Page 26 of Callahan's Haven

Brayden wasn’t doing this to another girl.

“Okay. Let’s go.” He took her hand and led her inside the low building with Hope and Destiny following behind them.

Several officers and staff looked over at them as they walked inside but quickly went back to whatever they were doing.

“Ms. Sheppard.” The older officer who had been in charge the previous night came out of a side room. The poor man looked haggard. “Thank you for coming in.”

She nodded.

“And you are?” The officer said, addressing her father.

Her dad held out his hand. “Duncan Sheppard. Haven’s my daughter.”

“Of course.” He looked behind them. “And the young ladies?”

She smiled at Hope and Destiny coming to stand beside her and then back at the officer. “They’re my friends. Just here for moral support.” Hope grabbed her hand.

The officer nodded. “I see.” He looked between her friends and her dad. “I’d like to take her statement without any distractions, so if the thr—”

“I’m staying with her.” Her dad’s voice went hard as he reached for his wallet and flashed something that had the officer’s eyes widening. “Call it a professional courtesy,” he said, putting his wallet in his back pants pocket.

“I see,” the officer said, glancing at her and then back up at her father again. “If you two will follow me then.” He turned when Hope and Destiny would have followed too. “I’m sorry, ladies, but youwillhave to wait.”

Haven turned to her friends and grimaced.

“We’re good,” Destiny said.

Hope gave Haven a smile and a squeeze of her hand before letting it go. “We’ll find someplace to sit and wait.

“Thanks, guys.”

The officer led them into what she assumed was his office and shut the door as he indicated for them to take the seats in front of his desk. “I have to tell you. It was unusual for me to have been on campus last night.” He sat down and leaned back into his chair with his arms crossed. “I’d been working an event at the music building and was about ready to head home when the call came in.” He sat forward and smiled at Haven. “I hope you’re doing okay today.”

Haven nodded. “I am. Just a little tired.” She gave him a slight smile. “A little nervous.”

Her dad grabbed her hand while the officer nodded. “I imagine you are.” He pulled some papers from a folder and spread them out in front of him. “Okay, so, according to your boyfriend—”

“My—”

Her dad squeezed her hand tightly and tensed up beside her. She glanced at him, her brow raising.

“Is that not right?” The officer pulled one of the sheets. “Callahan Simpson. At least according to him and his driver’s license.” He stared back at her. “He said you two were dating.”

Simpson? What happened to Rothe?

“I…” She scrunched her face at the officer. “I haven’t told my dad about him yet.”

“Oh, I see.” The officer grimaced. “Sorry about that.”

Her father scowled down at her. “You’re dating someone? Why haven’t you said anything?” So…What? This was more ofthe plan? She might as well play along.

Haven let out an aggravated sigh and looked her dad square in the eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. I guess because it justsuddenly came out of nowhere.”

* * *

Three hours, one uncomfortable interview, a late lunch, and a lot of evasive answers from her dad later, Haven stood alone in front of her dorm watching him drive away.

“What the hell is going on?”

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