Page 109 of The Consequences of Love and Vengeance

Why is he even here?

“Leave my room,” I bark, then turn my eyes back on the chief. “We can discuss this later, but not here, not with everyone in this room.”

“I want to know how you possibly think I would take that kid?” Drago demands. My gut knots, needing all of this to stop.

“Because he’s your son.”

That son of a bitch.

I want to go off on my boss so badly right now, but I know it won’t do any good. It’ll only hurt me in the long run, but it doesn’t stop me from throwing venom at him through my blue eyes. I know I don’t scare him, no one does, but—

My thoughts are cut short when I realize Drago’s hand slides out of mine, leaving me cold and allowing a feeling of dread to sink in.

“Wow!” D says with a laugh, not believing Tom. He turns his gaze on me, his laughter dying the moment our eyes lock when he sees the truth I haven’t been able to tell him—not even now. “Bri?”

My dad grabs my hand, squeezing me reassuringly, and if I weren’t torn to pieces by the anger brewing behind those dark eyes I like so much, this might feel awkward.

The man that has always been in charge and in control rolls off my father’s tongue smoothly, effortless, his voice takes on the superiority I’m used to.

“My daughter has been through a traumatic experience. It’s time everyone leaves her room. Now.”

Lance snickers, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of reacting, nor do I even look in his direction. I ignore him as if he’s not even here.

“That isn’t possible,” Drago says on a whisper.

“I’d like you to come down to the station for a formal interview, Mr. Acerbi. If you are so innocent, that shouldn’t be a problem for you.”

“Tom,” I bite out. “He didn’t shoot me. He didn’t kidnap Gabriel. Diaz did. Diaz is the one you need to be looking for. What’s the status on his location?”

“That’s none of your concern anymore. Andrews,” Tom steels himself, “I’m placing you on administrative leave, pending an internal investigation. I expect you in my office the day you’re released from here. And whether IA deems any of your wrongdoings as criminal or not, I’ll make it my personal mission to strip you of your badge and gun—for good.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Ithought I was prepared for the consequences of my actions. But hearing Tom tell me he’ll see that I’m fired one way or another before storming out of my room has me second-guessing myself. Now I’m not so sure anymore.

“Bri, explain.” My gaze travels slowly up, meeting Drago’s hard stare. “Because that kid isn’t mine, so what the fuck?”

“He is, D.” I all but breathe that confession out.

“Andrews,” Mike barks. “Maybe you should keep your mouth closed on this before you get into deeper shit than you already are.”

“With all due respect, Mike, I’m done playing by Ramirez’s rules. I didn’t believe in them when I was handed a case that made no sense, and I don’t believe in them now that he’s pulled this BS.”

“Is your career bullshit?” he asks.

“Everything isn’t black and white.”

“You know, you sound just like them?”The Dirty Blue.

“Don’t!” I’m not one of them. I’m not like Lance Houston, because I know that sorry motherfucker is a dirty cop. I think I’ve always known it. I’m not a member of The Dirty Blue, and I never will be.

Fuck him for even thinking it.

Mike closes his eyes, locking his jaw a second later. Upon opening them, they land back on me as he shakes his head. The disappointment is so clear in his light blue eyes.

“Do you need me to go with you when you meet with Ramirez?”

“No.” I don’t need him babying me. I don’t need him fathering me. I’m a grown woman who made her own bed and I’m prepared to lie in it. I can own up to my actions. And I can damn sure walk into Tom’s office, facing him at work. I won’t hide. I won’t let someone else assume responsibility for what is mine.

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