Page 90 of Required Surrender

“What did you say to him?”

I shifted my attention in her direction, narrowing my eyes. “To stay away from you, especially given his proclamation you belonged to him.”

“Did you do anything to him?”

“If you’re asking if I killed him prior to leaving his office in the middle of the day, no, I did not.”

She shook her head, putting the laptop on the table. “The police will need to question you.”

If the sound of the bell was any indication, I’d have to say they’d already arrived. My gut was working overtime, shouting that someone was trying to pin the three recent murders on me.

That took guts but as the sound of the ringing door chime was followed with pounding fists, I was forced to deal with the situation.

“They’re already here, sweet Lark. Just stay right where you are.” I rose to my feet, shoving the edge of my shirt into my jeans.

“Like hell I will. If that’s the police, you need representation.”

“I have a battery of attorneys working for me, sweetheart.” Although I was beginning to wonder if Braxton Smith, the criminal lawyer I’d fired the day I’d formally met Lark, would still consider representing me. He’d warned me that my past would return to haunt me, calling me the second the first girl’s body had been found.

I’d ignored him. Then when Davidson had been arrested, Braxton had called again. Whether or not he’d been warning or threatening me was something that remained in the back of my mind. With Trent Abbot a member of Club Darkness, a small red flag had surfaced. Trent was powerful, although he hadn’t been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, meaning the various fees required by Club Darkness would stretch his budget.

Unless he’d been sponsored.

She rose to her feet. “If that’s the police, don’t say anything.”

I laughed and squeezed her arm. “Just stay out of sight. And don’t worry. I learned a long time ago how to handle the cops.”

She continued to study me intently, her eyes darting back and forth. “I’m worried.”

“I’ll be fine. If the police are at my door, their arrival is nothing more than a fishing expedition.”

I said nothing else before returning to the house, taking long strides toward the front door. As expected, a police officer and a man dressed in a suit stood just outside my door. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?”

“I’m Detective Barker. I need to ask you a few questions if that’s alright.” He looked past me, curious if there was anyone else in the house. I could also tell he was prepared to force his way inside.

There was no reason for me to be argumentative at this point or ask for a warrant. I opened the door wider, allowing them in while glancing toward the partially open patio door. At least Lark remained out of sight. I followed them into the living room, cognizant I was in my bare feet while both men were fully dressed. I didn’t like having intruders in my house under the best of circumstances. My irritation was on its highest level. I wouldn’t give a shit, ignoring them had I not visited Davidson the day before.

I’d been careless in my actions, my required meeting something the receptionist would remember. “What is this about?”

“I understand you met with Ernest Davidson yesterday?” the detective asked.

“I did.”

“According to his receptionist, you roughed him up.”

Smirking, I shook my head as I tried to keep my irritation from showing. “Dr. Davidson and I had a disagreement. It was settled before I left. Again, I’ll ask. What is the purpose of your intrusion?”

The detective studied me, his disdain for who and what I was obvious. “What was the nature of your meeting with Dr. Davidson?”

I laughed, trying to keep from bristling. “I guess you’d need to ask Dr. Davidson that question. If he’s willing to share, then fine.”

“I’m certain you glance at the news every morning, Mr. McKenzie.”

“Not always.” I gritted my teeth while attempting to keep a smile on my face. This was definitely an attempt at a railroading job.

He walked closer, invading my space. “Dr. Davidson was found murdered inside his home late yesterday by his housekeeper. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

“Why would I?”

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