“I can’t do this.” Jill’s insides literally shook as she watched all the reporters standing around. “What in the hell did you tell them?”
“You told me to get the media here and that’s what I did. I told them there was a government cover-up that was going to be exposed.” Steve grinned, proud of his achievement.
“Seriously, I don’t think I can do this.” Jill hated to admit that, but it was true.
“Yes, you can.” Steve slammed his hand on the dashboard. “You are woman. Let them hear you roar.”
“I so want to kill you right now.” Jill sneered at him. “I hate that fucking song.”
“What in the hell are you waiting for?” Hunter slammed his hands on the top of the car while sticking his face through the open window.
Jill jumped, screaming. “What are you doing here?” When she saw Adam standing behind Hunter, Jill cursed. “Dammit, Steve.”
“I’m sorry, but I felt we needed some backup.” Steve gave his empty apology. He didn’t look apologetic in the least. “I tried to get her pumped up with that ‘I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar’ song, but she’s just not feeling it.”
Struggling with the door, she pushed her way out before she actually killed Steve. Standing, she swayed, but Hunter steadied her.
“Let’s just calm down.” Hunter forced her to look at him with a light shake. “Jill, this was your plan. Do you believe in what you set out to do here?”
“Of course I do.” Jill nodded, making her dizzy so she stopped.
“Then let’s go do it.” Hunter gave her a wink. “We’re behind you. You won’t be alone.”
Jill took a deep breath. “If he sings that fucking song one more time.” Jill knew she was stalling, but she couldn’t help it.
“I’ll kill him myself,” Hunter assured her without cracking a grin.
“Okay.” Jill almost nodded, but stopped. “Okay! Let’s do this.”
Steve, Hunter, and Adam surrounded Jill as they walked up the steps to City Hall. Jill tried to keep her eyes straight ahead, but she did see Steve giving reporters nods, and soon they had a crowd following them.
“I think I’m going to get sick,” Jill whispered, holding onto Adam’s hand.
“What the fuck are you going to throw up?” Adam whispered back. “You been holding out on me and found something better than crackers?”
Jill choked out a laugh, then leaned in toward Adam. “I’m having a hard time pissing,” she admitted with a whisper not knowing why she shared that with him, but just felt the need to do so.
“Welcome to the club.” Adam opened the door allowing Jill to go in first. “After this is over, we can compare symptoms.”
“Deal.” Jill’s smile faded as they were met with a metal detector. She didn’t bring her weapon and hoped the guys didn’t either or she would be going in there alone. Jill started to go through, but the officer running it stopped her.
“What business do you have here?” The officer’s tone was nasty.
“I’m here for the—” Jill started, but was interrupted.
“Step to the side and let these people pass,” the officer ordered.
Jill did as she was told. Tension rolled off Adam and Hunter who flanked her. Steve’s face was even pinched in a very pissed-off sneer.
Getting a little angry herself, she looked at the reporters and cameramen before trying to walk through again. This time, the officer stepped from behind the screening counter and started to reach for her.
“I’m going to put this as politely as I can and believe me that is not easy for me to do especially when I’m staring into the face of ignorance.” Hunter stepped in front of Jill, blocking the officer. “What you are doing is against the law. If she passes through the metal detector without incident, she can legally walk into this building as a US citizen. You are profiling her because she is a half-breed.”
“I asked her a question.” The officer didn’t look too sure of himself.
“Which has no merit,” Hunter replied before looking at a pretty reporter with a wink. “Isn’t that right? You rolling on this?”
“As a matter of fact, I am.” The reporter smiled back at Hunter, then to the officer she held out the mic. “Would you like to explain your reasoning on questioning this young lady when not questioning others?”
The officer gave the reporter and Hunter a dark glare before going back behind the screening table. “Go ahead,” the officer snapped.
Jill gave the woman reporter a nod of thanks before walking through the metal detector then waited as Hunter, Adam, and lastly Steve who stared wide-eyed at the officer showing his golden vampire eyes as he passed.
“Maybe you should do the talking.” Jill glanced at Hunter.
“Nah, I just used up all my nice,” he replied, coming to a stop and looking around. “I’ll end up shooting off at the mouth and all will be lost.”