Page 28 of Hap

“Well, the one that provided the video evidence, of course. I’m assuming they were there to know it was my client, as you can’t tell just by the video alone,” I point out.

His jaw tenses. “It was handed in anonymously.”

I frown and look up at him, gnawing on the tip of my pen. “So, let me get this right. You’ve conducted your interview, and my client has not just one albi, but...” I pause, pretending to look for my file just for effect. “But ten alibis that can all confirm they were with him when this video was filmed. It was all stated in his written statement to you. Have you misplaced it? Would you like another copy? I have plenty.” I offer him a copy of Ghost’s written statement, and it’s the only thing they would get from him. Pryor doesn’t take it. He just continues to look down on me, his anger pouring from every fiber of his being. “Nope, okay. Well, just let me know. I have already forwarded on the relevant information to the Department of Justice and the judge. As I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have issued the arrest warrants if he had known what little case you have,” I taunt.

He crosses his arms over his chest. “Tell me, Ms. Bennet, were you not practicing family law not just last week?” he asks.

“I’m qualified and trained to practice all law, not that it’s any of your concern how I work or who I work for. I am merely doing my job. Unfortunately for you, I’m good at my job,” I quip.

Becky chokes on her coffee next to me. “Sorry, went down the wrong way,” she wheezes.

Pryor’s lips thin. “I’m just surprised, is all. I mean, one minute you’re happily married, then the next minute your husband and sister are together, and you’re here defendingknown criminals. I’m just surprised you are risking your reputation, especially when you must be in such a fragile state of mind,” he says with a sad expression on his face, but his eyes are alight with joy as he says those words, hoping that they hit me hard. Unfortunately for him, I’m not an easy person to upset.

I cock my head to one side. “Have you been investigating me Agent Pryor? That’s all personal information, I believe, which would only be found in my divorce papers. Did you obtain a warrant to see those? Or were you just stalking my ex-husband and my sister?” I counter.

His jaw ticks. “Sorry. If this is going to be an interview, shall I hit record?” Becky asks me like she doesn’t know and is simply asking a question.

“No, Becky, this isn’t an interview. For that to happen, I would have had to break the law and be arrested,” I state firmly, never taking my eyes off Agent Pryor.

“Get comfortable, Ms. Bennet. We still have many hours left until we have to release Mr. Harrison Jones,” he says coldly before walking off.

Becky exhales a breath. “That guy gives me the creeps.”

“I know. I think we are going to need a lot more sugar and caffeine to get us through this,” I sigh.

“Aren’t you supposed to stop caffeine when pregnant?” Becky points out.

I take a sip of the coffee and moan. “Yes, but just this once, I need the boost. Especially if I’m going to make it through this.”

“Fine, but no more than two cups. I don’t want to be the one responsible for making your baby hyper,” Becky agrees.

I pick up my phone and see multiple messages from Hap.

H: I’d say let Rage at them. Then they would soon release Ghost.

H: Joking, of course.

H: You okay?

H: Alina, let me know everything is okay.

H: It’s been 15 minutes. If you don’t respond in the next two minutes, I’m coming in to get you.

I quickly type my reply.

A: I’m fine.

A: Agent Pryor came out and made some pointless threats. It’s okay. I dealt with him.

H: What kind of fucking threats?

A: To do with the case and Ghost. Nothing to do with me.

Which is technically true. He didn’t directly threaten me.

H: I don’t want him even looking at you.

A: Calm yourself. There is no need for the dramatics.

---