Page 54 of Derek

“Please step out of the room, Mr. Kiriakis. It will be easier for us to calm her down.”

“Yes, George. Her name is Angie Mendoza. I’m going to call the police. I don’t think she’ll leave peacefully, and I need a record of this.”

He got out to Ann’s desk and asked her to call the mental health unit of the police department. He didn’t want Angie locked up, but she needed help. They would be able to start proceedings to place her on a ninety-six-hour hold at the Center for Behavioral Medicine. Next, he stopped by the room where the technician controlled the recording equipment and asked for copies of the meeting. He went back to the interview room area after taking another moment to call Jackson Cagney.

Damn. Voicemail. Jackson needed to know that Angie had become a problem. He left a detailed message and hoped he would get back to him soon.

By the time the specially trained behavioral health unit of the police arrived, Angie had calmed down considerably. Sergeant Withers and his partner were reluctant to take Angie until the security guards described her behavior and what she had been saying.

“She was swearing a blue streak and threatening Mr. Kiriakis’ new girlfriend. Then she said she would kill herself if Mr.Kiriakis didn’t take her back. I think a hold is warranted until you can get this before a judge,” George concluded.

“I have the entire meeting recorded, Sergeant. And you can check with Detective Jackson Cagney for more information. Ms. Mendoza stalked me when I lived in St. Louis and threatened suicide on several occasions,” Derek said.

“Okay, we’ll take her to the center and see what they think. Do you have a copy of the recording, and did she know she was being recorded?”

“Yes, and yes. Here you are, and here’s my card.” Derek handed both items to the sergeant and turned to Angie, who had gotten restless during all the talk. “I’m sorry about this, Angie, but I think a few days in the hospital will give you time to think about things, consider your options.”

Her voice filled with venom, Angie said, “Derek, you motherfucker, how dare you? I love you, dammit! If I get my hands on you, I’ll kill you and your new girlfriend.”

“Calm down, Ms. Mendoza,” Sergeant Withers said. “Don’t make things any worse for yourself.”

The officers took Angie from the building with the security guards trailing behind. Derek returned to his office and considered his options. Did he have enough grounds for a restraining order now? Would the St. Louis police have the evidence from his previous application? He forced himself back to his files. Jackson would call when he knew something.

An hour later, he was immersed in the details of an abused child now up for adoption when his phone rang. “Kiriakis.”

“Hi, Daddy,” Sonja said. “Would you like to come over for dinner tonight?”

Derek was thrown for a moment at being addressed as Daddy. It made him think of Angie for a second. “Babygirl! I thought I wasn’t going to see you until Friday.”

“I know, but we had pork chops for the special today, and the chef overestimated demand, so anyone who wants is taking extras home. I’m in the mood to cook, and it’s no fun doing it just for me.”

“I would be delighted to join you then. The last thing I want to do is spoil your fun, precious. What time?”

“Why don’t you come as soon as you get off work?”

“Sure thing. I’ll see you in about an hour, then.”

“Great. Bye, Daddy.”

“Bye, precious.” Derek hung up the phone to realize he had another problem stemming from Angie’s visit—what, when, and how much to tell Sonja? He would have to inform her, but he didn’t want to worry her unnecessarily. He hadn’t even heard back from Jackson yet. Damn! This whole situation had become messier.

He struggled to focus on the report he was writing and had nearly succeeded when the phone rang again. “Kiriakis,” he practically growled.

“Whoa, tiger. It’s Jackson. Sorry to take so long to get back to you, but I’ve had a crazy day.”

“I’m sorry. My day has been busy, too, and the mess keeps growing.” Derek ran his hands through his hair. “What have you got?”

“First of all, recording your meeting was a great move. I talked to Sergeant Withers, and he says the doc at the center’s ER had no trouble agreeing to keep your friend, Angie. It’s calendared with Judge Edinger for tomorrow afternoon, to see if she gets the whole ninety-six hours. I got a tip that she’s called a lawyer from St. Louis to represent her.”

“Name of Madison?”

“Yes. How did you”—he paused—“you’ve dealt with him, I take it?”

“When I tried to get a restraining order against her in St. Louis. Her family has money, and they keep him on retainer.” He knew he sounded frustrated. “I guess I’d better call in the big guns, too.”

“Lincoln Andrews?” Lincoln was one of their fellow club members. And while the man was deeply submissive to his husband, Henry Cole, he was a shark in a suit when it came to defending his clients.

“Of course. If Lincoln can’t take it himself, he’ll send me to someone who can. Do you think I have enough for a restraining order?”

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