My smile falls as I study the woman before me, capable of more love than I’ve ever seen and more beautiful than any man deserves, especially us. But we’re keeping her and never letting go. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I want to hold you.”
Heat explodes in my chest. “I want to kiss you.”
She blushes and jumps as the large metal door that leads into the police station opens and Sheriff Austin walks in. His deep frown makes my gut twist with anxiety and he takes in Shyann before moving toward us.
“Austin, what is it?” Shy moves toward me but stays on her side of the safe distance line.
The sheriff’s gaze slides to mine and he squares his shoulders, which makes me unconsciously stand taller, preparing mentally for him to deliver what I assume to be bad news.
“Son, wanted to stop in to let you know Sam’s awake and her doctors have cleared her to talk.”
I exhale hard and nod.
“That’s great. When will you go question her?” Shy’s voice drips with excitement.
The sheriff checks his watch. “Gary should be pulling up over there now.” His eyes find Lucas. “I’ll be back in a few to let you know what we get.”
“Thank you.”
He nods and turns from us, calling out over his shoulder that Shy only has ten more minutes.
Her bright smile turns toward me. “This is it! This could get you off the hook!”
“Yeah, but if it was the Shadow, will she have any information to give to get me off? I mean, if she didn’t see his face, or hear his voice, and there wasn’t any evidence, won’t that leave me on the chopping block?”
Her smile falls and I instantly regret my words.
Sam’s testimony will seal my fate, one way or the other.
SHYANN
“Time’s up!” a deputy calls from the doorway. “Say your goodbyes.”
I straighten my spine and throw as much power behind my words as I can. “I’m not leaving.”
Lucas smiles, actually smiles!
“Shy, you have to leave.” Lucas’s long fingers are curled around the bars of the door, his grin that melts my insides flashing adorably.
“This room maybe, but I’ll be waiting in the sheriff’s office. I want to be here when they get back and you’ll need a ride home when they release you.”
He frowns, his expression growing serious. “I think we have to be prepared for the worst. They’ve done their research, Shy. They know my record, that I was tried for murdering my family.”
“The jury found you innocent.”
His eyes snap to mine. “On a technicality.”
I swallow hard and resist the urge to move closer and grasp his hands in mine. “Do you think you killed your family, Lucas?”
“No. I loved my brothers and sister. I can’t image Gage hurting them.”
“And your mom?” I need to know, finally, the truth of what he knows, or at least what he believes happened that night.
His expression turns hard. “I’d wished she would die, yes. But I can’t see myself killing anyone, no matter how evil they were. Gage is a different story, though.”
I nod to his scar. “And that?”
He shrugs. “I believe my mom killed them, tried to kill me, and then killed herself. That’s what the jury decided, so that’s what I believe.”
Safe, keeping the bad guy evil and the innocence of children pure. Even if it’s not the truth, Lucas could never live with himself if he knew he’d taken a life. If the authorities ever found out, would they drag him through a retrial?
It’s better he remain clueless.
The door swings open, jarring me from my thoughts, and my stomach leaps into my throat. Is it them? Do they have answers?
The deputy walks in and waves me forward. “Time’s up, Shy.”
“Five more minutes?” I flash my poutiest pout.
“Not a chance. Already gave you more time than I should’ve.” He motions to the door. “Let’s go.”
I sigh and look at Lucas, wanting so badly to touch him before I go, comfort him and myself even if only for a second. He seems to read my thoughts and steps away from the bars. “Go on, Shy. It’ll be okay.”
“I love you, and I will see you soon.” My stomach drops and I hope to God I’m telling him the truth.
“Shyann, let’s go!” the deputy yells, and I walk away from Lucas, each foot of distance between us increasing the dread building in my gut.
LUCAS
There are no windows in the cell I’m being held in, so the passing of time is relative and it feels like it’s been days since Shyann left. I’ve counted the bricks on the exterior wall, the number of rivets in the metal dividing walls, and the bars in the door. Multiple times.
After what seems like a lifetime, the door finally opens and I push up to see Sheriff Austin and Gary walk in; their faces are unreadable. I remain silent as they step up to my cell, my pulse pounding in my ears. My eyes widen as he pulls keys from his pocket and unlocks my cell door.
“Mr. Menzano.” Austin’s gaze is dark and set on mine. “Appreciate your patience through all this.” He swings open the door. “Seems we were led astray by false witnesses. You’re free to go.”