Page 51 of Found By Him

“Fine, you’re lucky I don’t have a date tonight, you asshole.”

“You won’t regret this. I owe you big time.”

“Fucking right, you do.”

“Call Carlos. He took her in and can tell you where she’s being questioned.”

Chris disconnects, and I toss my phone on the couch beside me.

Frustration screams at me that I have failed at the one thing I was supposed to do—keep Gisella safe.

27

Ella

Carlos and I step outside into the heat and humidity. It feels particularly oppressive today. I acted strong with Jack, but inside, I’m a mess. My apprehension is making breathing difficult.

We walk across the parking lot to Carlos’s car. He opens the door for me, and once I’m inside, he slams the door closed, making me startle. Settling next to me, he starts the car, turning the AC on full blast. My skin already feels slick with sweat, so the cool air is a relief.

He shifts to face me. “Ella, I’m unofficially telling you this, okay?

I nod, but stay silent.

“Jack was right. Do not say anything until your attorney gets there. They’re probably going to convince you that you don’t need an attorney, but don’t give in.” His face is filled with sympathy. “I know this is scary. But don’t let fear get toyou. Besides waiting for your attorney, the other most important thing you can do is answer their questions, and their questions only. Do you understand?”

“I do, thank you, Carlos,” I whisper, feeling my body tremble with anxiousness.

His smile returns as he backs out of the parking spot. “Good, Jack will be super pissed if his woman goes to jail and, I, frankly, don’t want to deal with him if that happens.”

A strangled laugh slips from me. I appreciate his attempt to ease some of my nerves.

I stare out the window, focusing on breathing and not letting panic take hold. Carlos is right. I need to not let it get the best of me during this interview.

Answer their questions, and their questions only.

Meaning, don’t ramble on and give them information they can use against me.

I blow out a breath through pursed lips.

I got this.

Much sooner than I would have liked, we pull into a parking lot of the police station. As we’re climbing out of the car, Carlos’s phone starts ringing. He indicates that I should hold on.

“Chris. I’m assuming you’re calling for information on Miss Easton at Jack’s request.”

My ears perk up at that.

“Yes, that’s where we’ll be. I don’t know what room yet, but I’ll text you when I know. Or you can ask at the front desk, and they can tell you.” A deep timbre comes through his phone before Carlos chuckles. “I know you already know that. But I wasn’t sure if you were rusty since you have been out of the game for a while.”

Chris’s voice seems to raise with his response as Carlos starts to lead me to the door of the precinct. “Can’t wait tosee you either, Chris.” He disconnects and slides his phone back into his pocket. Glancing down at me, he pulls the heavy door open. “Your attorney should be here shortly.”

I swallow heavily. As I step inside, I’m greeted by an unsettling silence. My steps echo in the large open area. Two women sit behind a large reception desk, eyeing me and Carlos.

“Hey ladies, do you know what interview room Thomas and Bronson would like Miss Easton in?”

The older of the two women gives me a look of disdain as she types on the computer. “Number three.”

Carlos thanks her and walks me down the hall to a nondescript door with a small sign indicating it’s number three. He opens the door and gestures for me to take a seat.

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