right there.”

Thank god she doesn’t have her murder-purse with her. He’d be in serious danger.

Bitter words rasp out of her. “You know you don’t charge bail for anyone else, why him?”

“Because I can.” He folds his arms and locks his jaw.

Dammit. Waving a hand through the metal rungs, like a cape for an angry bull, I shout, “Hey, everyone. Let's take a breather here.”

---