“Posting pictures like that, you know a girl like that is just wanting this kind of attention,” said another. And Conner was done.
He took a deep breath because all he wanted to do was turn around and knock the entire group of cops out. He could do it too. But they were police officers, he wouldn't make this situation worse for Sasha, but he wouldn't let that go unchecked.
He turned and said, “Excuse me.”
“Hey, you're Conner McPhee,” said the officer who had just joked about hiding a camera in her room. "What are you doing here?"
“The woman in there, the one you just joked about hiding cameras in her bedroom, is a very important person to me. I am here for her,” Conner said as he walked over to this group of men trying to keep his temper under control.
“It was just a joke,” said the officer, holding his hands up.
“That is how you joke? About putting a camera in the room of a woman who right now feels so violated by all this it is making her sick. Bad fucking joke, Officer 498,” he said reading off his badge number.
Next turning to another officer, “and I'm sure I misunderstood you, officer 882, but it certainly seemed like you were blaming the beautiful woman for posting pictures. I'm sure you were not insinuating this situation was at all her fault or that she is in any way enjoying this attention.”
“Listen, you don't know what you're talking about,” one of the officers started in.
Conner stopped him with a glare. “Be very careful of what you say, I know the police chief is a season ticket holder and a close friend of Coach Wagner. The entire organization has this woman's back.”
Conner held his stare, not backing down. He may not be able to fight these men like he would on the ice, but he would make damn sure none of them made Sasha feel uncomfortable. He spotted her coming out of the apartment building and gave her a small smile before turning back to the officer to make sure they understood one another.
After making sure Sasha was good, they headed down to the station.
“Sasha, do you have a lawyer? I'm thinking we might want one there for you to be questioned.”
“They said there is one there waiting for us.”
“That’s right,” he said as he settled his hand on her leg.
“I’m so ready for all of this to be over.”
“I wish I could do more,” Conner said, hating the helpless feeling he couldn't shake.
She laced her fingers through the hand that was still holding her knee. “You’re doing more than you know.”
They sat like that until Conner's car pulled into the police station. They made their way inside hand in hand. Sasha was greeted by the lawyer from the Magic's team.
“Ms. Maloof. I think they’re ready to question you. I’ll go sit with you.”
Conner reluctantly let go of her hand and watched as she disappeared behind some doors. All he knew was if he got any whiff of an officer speaking to her the way he had earlier he would not sit idly by. He sat in a hard plastic chair and pulled out his phone.
Cash - How are things going?
Conner - At the police station right now. Who comes to get you if it is the police you are in a fight with?
Cash - They fucking do and it’s a felony. Don't lose it.
Conner - I'm good. Just pissed.
Cash - You need anything?
Conner - Nope, I just want to get her home. I'll know more later.
He slipped his phone back in his pocket and waited for Sasha to be done.
After about an hour she came back into the waiting area with the lawyer and detective Owen.
“If we need anything else from you, we'll give you a call.”