Page 543 of Hell Hath No Fury
I’ve never been called that in my life.
Pulling out my phone, I call the one person I know can help above all others. “Hello?” His powerful voice allows me to breathe for the first time since I found Lavender.
“Daddy, I need help.” The officers raise a brow and smirk at my call, but they have no idea. “Lav’s in trouble, and the precinct sent the wrong idiots.”
“What happened?” His commanding voice always settles me. It’s a wonder Kelly was able to hold him off for so long because now she melts whenever he’s in the room. It’s kind of how I feel about her brother, Dorian.
Turning my back, I speak in a hushed tone. “Travis raped her. We’re at the hospital so she can be examined, but they sent thesetwo moronic officers, and they have no idea how to handle the situation.”
“What are their names?” I can already hear him typing away on his computer.
Glancing over my shoulder, I take note of their badges. “Quincy and Jones.” Rolling my eyes as I turn back away, I hear Dad chuckle.
“They’re not wholly incompetent, but you’re right, this isn’t the case for them. Put me on speaker.” Doing as he requests, I turn back around. “Gentlemen, this is Clay County Sheriff Aaron Michaels.” I raise my brow as they stand taller.
“Yes, sir,” they mimic each other.
“My daughter is correct in her assumption that neither of you is equipped to handle this case. I’m calling in a favor to have a particular officer come in. You’ll remain silently at your post until they arrive. Am I understood?”
They share a glance before answering in unison. “Yes, Sheriff.”
“Good. Now, Clem, Kelly and I will be there as soon as we can. Hang tight.”
Throat clenching, I barely squeeze out, “Thank you, Daddy,” before turning and entering the room with Lavender again.
Tears stream unencumbered down her face as the nurse brushes out her hair, collecting whatever evidence may be entangled there. “Daddy and Kelly are on their way soon.” I sit on the stool next to the sterile exam table. Lavender doesn’t have any family, and it was rather quickly that Dad and Kelly accepted her as the sister I never had. They love her the same as they love me, so when I see horror wash across her beautiful light-colored eyes, I don’t know how to respond.
“Please don’t,” she croaks out, shaking her head, and causing the nurse to pull her knotted hair with the comb. As she winces,I want to reassure her, but I know nothing I say will have any effect right now. Not while she’s so fragile.
CHAPTER TWO
Dorian
Striding into the busy E.R. of Green Cove Springs, I flash my badge at the triage nurse, explaining to her why I’m here, even if I don’t understand, myself. My brother-in-law Aaron was insistent that it be me to cover this case, even though I have no jurisdiction here.
A girl was raped and assaulted in Jacksonville but came here to avoid being seen by anyone she knew. I almost get that, but it’d be easier on her case if this were all done in the city it happened.
Spotting two officers, I’m surprised when I hear, “Don’t fucking touch her,” in a feminine voice I know all too well.
Dismissing the men on watch, I knock on the door before entering, and I’m surprised and relieved to see Clementine standing between a nurse and a cowering girl on an exam table, half hidden by a curtain. My sweet Clem has a prickly side as sharp as any rose thorn, and this nurse is about to experience that in full force.
“Clem, what’s going on?” Her head swivels at my voice, and her glare intensifies.
“What are you doing here?”
“Aaron sent me.” And I understand why now. The other girl must be the one I’ve heard my sister and her husband talk about on occasion. “Said this case needed some tact and careful handling.”
“Fine.” She still doesn’t move from her spot between the nurse and her friend.
“Clem, you have to move. I need to talk to Lavender. Can’t do that when you’re a guard dog.” Raising a brow in challenge, she looks back to her friend, who gives a subtle nod.
Sighing, the nurse looks at me. “I’ve got most of what I need; I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Lavender, I’m Dorian Wagner, a sergeant with the Jacksonville P.D. Clem’s father asked me to come and interview you. Is that alright with you?” Drawing the small blanket up and closer to her chin, she nods again. Grabbing the stool by the window, I move it over to the tray table and take a seat, pulling out a notebook to write everything down.
“Not a word from you, Clem, or I’ll ask you to leave.” As good as it is to see her when I haven’t even heard from her since that night eight months ago, I can’t let her interfere.
Gripping her friend’s hand in both of hers, she agrees. “I won’t.”
