Page 55 of Blood Illusions

The fluorescent lights of the police station lobby cast a harsh glow on our tense faces. We sat in silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on us. Officers moved briskly around the room, their radios crackling intermittently.

The glass doors opened, and I gasped as Dr. Gould and Justice entered.

Tim patted my knee and eyed the pair with a discernible wariness. “Don’t sweat it. I’ll handle these jokers,” he stated in a low, gruff tone.

Tim hurried over toward them. “What are you two doing here? This is a family matter.”

Dr. Gould approached, exuding a calm authority, with Justice in tow, his expression unreadable. “I’ve contacted a lawyer who can get Damon out of this,” Dr. Gould offered smoothly.

Tim eyed him, his skepticism evident. “Appreciate the offer, but we’ll sort this out ourselves,” he replied.

In the blink of an eye, Justice vanished from his spot.

Tim whirled and staggered as if a wind had blown him over. “Damn vamp.”

He reappeared, sitting directly beside me. The scent of spicy cinnamon filled my nostrils as he sat, his gaze locked onto mine. I saw the female cops stealing glances at him, unable to resist his charm. It was impossible not to notice him. With his chiseled jawline, deep brown eyes, and effortless charisma, he turned heads wherever he went.

But he was a vampire, and I was still angry with him for leaving my dad.

Tim headed toward us, but Dr. Gould clasped his arm. The doctor tilted his head. “I need to talk to you.”

Tim hesitated as if he wasn’t sure he should leave me with a vampire.

I gave him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay.” I didn’t think Justice would do anything in the police station.

Justice looked at me. “I’m sorry about your dad and your brother.”

I stared directly ahead. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”

Justice leaned in, a subtle hint of persuasion in his tone. “I can help you. There are…quicker ways to resolve this matter with your brother. I’m not going to press charges against him.” He flashed me a devious smile.

I bristled at Justice’s words, feeling the tension between us rise. I leaned forward, raised an eyebrow, and clenched my jaw. “Thank you for not pressing charges,” I replied sarcastically. “But don’t try to fool us with your Jedi mind tricks. We’ll get to the bottom of this our way, even if it means facing more obstacles.” My voice dripped with determination like my father’s always had.

Justice released a heavy sigh and met my glare. “I didn’t mean any disrespect,” he commented. “I was only trying to help.”

“Like you helped my father?” I couldn’t hide the bitterness in my voice.

He winced as if my words had physically hurt him. “Sawyer, I swear we did everything we could to save him.” His tone turned weary as he continued. “There were too many of them.”

I folded my arms. “So you say.”

“Is Damon going to make bail?”

My shoulders sagged. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the money right now.”

“We can help you. I have connections, and I may be able to help Damon before then.”

I held my chin high. “I told you we don’t need your help.”

“So, your pride would allow Damon to stay in jail?” His Jiminy Cricket voice pricked at my conscience.

“No, it wouldn’t,” I replied miserably.

Tim headed toward me and glanced at Dr. Gould, who sat patiently in a seat across from us. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sawyer, can I talk to you?”

“Excuse me,” I stated, not waiting for Justice to respond.

Tim and I retreated to a dimly lit corner, careful to keep our distance from Justice and Dr. Gould. The police officers loomed over us, their eyes trained on our every move.

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