Page 44 of Corbin
Corbin’s hope shot through the roof, then fizzled.
In the next parking spot, Adrian sat against the seat of his motorcycle with arms crossed and a dark expression clouding his face. He stood up as the cruiser parked. Corbin would give Adrian the truth, including the fact that he could not complain the officers had treated him badly. They’d seemed uncomfortable with him inside the car, but they’d been polite.
The driver stepped out and turned to open the rear door for Corbin. He hooked a hand under Corbin’s arm to aid him in stepping out, then uncuffed him.
Rubbing the feeling back into his wrists, Corbin drew a deep breath of free air as the driver climbed back in and stared straight ahead.
Stepping around the car to where Adrian waited, the thick-necked officer said, “Our captain received confirmation of this man being on the Beckham Security team.”
Adrian had always appeared even-tempered particularly in the worst of times, but his ears should be smoking from the fury blazing in his eyes. He said nothing.
The officer backed up, looking very uncomfortable. “We, uh, apologize for any misunderstanding.”
Corbin strolled over to Adrian and stopped near him. “They treated me fairly.” His words had come out tight, but that had been the best he could do under the circumstances.
Adrian nodded without taking his gaze off the policeman.
Thick Neck added, “One of our officers is delivering your motorcycle here. Should arrive in the next five minutes.”
Corbin gave a short nod, but this was Adrian’s show. He had no speaking role.
Heaving out a deep breath, Adrian said, “Next time, read everything on the identification to avoid making an unnecessary mistake.”
“I will pass that wisdom on to the Chief who gives us our marching orders.”
“Understood.”
There was Adrian, the peacemaker.
Thick Neck returned to the passenger seat, and the cruiser sped away.
Time to suck it up and face Adrian. Corbin’s first word had to be said before any explanation. “Sorry.”
Adrian cocked an eyebrow at Corbin and turned to face him. “I had a call from Beckham telling me the police said someone called you in as a stalker who had frightened Ms. Givenchy.”
“Wait a minute,” Corbin started, unwilling to accept blame for what hehadn’tdone. “I never made any threatening move around her, and I informed her I was part of her security team.”
“Yep, I know.” Adrian ran fingers through his thick hair. “I told Beckham I’d sent you to follow Ms. Givenchy to protect her since she’d refused her human guards.” He dropped his arm. “I explained that based on what I’d observed of her manner here at the theater earlier, I had no doubt she’d overreacted and caused a problem.”
Corbin swallowed hard. Being with Jaz and Adrian had been the first decent place in his life. They’d treated him better than he could ever expect.
But no one, absolutely no one, had ever given him a gift like Adrian’s belief in him just now. That was damn humbling. “Thank you, Adrian.”
“You’re welcome.” He angled back around. “Here comes your bike.”
Another officer rode it into the spot the cruiser had vacated and parked the bike, setting it on the stand. He dismounted, then looked at Adrian and Corbin before addressing Adrian. “Everything appears to be functioning properly. Let us know if you have any issues.”
“Thank you.” Adrian gave the bike a quick perusal.
“I appreciate the delivery.” This time, Corbin meant the words.
A second cruiser drove up, and the officer slid into the passenger side before they drove off.
Corbin gave Adrian a confused look. “Why are they treating us so nicely?”
Grinning, Adrian slapped him on the back. “Treatingyounicely. Givenchy might be local royalty, but my boss is far more powerful than any of these people. I called him to report what was happening, and he said he’d handle any repercussions.”
“Damn. Don’t wake me up.” Corbin laughed with sudden relief. “I don’t want to live in the real world.”
