Page 26 of Stormswept Colorado

Teller didn’t say anything yet, probably because he couldn’t get a word in. His gaze moved over to me. I took a sip of the over-sweet coffee. But it reminded me of Seth and his roving gaze, and I set it aside.

When everyone paused to take a breath, Teller said, “Are you all finished? Are you ready to give me a chance to speak?I arrested Ms. Maxwell for her own good.” Teller held up his hands before the others could get started again. “Because she was determined that was what she wanted.”

“Is that true?” Grace asked me.

“Yes. I was trying to make a point.”

Teller angled his head. “And you made it. I’m not actually going to book you.”

The chain on my cuffs rattled as I sat forward. “Wait. You were going on and on about not showing favoritism. What about Bryan? If you’re booking him, then you’re booking me.”

“Your bodyguard got himself arrested?” Ashford muttered. “That’s concerning.”

Emma playfully swatted her fiancé’s shoulder. “I’m sure there’s an explanation. He seemed great when we met him last night.”

“Last night, I was busy trying to keep Maisie from sticking penne on all her fingers.”

Teller’s mouth twitched in that movement I was starting to think of as his version of a smile. “I’m not commenting on Bryan Krueger’s case. The sooner you all get out of my office, the sooner we can sort this out and get on with our evening. I’m supposed to be watching Ollie right now. I’m half an hour late getting to Piper’s. I already got an earful from my sister about this mess on the phone just now, so I don’t need it from any of you.”

I bit my lip guiltily and looked down at my lap.

“How about this,” Emma said. “Everyone can meet at our place tonight instead. We’ll grab some food, and once you and Ayla work things out, you can join us. I’ll let Dixie know to bring Maisie over. And Piper can bring Ollie. It’ll be more fun to have all of us together, including the kids. And you, Teller.” She nodded at the chief. “Everyone.”

I knew exactly what she was doing. Worrying that my presence would draw too much attention at the brewery after what had happened. She was probably right. But it didn’t lessen the sting. “I screwed up your bachelorette party. I suck.”

Emma squeezed my shoulder. “You didn’t. We can hang out at Hearthstone anytime. But it’s not every day I have the chance to get our whole group of family and friends together to celebrate. It’ll be relaxed and comfortable, and we won’t have to worry about any problems.”

Such as tourists causing a riot over me.

“Okay.” So much for spending this weekend feeling like a normal person.

They trailed out one by one. Grace was the last to leave, shooting Teller a disapproving look before Dane put his hand on her lower back to steer her on her way. “Make this right, Teller,” she said.

Teller got up and crossed to the door, closing it. “I’ve even got Grace mad at me. Now I really know it’s serious.” He fished a key from his pocket and slid it into the lock on my handcuffs.

“It’s hard to tell if you’re kidding or not.” I absentmindedly rubbed the wrist he just freed, though the cuff hadn’t been tight.

“I get that I’m currently the villain in your story, but not everyone thinks I’m that bad.”

“Still can’t tell if you’re kidding,” I said under my breath.

Teller settled back into his seat across the desk from me. “I had a few words with Bryan Krueger. I’ve decided to consider him a witness and nothing more. We’re going to turn him loose.”

I exhaled out a heavy breath. “Seriously? He’s not under arrest?”

“I’ve already seen a couple of videos recorded by bystanders of the street fight. It’s clear Bryan didn’t start things. Bryan also stressed that he doesn’t want to press charges against the idiot who hit him.”

Whoever had punched Bryan in the face deserved punishment, but I could understand. Bryan probably just wanted this to get resolved with as little fuss as possible.

“So you’re letting everyone go free?”

Teller rubbed a hand across his square jaw. “I’m not okay with people brawling in the middle of Main Street. But the touristswho were involved say they’ll be leaving town tomorrow anyway. They also said they’d make a public apology to you and your driver. There were no significant injuries. So this might be worth an alternative resolution instead of filling up my jail overnight. Saves me a hell of a lot of paperwork.”

“Thank you,” I breathed.

“But I’ve got one condition. You need to keep your head down for the rest of your visit here. Any minute now, those videos of the fight will get posted online, if they’re not circulating already. Everybody in the world will know you’re here. I’m willing to let things slide this time, but if Bryan is involved in another brawl? I won’t be able to go easy.”

His strident tone made me want to argue. But his point was valid. This weekend was supposed to be about Emma and Ashford, not me. “I’m leaving the day after the wedding. Then you won’t have to deal with me anymore for a while.”

---