“Yes,” I respond surely, but my back is sweating like crazy, my fingers tingling as I lie through my teeth.
“Unfortunately we were not able to locate Cristoforo.” I don’t recognize the name. Noticing the confusion on my face he frowns. “That is his birth name, Cristoforo.”
“Oh, I didn’t know him as anything other than Cross,” I explain my confusion.
“Right, well, like I said, I have our men out looking for him, and a search warrant for his property. We’ll find him. It also helps that we received a call from police officer Alessandra Lucas who testified to your statement.”
“What?!”
His big eyebrows narrow. “Yeah, she explained that she was called to the scene that night, and didn’t see the shooter, but saw you clearly and you were not the one who pulled the trigger.” He bites his cheek. “Is that not accurate?” I swallow, my chest doing this tingly thing. Alessandra lied for me, and now I’m about to lie some more.
“No, no, it is,” I respond quickly. It’s official. I’m going to Hell.
“So, here is what we can do in the meantime. I can open an investigation, and if it turns out Cross did kill Lieutenant Oaks like you so clearly believe, and the results from your polygraph are clean, then you’re cleared and will be back in the department.”
I wring my fingers together tightly. “Yes, of course.”
“If not, I’d stay in town, deputy.” My heart just fell out of my chest.
He pulls the papers up, tapping them against the table and holds his hand out, shaking mine firmly.
Leaving the interrogation room I smile, act friendly and happy to see everyone, and leave the department. As soon as I get in my Jeep, my tongue becomes too thick, my gag reflex pulsing to the point acid fills my mouth. I grab a fast food bag, and vomit in it. Only this sickness isn’t from the baby, it’s from being dirty. Turning on my code of blue to save my family.
Now I’m the outlaw.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Jillian
CURLED UP HERE IN BED, Jinx hiding under the covers with me, I think about the baby. I think about Zeek going to my mother’s for dinner. I think about…too much.
Warm hands wrap around me, pulling me into a strong, warm chest. The familiar smell of leather and exhaust comforting me.
“How’d it go?” Zeek whispers into my ear.
“I went to the department, took a polygraph. I lied.” I word vomit.
“Won’t they find out you lied if you took a test?”
“Maybe, but if you keep your heart rate normal, and blood pressure down, then you can pass them sometimes. I’m not sure if I pulled it off though, I’ve never lied in my life.” Clawing for the comforter I pull it to my face.
“I’m sorry you had to do that.” His words breathe into my neck, his arms pulling me closer.
Shaking my head I inhale a large breath. “I didn’t have to do it, but I wanted my job back.”
“You could have told them the truth and got your job back, baby.”
I shake my head. “No, my family comes first.” I turn my head, my eyes filled with fucking hormonal tears. “You’re my family. This baby is my family, and I wouldn’t ever put myself first.” I cup his cheek, the scruff against my palm nice.
Turning his face he kisses my palm. “I fucking love you, Rookie.”
“I went to my dad’s funeral today.”
He stills, his heart beating so hard in his chest I can feel it.
“My mother was there, I told her about the baby. She wants to have you over for casserole.” I can’t help but laugh.
“Yeah, because the last time went so well, why not.” Sarcasm drips from his voice.
I turn toward him, giggling.
“She’s really excited about the baby.” Zeek places his large palm on my stomach.
“With death, comes life.”
“Do you think this will get any easier? Us, I mean? You being a bad guy and me being the cop?”
He sighs into the crook of my neck.
“It won’t. But it’ll be worth it.”
“I love you, Zeek.” I bury my head into his chest.
His hand slips into my hair, his lips kissing my forehead.
“I love you so fucking much, Rookie.”
EPILOGUE
Jillian
SITTING AT MY DESK I aim for the basket, and toss the lid. Shit, I missed it again.
The months since everything went down pass by swiftly.
They found the rifle that was used in my father’s murder in Cross’s closet, with his fingerprints all over it. I was cleared and allowed to come back to work, but because I’m pregnant, I was put on desk duty.
It sucks.
I’m always bored.
I thought they’d do a full investigation on Frank’s death, but they didn’t. I guess everyone was just relieved he was gone. The news deemed it was a suicide. I think Zeek and his pull around here had something to do with that conclusion. He denies it though.