Page 134 of Betrayal (Corrupt Empire 1)

Chapter Twenty Four

Aiden

The buzzer for the door went. I picked myself up off my office chair and stalked out, locking the door behind me. Avery told me to stay out the living room as she was painting. It was only a few days till Christmas now. I’d been good and not looked at what she was doing for me. I wanted to know, but in order to make her happy, I kept away.

Fuck knew who was at the door. I walked over to the intercom camera and froze. What the actual fuck? This could not be fucking happening.

Standing there was a police officer and a woman in plain clothes. A detective. Fuck. Why the hell were the police at my door? This didn’t fucking bode well. I had to act now. No fucking doubt they’d want to come up to speak to me.

“Avery, I’m going to need you to put all your shit in the cell, right fucking now,” I called.

“Why?” she called back.

“Because the police are here.”

The buzzer went again.

“What? Why?”

“I’m going to find out. Just do as I said.”

She appeared in the doorway of the living room, eyes wide. I pointed at the cell door. She nodded and disappeared. Putting her back in there killed me, but it was the only place she’d be safe from them. The only way I could hide her.

I pressed down on the buzzer.

“Hello.”

“Mr Lockhart? My name is Detective Reynolds and this is PC Yeoman. Might we have a few moments of your time?”

“What is this about?”

“It would be better if we came inside, Mr Lockhart.”

“And I would rather you tell me what you want with me. Isn’t that within my rights?”

The detective frowned.

“We have some questions regarding the disappearance of Avery Daniels.”

I fucking wanted to punch the wall. Fuck.

“What would I know about her?”

“You work for the Daniels, do you not? We simply want to ask you some questions, but if you would rather we conduct this down the station, then you’re welcome to come with us.”

I had no choice. No fucking way I was going with them. I couldn’t keep her safe then.

“I’ll buzz you in.”

I pressed down on the button for a moment before turning away from the camera and intercom. Avery had the cell door open and a bundle of stuff in her arms.

“You got everything?” I asked.

“All my art stuff, toiletries from the bathroom and any clothes I left in the living room. I don’t think there’s anything else other than my stuff in the bedroom.”

I wanted to kiss her. She hadn’t questioned any of it. She knew.

“Just leave it. I’m not fucking letting them search the place. They need a warrant.”

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