Page 41 of More Than A Boss

Zane was quiet and withdrawn on the way downtown. He was grappling with his own emotional storm, now that Allie was safe. He held her hand but did not talk the entire ride to the precinct.

Upon their arrival, Allie was whisked away to a room to give her statement. Zane was put in another room to give his version of events. They offered her a beverage and she chose hot tea. She was still having tremors and the hot liquid felt soothing. She walked through the entire morning, ending with the attempted rape and subsequent rescue. Afterwards she joined Zane, and the detective explained to them both that they were able to match up the prints from the man in custody to the prints on the knife left behind Thanksgiving Day. They belonged to a small-time thug who did dirty work for Duvall, who in turn worked for Santiago.

The detective said, “You’re free to go, but I caution you that these are some pretty bad characters. Stay alert!”

“We appreciate your service and we will definitely be vigilant,” Zane answered.

Driving away, Zane said, “We have to get you out of here. Casey and Charlie offered their condo in Anna Maria Island, Florida, and it seems like a perfect place for you to hide out until this shit resolves. The company will put you on paid leave,” he said.

“I don’t want to leave you and Kat and everyone!” Allie argued desperately.

“Casey and I talked about it, and she will fly down with you to get settled,” he said, brooking no argument. “She’s making the reservations as we speak.”

“Zane, I know this is impossibly hard for you, too, but I don’t want to feel isolated after what I just went through. Can’t you understand? I need you,” she pleaded in a soft voice.

Jaw clenched, he responded, “What I understand is that you’re in danger, and for your best interests and mine, now is not the time to be sentimental and collapse into our emotions. We need to be sensible here. I don’t need to fight you over every single decision. Why can’t you just go along for once instead of arguing every time?” He knew he was doing what he said he didn’t want to do—caving into his own emotions and lashing out.

Allie unclasped her hand from his and jerked her head as if she had been slapped. “That is so unfair! If by arguing you mean having a say in my own life and decisions, then I guess I am guilty as charged,” she said angrily.

“Allie, I’m sorry. You know what I meant. I’m overwhelmed. I’m frightened for you. I’m in over my head. Just help me out here, just this once. Please?” he pleaded.

“I guess,” she said, barely audible.

“Did I hear right?” He grinned slightly, cupping his hand around his ear as if to amplify her words, attempting to lighten the air between them.

“Yes,” she said, taking his hand in hers once again.

“Oh, Baby, you have no idea how much that means to me,” he said, putting their clasped hands up to his lips and kissing the back of hers. The relief he felt was immeasurable. He felt like he could breathe for the first time in hours.

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