Page 40 of Twisted Trust
“He’s with an officer just out front,” Hillary says tightly. “He will be returned to you, but we will be watching you closely. You might have a stable partner”—her narrowed gaze darts briefly to me— “but money doesn’t equal safety. We will be keeping you under strict observation, and the slightest hint that something is not right and you will lose him, do you understand?”
Maeve is barely listening. I can tell by how she bounces on her feet and eagerly peers behind Hillary looking for the moment she can escape outside to reunite with her son. So I answer her for her.
“Look as closely as you want,” I say quietly, guiding Maeve past Hillary. She slips from my grasp as soon as she’s out the door. “But you?” I cast one cold eye over Hillary. “I don’t ever want to see you again, understand? One call and I can makeit happen, but wouldn’t it be terrible of you to deal with a complaintandlose your job in one day?”
Hillary’s narrowed eyes widen and she attempts to move past me, but I block her with one single step while ensuring I don’t make contact with her.
“I want to hear you say it.”
“Say what?” she asks shakily.
“Tell me you won’t be pursuing Maeve anymore. It might be detrimental to yourhealth.”
“You can’t make me?—”
“Ah.” I tsk softly and lift one hand, rocking my finger back and forth as my voice drops down low. “Try again.”
Her eyes dart over me and then past me, seeking help from anyone, but there’s no one here. Just me and her, and I won’t have her threatening Maeve again. “I?—”
“Yes?” I tilt my head and angle my ear toward her.
“I’ll try and close the case.”
“Try?”
“My boss… this case isn’t open and shut. Maeve is?—”
Surging forward, I grab Hillary’s wrist and jerk her hand toward me. She gasps in pain as I tighten my grip until the small bones of her wrist shift under my fingers. “Maeve is a fantastic mother. A woman who has lost her friend and almost lost her child. But she is doing everything she can to care for a child she loves. Some would say there are better ways to spend your time.”
My threat finally reaches Hillary and she whimpers, then snatches her hand away when I relax my grip. “Yes,” she gasps as tears smart at the corners of her eyes. “You’re right. Case closed.”
“Excellent.” I don’t believe her, but one call and I’ll ensure Maeve isn’t bothered ever again. Straightening my stance, I adjust my tie and flash cowering Hillary a smile. “Be seeing you.”
Outside, Maeve is on her knees squeezing the life out of Scott who is sobbing in her arms and pulling hard on her hair in his desperation to be close to her. His cries sear right through me like a molten blade, which catches me off guard and must have been visible on my face because Chip gives me a strange look.
“You good?”
I nod quickly. “Fine.”
“You look like someone just shot your favorite dog or something.”
“I’m fine. Though can you get me information on the CPS file on Maeve? That woman had a grudge and I want to know why, and make sure it’s closed.”
“Will do,” Chip agrees. “Anything for your fiancée, right?”
Our eyes meet. “She told you?”
“Yup. She sounded as stunned as I feel because Levi, what the fuck are you doing? Do you not remember how this went the last time?” He keeps his voice low. “I understand you might think she’s not the leak, or was working with someone else, but is inviting her back into your life like this really the best idea?”
I look past him to Maeve who finally climbs to her feet and picks Scott up. She engages in brief conversation with the policeman beside her but her smile is unmistakable. The relief of having her baby back in her arms is overwhelming, and everything else melts away.
“It’s not the best idea,” I say softly. “But it’s the right one.”
“You’re under her spell again.” Chip snorts good-naturedly. “Damn. The ice giant melts.”
“Fuck off.” I elbow him quickly in the ribs. “Where’s the car?”
“Donald’s bringing the four by four with a car seat. You’re welcome.”
