Page 32 of Break

Christ, he really is a fucking psycho.

“Well, if what you say is true, then I’m sure it won’t take long to clear up in the investigation.” I open the driver’s door and get in, turning my key to get the air flowing. I feel overheated from all the shit he’s trying to convince me to believe, and the stress of keeping up a pretense that I don’t mind being with him.

“What do you mean,ifwhat I say is true? Of course it is! I wouldn’t lie to you,” he says nonchalantly, tossing his bag into the back. After settling into his seat, he turns his head to stare at my profile as I guide us out of the lot. “You assigned to this? Since you were thearresting officerand all?” When he says arresting officer, he does finger quotes like he doesn’t believe I’m actually a cop.

I grind my teeth in irritation but force a smile onto my face. “Nope. I doubt they will, since I know you. It’d be a conflict, I’m sure.”

“Damn. I wish they would. It’d make my life easier. Dad got me a lawyer who’s real fucking good. I should sue her for slander. Wonder how that works, suing a spouse? I’ll have to ask.” He taps his fingers on his thigh like a nervous twitch, or maybe he just can’t stay still. I momentarily consider the possibility that he’s on drugs, but decide not to ask. They’ll have drug tested him, so we’ll know soon enough. “So, if you’re not investigating this, then I suppose you don’t know where they set her up at?”

Damn, he didn’t take long to ask. I decide to play dumb.

“She’s not at home?” I feign surprise.

Scoffing, he rolls his eyes. “Bitch was relocated or something. Plus, and can you believe this shit? They gave her a restraining order against me! Her goddamn husband! A five-minute conversation with her would save a ton of people a whole lot of time and money, you know?”

“Maybe,” I mumble. This isn’t as easy as I thought it’d be, pretending to act like he’s my friend. That I don’t want to slam my fist into his face, duplicating every single bruise he put on hers.

I’m so thankful that the rest of our drive is filled with his ramblings about how unfair he was treated since I arrested him. Or that I need to do something about the way things are run. He even went as far as suggestingImake a suggestion box for people who’ve been detained.

Silently, I blow out a breath in relief that we’ve arrived at his house. Danny reaches back to pull his bag into his lap, then smacks me on the shoulder like we’re totally fine now. “Thanks for grabbing me, man.”

Nodding, I force a smile. “Sure thing. Anytime.”

“I’ll call you if I need anything,” he adds as he opens the door to get out. Before he shuts it behind him, he puts his hand on the roof and leans down to look at me. “Do me a favor, though.”

Tightening my fingers on the steering wheel, I ask, “Whatcha need?”

His pristine teeth flash as he gives me the widest smile he can muster. “Find out where she’s at for me, would ya?”

Not in a million years, you abusive waste of space.

“I’ll see what I can find out,” I say instead.

Smacking his hand on top of my car, he slams the door shut and waves goodbye over his shoulder as he bounds up his front steps.

Backing out of the driveway, I pull over once I’m a block away. I dial Max’s cell. When I hear it pick up, I don’t give him a chance to say anything before I start speaking.

“He’s going to come after her. I’ve got the file. I’ll be there in thirty.”

Chapter 16

Questions

Ethan

Max is going to be pissed at me, but I can’t stop myself from watching her.

There’s a deep-seated need to keep an eye on her to ensure she stays safe. I’m not oblivious. I know it stems from guilt over the years of always filling a bystander role. That’s something I’ll have to deal with later.

Right now, I’m feeling a stab of regret with every look she shoots in my direction. I’m sitting on a stool in the kitchen corner as she moves around the space like it’s one where she feels the most comfortable in.

I came in from my morning workout to find her sitting in the breakfast nook, huddled over a bowl of cereal. Walt sitting next to her with his head tilted back, waiting for her attention. The moment she sensed my presence, she stopped eating and cleared her place. Since then, she’s been flitting around the kitchen, opening drawers and cupboards to look inside before shutting them a moment later. It took me a few minutes to figure out what she was doing. When I realized she was cataloging where everything was located and what Max keeps on stock in the house, my confusion turned into curiosity.

A few words from me would be the kindest thing I could do right now to ease her growing tension. However, I’m at a loss for what to say. After watching her for over half an hour, I realize I’m making this weird for the both of us.

Clearing my throat to gain her attention, she abruptly halts her movements to look at me.

“What are you doing?” I try to keep my voice soft so she knows I’m not being aggressive. The rasp of my voice ruins that, and she flinches at my question.

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