Page 14 of Property of the Hellfire Riders

I keep my eyes glued to the coffee cup.

I have no idea what he’s going to do, but I only assume the worst. I better start packing my bags now and save us both the trouble of this embarrassing conversation.

“Why did you bring Laina Mitchell with you?” he asks slowly.

“She’s a photojournalist.” It’s a weak answer and the only one I have. He fixes his cufflinks on his suit jacket, shaking his head in disbelief...

“Jesus fucking Christ, Isabella.”

My face reddens. Damn my nerves.

“I don’t even know what to charge you with. Let’s see. There’s trespassing, obstruction of justice, endangerment, impeding an investigation, tampering with evidence. I mean the list goes on and on!”

“Sir, please - she just wanted photos for her work.”

“So, you were willing to risk this high-profile case? Risk your job?” He stands, pacing the room. I don’t say anything. I only sink deeper into the leather chair, hoping I might disappear from this place. “Answer me!” he demands.

“I-I don’t know what to say, sir. It was stupid of me, I don’t know why I even- “

He slams his hands on his desk, taking a deep breath. Tension hangs in the room and it’s stifling. My heart thuds heavy and loud, mixing with the rushing in my ears. God, I wish he’d just break the silence already, but I am trapped in his office with him. My fate lingers on his decision.

He smooths back several strands of hair that have fallen out of place and inhales sharply.

“From what I understand no one else noticed. Which is lucky for you.”

“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” My voice sounds distant and weak.

“No. It won’t happen again, Izzy. I’m not going to fire you for the sake of your father and the work he did here on the force. But I am suspending you without pay for two months.”

I deflate. Relief rushes through me, since I wasn’t terminated. Well, at least he didn’t, but still - no pay for two months was going to ruin me. I grind my teeth together.What the hell am I supposed to do?I can barely swing rent currently. I’m a month behind after paying off all my dad’s medical bills.

“Do you understand? I don’t want to have to do this, but you’re not leaving me with any room,” he continues.

“I understand. I promise. No more photojournalism.”

“Ever.”

We stare at one another.

“You’re dismissed,” he says, motioning for the exit.

I stand, wearily and shuffle to the door.

“Thank you,” I mutter.What a stupid thing to say.I bite my tongue, refusing to look back at him.

“Take what you need from your desk and just head home,” he says as I open the door.

“Will do.” I ignore the stares boring into my back when I step into the office, particularly from Logan. He wants to know whathappened. I’m sure I’ll be the talk of the department for the rest of the week.

At least I didn’t get fired, I remind myself, just suspended without pay for being an idiot.

I grab my bag off my desk, and only start to cry when I get to the parking lot and there’s no one around to see.

I check my phone. Still no calls or messages from Laina. There’s nothing.

“Laina, open up!”I shout, my fist slams on her apartment door.

I’ve been here for ten minutes, and I’m about to break down the door.

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