Page 111 of Break

Sniffling and wiping her eyes with the side of her fist, she looks up. “So, what now?”

“Sweetheart, where’s your head at?” Vincent asks her, shifting closer, if that’s possible. He’s practically sitting in her lap now, and she releases a watery chuckle.

“I have no idea. We knew he was going to be angry when I didn’t go home. I think I’m mostly upset because he was watching us. Yesterday at the park and then earlier at our drive-in. He’s spoiled my happy memories.”

I feel like a fist is clenching my heart, squeezing tighter as a new wave of fury surges through me. Picking her up, I turn her so she’s sitting sideways on my lap. Then, tucking a finger under her chin, I bring her face up to look at me.

“Don’t let him take it away from you. We’ve got so much time to make a thousand new memories. Got it?” I know I sound angry, but she’s not afraid of it.

“Got it,” she whispers back.

Clearing his throat, Max scrubs his hands across his thighs. “Let’s get down to the station, yeah? We’ll get everything sorted there.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We’ve been sitting in this damn interview room for the last three hours with Cooper, Harrow, and Officer Knox, the woman who sat with Mina the morning after she was brought in by the hospital.

The plan of sending in a Mina-look-alike is out the fucking window now. Danny knows she doesn’t plan to head to the house, so sending someone in is pointless. He’s not watching their home. He’s watchingher.

Mina insisted she sit in while we discussed new options and other alternatives on how to trick Danny out into the open. She hasn’t contributed much, except to answer questions we have about his habits or places he likes to go.

When discussing the possible places Danny could have been hiding, Max jerks in his chair. “Shit, Walter is outside!” He jerks his head up to me, then looks to Vincent. Mina is zoned out, working on folding a stack of paper that Vincent brought from the printer. She’s sitting in the chair next to me as we continue to beat our heads against the wall.

I know Vincent can’t leave, and Max is the one in charge of Mina’s protection through Barriers, so I speak up. “If you all don’t need me here, I’ll head home and let him in. Take a look around the property.”

“I’ll send an officer to the house later tonight to see if we can figure out where the hell Danny is watching you all from,” Cooper says.

Standing up, I push in my chair, then lean down to Mina. “Would you like to ride home with me? It’s been a long day in here.”

She barely has the chance to open her mouth before Harrow pipes in. “I think it’s important for her to stay a little longer. We may have some more questions about Danny.”

“Agreed,” Cooper adds. I don’t look at any of them, keeping my gaze on the only opinion that matters right now.

“Mina? Up to you, darlin’,” I tell her. There’s no way I’m going to pressure her into staying if she’s been pushed past her breaking point.

Max reaches over and squeezes her hand when she doesn’t answer right away, letting her know that it’s okay for her to tell us what she wants.

Her smile is brittle, but she shakes her head. “I’m okay. I want to be here to help if they need it. I’m sorry if I’m not contributing enough.” She glances up over at Knox, who gives her a gentle smile.

“You’re helping immensely. We appreciate all the help you’re giving us.”

Mina’s shoulders drop in relief. “Good. I’ll stay until you don’t need me anymore.”

Vincent snorts. “I’ll always need you, sweetheart.” The wink he gives her has her turning red faster than she normally does. I glare at him, trying to tell him without words not to embarrass her.

Cooper narrows his eyes at him but refrains from commenting.

“You sure, darlin’?” I ask her, just wanting to make sure.

“I’m good. Poor Walter is probably terrified being outside like that.” My lip twitches, wanting to smile over her concern at that fucking dog. Max snorts, knowing what I do. Walter isn’t his anymore. He’s chosen a new human.

Placing my hand on her shoulder, I squeeze it gently. “I’ll wait for you guys at home.”

Saying quick goodbyes, I head out of the station and make it home, only to find Walt laying on the front porch with his head hanging off the top step. He doesn’t pick his head up when he sees me approach, familiar with the sound of my car. His eyes follow my movement, droopy and sad, as I make my way over to him.

“Had a rough day, huh?” I ask him.

His tail thumps in answer, and I chuckle as I lean down to pat his head. “Let’s get you inside.”

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