“But, I don’t think Detective Ferguson will be happy with that decision.” He shook his head, trying not to seem too terrified. “Please, I don’t want any trouble. I’m just doing my job.”
His face softening slightly, Duncan looked over to where Detective Ferguson stood with his head held back, trying to stop his bleeding nose. The bastard was lucky he still had a nose. “I don’t think he cares who goes in what car at the moment.”
Knowing he wasn’t going to win, the officer looked at the other one who shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, but don’t cause problems.”
Duncan nodded, and then with a slight tug, he broke the handcuffs off his wrist handing them to the surprised officer. “Didn’t want it to look like you took these off me, and they’re not silver.” Duncan patted him on the shoulder before walking around the car to open the door and climb in.
“Are you nuts?” Pam frowned at him after he slammed the door shut. “You just hit a detective.”
“After three months, that is all you have to say to me?” Duncan frowned back at her.
“At the moment…yes.” Pam looked away.
“Lean forward,” Duncan demanded, but when she ignored him, he grasped her shoulders, moving her in the position he wanted her. Just as he did with his handcuffs, hers were broken and tossed onto the floor.
Pam rubbed her wrists glancing up at him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Duncan’s golden eyes roamed her face, and his fingers burned to touch the softness of her cheek. “Why did you run?” The deepness of his voice filled the police cruiser.
Wrapping the too-large jacket around herself like a protective cloak, Pam shivered. “This isn’t the time or place, Duncan.”
“This is definitely the place, and three months ago was the goddamn time.” Anger vibrated from his voice. “I have been searching everywhere for you. Not a minute has gone by that I wasn’t looking for you.”
Turning from him, she watched an officer walk toward the cruiser. “Then you wasted your time because as soon as possible, I’ll be gone again.” She finished the cruel words, squeezing her eyes tight.
“The hell you will,” Duncan growled down the back of her neck. “You are mine, and I will not let you go this time.”
Her lips curved sadly. “Soon, you’ll be the one tossing me away.” Her words were spoken with such conviction it surprised Duncan.
“Never!” The word was spoken softly, but with certainty before he moved away as the officer got in the car.
*****
Pam followed the officer, who had not said a word about her no-handcuffed state, into what she figured was an interrogation room. She sat in the chair Duncan pulled out for her.
“Mr. Roark, you can’t stay in here,” the officer stated, looking up at the camera, hoping to find some help with the situation.
Pulling out a chair across from Pam at the small table, Duncan made himself at home. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Listen, sir, I don’t want any problems, but you cannot stay in here. I have the utmost respect for you and the Warriors, but it’s the rules. You hit an officer and have to be processed,” the officer stated, starting to sweat in earnest. Taking his hat off, he swiped his forehead.
“What is he doing in here?” Detective Ferguson demanded, sounding funny with what looked like two Kotex stuck up his nose. “Get him out of here, now. I’m pressing assault charges.”
“Then you better bring an army, because I’m not budging from this room.” Duncan stood, rolling his shoulders.
Armed officers rushed into the room with guns drawn. Pam also stood, taking in the situation. “If you release him and drop all charges, I will tell you everything you want to know.” Pam took a step toward Duncan.
“Get back.” Duncan nudged her away, his eyes daring anyone to make a move while she was in the way.
“Shut up, Roark,” Pam growled as she walked forward again.
“You’re crazy,” Detective Ferguson sneered. “I’m not dropping charges on this maniac. He attacked me.”
“No, he punched you in the face.” Pam shook her head. “If he would have attacked you, you’d be dead.”
“Get him the hell out of here.” The detective stepped out of the way so the officers could do their jobs. “I don’t care how you do it, but get him behind bars now.”
Pam walked forward, her hands outstretched. “You do, and I will go to my grave without speaking a word about what I know, and what I know is something that no one else does.”
Detective Ferguson’s eyes brightened. With his run for mayor, something like this could boost his votes. He wanted the son of a bitch that killed Sheriff Bowman behind bars, but anything extra could seal the deal on him becoming mayor. “We can make you talk.”
Pam frowned, shaking her head. “For almost a year I was tortured by the man you’re looking for. You can make me do nothing.”