Page 65 of Twisted Bonds
"You just assaulted a police officer, asshole!"Erik dares to say.
I laugh. "You're not here as an officer of the law, Erik. You can't do shit. If anything, we can press harassment charges on your ass. Now, get the fuck out of here, and don't come back."
I'm breathing heavily as I glare at the motherfucker. My father still has one hand on my shoulder, and Ryan wraps her arm around mine just above the elbow. Her other hand lays flat against my chest. The three of us stand united as we stare at Erik, who remains unmoving.
"I think you should leave,Detective. My son is correct; you are now harassing Miss Hendricks, and I won't allow it either. We've been cooperative and patient with you, and this is how we're treated."My father moves, putting himself between Harrison and us.
"I see how it is, Huntley,"Erik says, meeting my eyes over my father's shoulder. "I'll be watching you closely. One little fuck upandyour ass will go back to jail."
I feel Ryan squeeze my arm, and I curse; I swear, if she does anything like she did last time trying to protect me, I'm really going to end up killing someone. Ryan gave in to the D'Angelos to keep me out of jail, and I'll be damned if she goes down that road again. Although I doubt she would turn over her friend,somaybe she's safe.
"Are you threatening my son now?"Myfather steps toward thedetective. "You dorealize that we have surveillance cameras all over the property?They also record audio, so go ahead. How about you say that one more time?"
Erik looks at my father and slowly backs away, saying, "Tell my lovely wife that I'm readyto have her come home."
"Detective Harrison,"my father calls out."I'm not sure if you're aware of it, buteach yearthecity counts on my generous donation.A donation, whichalso helped you move up the ladder much faster than most.You certainly are not making a good impression on me. If this is what we can expect from our police force, I may have tothink aboutwhere my donation will go next time."
We all see Erik tense up. He knows my father isn't bluffing; he's donated to this town since we moved here after Mom was gone. Harrison bends over and snatches up the papers that my father was looking at, then rolls them up and shoves them into the inside pocket of his jacket. Looking at the three of us one last time, he turns and walks out without saying another word.
Thirty-Seven
Ryan
"I think it may be best if we send you into protection until after the divorce is final and things calm down," I say to Liv after recapping the little visit from her soon-to-be-ex. "I did not like the vibe that was coming from him during that whole exchange."
"You really think it'sthatbad?" Liv asks nervously as she wraps her arms protectively around her midsection.
"I'd rather not take the chance," I tell her, glancing at what she's protecting.
"I mean, if you think that's what I should do…" my friend says softly.
"Hey." I bring her in for a hug. "This is your choice. I'm only giving you my opinion. I can talk with Agent Castor and find you a nice place to stay. I promise it won't be too long, but it's up to you."
"Do you think Erik would hurt me if he knew about the baby?" Liv asks, but she trembles something fierce.
"We are not telling him about the baby until we have to. He will find out eventually because, unfortunately, the law won't allow us to hide it from him, but I'll be damned if you tell him before then. I don't trust him and know Beau and Bain don't either." I pull away and look at my friend. "You've got this, Liv."
She nods and gives me a fixed smile. "Yeah, okay."
"Take the day to think about it, honey. Call your parents and talk it over with them," I advise.
"What if she joins her parents abroad?" Heather asks.
"That's an option as well. However, her parent's itinerary is easy enough to get a hold of, so Erik would be able to find her if she were to meet up with them." I try explaining it the way Bain had explained it to me when I asked the same question. "I never thought he would figure out the whole lawyer thing. I'm sorry, Liv. I should have been more diligent on that."
"Stop blaming yourself, Ryan. You didn't turn Erik into the monster he is. I'm not sure where he gets it from because his brother, Blake, is nothing like him, and their parents are some of the nicest people I've met."
"You just never know, Liv. Bad seeds are born every day," I tell her.
"Do you think my baby will be a bad seed?" My friend looks down at her stomach.
"What? Of course not, honey. We will give this baby all the love in the world and ensure they know they are loved and wanted."
"I'm sure the Harrisons did that, too, the way they talk about the boys growing up," Liv states.
"You also said that the rest of the family was normal, so I wouldn't worry too much about it." I try reassuring her.
She nods. "Yeah, I'm sure you're right. I'm gonna call my parents and then try taking a nap."
