Page 34 of Cruel Redemption

“I’m not,” I stated.

“My job is to make that case in front of the judge. I’ll get you out on bail.”

“And what about Enzo? Is anyone out looking for him?”

“They are. They’re scouring every property you own. Every inch. I saw the warrants.”

My stomach dropped. Amara. They would find her. Fuck.

“Baxter, you have to get out of here. I need you to drive to the stables. I’ll draw a map. Whatever. I need you to go there. And…” I started to pull on the cuffs. They cut into my wrists. I needed the pen and paper to draw the map for him.

He leaned closer. “I never asked if you were guilty or innocent. Don’t start a fucking confession.”

“It’s not a confession,” I barked. “I’m keeping someone safe. Someone else from getting kidnapped. She was grabbed too when Enzo was, but she got away. I wanted her to lie low while we figured out which family did this.” I gritted my teeth together. “I did not kidnap Enzo. I wouldn’t. There’s no reason.”

“Who is at the stables?” he asked.

“Amara Amato. Can you get her to Ciro? I don’t know the guy’s last name. He just goes by Ciro. I’ll give you all the information. He’s her head of security.”

He looked confused, but slid the pad of paper within my reach, along with the pen.

I did the best I could to recall numbers and addresses. I relied too much on my phone.

“Before this is cut short, how did these charges even stick?” I asked. “Why would anyone suspect me of this?”

Baxter Barnes leaned over. “Anonymous tip. Said they saw you pull him off the street.”

“What? That’s fucking insane,” I roared.

The attorney shrugged. “Problem is that sometimes insane is enough when the sharks are looking for blood. Something about you being a sworn enemy to Amara Amato, the woman you’re hiding. This is your way of getting back at her—taking her right-hand man. The detectives have started interviewing people about the feud between you two. They know you’re in debt to her because of your father’s arrangements.”

“Oh fuck. Look, that’s not?—"

The door opened. The bailiff stood, waiting to take me back to holding.

“Novikov,” he grunted.

I nodded at him. “Get it done,” I urged Baxter. “There’s nothing more important than her. And she’ll tell you everything about the last twenty-four hours.” The bailiff unlocked the cuffs from the table.

“I’ll see you at the hearing in the morning, Mr. Novikov.”

“Just go,” I growled. “Get to her.”

All I could think about was the police surrounding the cabin and Amara unaware of a single thing going on.

The bailiff unlocked my ankles so I could walk. “Come on.” He tugged on my elbow. I shuffled to the door.

“Make sure she is safe with Ciro,” I called as he pulled me out of the room. I didn’t care if I rotted in this place as long as he made sure she wasn’t hurt.

Twenty

Amara

I kept hiking in the wrong direction. I was frustrated and hot. My shoes began to sink in moist soil. It smelled pungent with Earth. In another step, I’d sink into boggy holes of water. I hoped the liquid stitches the doctor had used would hold. The pain was bearable with the pain killers he had given me.

I knew the stables had to be in the opposite direction. Luka knew the woods well. He navigated the paths, the twists and turns. He recognized the trees and the subtle landmarks as the ground rose and dipped on the overgrown path. It was a side of him I’d never seen before. Now, I wished I had paid more attention when he brought me to the cabin last night. Nothing looked familiar. Nothing registered.

I kept my phone stretched forward in my palm, waiting for the signal bars to pop up. I pushed my hair out of my face. I didn’t even know which way was east.

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