Page 167 of Gunner

“She doesn’t look like she would tip the scale over a hundred pounds if she was soaking wet,” Deputy Malone remarked.

“Rules are rules,” Reed clipped back. Sneering at Matlock, he said, “She hasn’t asked for a lawyer.”

“I would like my lawyer, please,” I shouted loud enough that everyone heard me.

“Fucking bitch.”

“Deputy, you are racking up lawsuits. Release my client.” This time, Matlock did step forward.

It was slight, and if I had been watching him so closely, afraid of what he might do, I never would have seen Reed flinch.

“When I put her in the interrogation room.”

He pulled me along with him and I heard Deputy Marquez ask, “Does the sheriff know you brought her in?”

“The sheriff is a fucking pussy who is on the MC’s payroll. She isn’t getting away with this one.”

The deputy shoved me into the room and pushed me to sit in the chair, where he finally unlocked the cuffs, only to connect them to a ring set on the table.

“Deputy, that isn’t necessary, and you know it. You are trying my patience.”

Deputy Reed got in Matlock’s face and asked, “What the fuck are you gonna do about it?”

“Get out.” Matlock’s voice was low and deadly. His tone brooking no argument from the deputy.

“Where the fuck is my woman?”

“Oh shit,” I whispered, my fearful gaze going to Matlock.

“REED!” That was the sheriff.

Everyone had been notified.

The deputy finally stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. Matlock came over to the table and placed a finger over his lips. He pointed to the corner where I saw a small camera with a little green light.

We could hear arguing outside the door. I heard Gunner’s angry voice, and I was afraid he would do something stupid and get himself arrested. A moment or two later, the door opened. Gunner pushed past Corbin and kneeled at my side.

“Baby, you ok?”

I nodded, not quite trusting my voice. Nothing like this had ever happened to me. I was a good person. I didn’t break the law. Killing a rapist aside, but that was clearly self-defense.

“Get these fucking things off her!” he demanded, but Corbin had already put the key in the lock to release my hands.

Gunner dragged me into his arms, holding me tight. His hand sat on the back of my head, clutching me to his chest. I could feel the rage inside him causing his body to shake.

“I’m ok, Gunner. I promise. I’m ok.” I tried to calm him down, but he wouldn’t listen. He stood up, taking me with him.

“We’re leaving.”

“Gunner.” Matlock put a hand on his arm. “Let me do my job.”

“Matlock’s right. Reed brought her in under suspicion. Let’s clear it up so we don’t have to go through this again.”

“Fuck you, Dec. She never should have been dragged in here.”

“Gunner, they’re right. Let them do their job,” I pleaded.

He looked down at me, and his hands cradled my face, and his body finally relaxed once he could see for himself, I really was ok.

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