Page 36 of Forged in Flames (Made of Steel 2)

"Me? I don't know how to interrogate someone."

"You know him better than I do."

I shook my head. The truth was I didn't know Eli at all. "You're not going to hurt him, are you?"

"Good idea. It's probably better if we make it look like I might." He grabbed Eli's limp arm and dragged him across the sparkling clean floors.

"That's not what I meant."

V ignored me as he pushed Eli's body to a seated position underneath the bulls-eye. The one he was still clearly learning how to use. He grabbed the bow and an arrow off a nearby glass table and kicked Eli's thigh.

"Please don't hurt him."

V glanced at me over his shoulder. "He'll be more scared if he doesn't see you." He nodded for me to go into the bathroom.

"Don't hurt him."

"I'm not going to kill your boyfriend if that's what you're worried about."

I couldn't even believe it. He was jealous. How could he be jealous of anything I did when he wouldn't even show me his face? It wasn't like we were in a relationship built on honesty. But it didn't stop me from feeling terrible about it either. I had been a little relieved when I thought the vigilante was Eli instead of some stranger under a mask.

"I thought he was you."

He shook his head and turned back to Eli.

V was right, it would be better if I wasn't watching. And I didn't want to witness this. I flinched when V kicked Eli again. The truth was, I had feelings for both of them. I wouldn't have just slept with Eli because he was the vigilante if I didn't like Eli in the first place. I retreated into the bathroom and let the enchanting smell calm me down.

Chapter 16

Sunday

I leaned my head against the doorjamb and pulled my knees into my chest. I tried my best to listen to their exchange while suppressing the need to jump in. If I just listened, maybe I could finally get some answers. No one ever seemed to want to tell me anything when I asked. This was the best way. But so far, I hadn't learned anything new.

"I said how long?" the vigilante's voice rumbled.

"I wasn't on surveillance that whole time."

"How long were you on the case?"

"I was put on it shortly after I joined the force three years ago."

Three years? I shut my eyes. Three years of hell that could have

been avoided.

"What do you have on Don Roberts?" the vigilante said.

"Nothing. That's the problem."

"With three years of trying to put him away? I highly doubt that."

"I'd tell you more if..."

A crunching sound made my eyes fly open.

"Jesus! You nearly shot my ear off!"

"Tell me what you know!"

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