Tilly 20.
“Asked and answered, Special Agent Lomax. Spin the wheel for another question or let my client leave.”
I’m tired, I smell, this chair is uncomfortable as all heck, and I’ve been asked the same questions every few hours since I got here almost two days ago. The FBI is persistent, if a little dumb in their pursuit of the truth.
I’m grateful for Lincoln and his team. He’s worked tirelessly for the last two days to get Wilson and I released from custody. You never truly appreciate a lawyer until you need one.
“Your login and password confirm your identity as the person who transferred the fundraiser money initially. Where did it go, Ms. Mazekat? Who are you working with? What was your plan after the theft was discovered? When did you decide to steal from a charity?”
“You forgot ‘why’, Nancy Drew.” Lincoln states with clear exasperation. He shakes his head, then looks at me as he nods once. We discussed all this before the newest round of interrogation started.
“You have my phone?” Lomax nods. “You already know I’ve never accessed the banking software from it or my home computer…I can’t. It can only be accessed from the bank’s computers for security purposes.”
“We have explained every piece of flimsy evidence you have. You have no camera footage or street cams connecting either of my clients to the theft. Not to mention, Ms. Mazekat was not in the bank building during the time of the funds transfer. No phone records, no emails or text messages to indicate their involvement. You’re grasping at straws, Special Agent, and it’s time to let go.”
Lomax and his partner leave with a mumbled “be right back”. As soon as the door closes behind them, I’m turning to Lincoln.
“How’s Wilson? Where’s Wilson? Is Tybalt alright? I’m sorry that you are here instead of with Sammy, I know he needs you, but I’m so happy that you came with us. I don’t know what we’d do without you. Maybe we can get him a small motorcycle of his own—” Lincoln barks a laugh, grabs my shoulders and gently shakes me, effectively shutting me up. I wince in apology, “Sorry. My brother gets colonic diarrhea and I get verbal when we’re nervous.”
“Wilson is just fine. He’s currently in his cell, but judging by Lomax’s face before he left, I think you will be reunited soon. Tybalt is at the clubhouse and has only clogged two toilets since he returned from his own questioning in Covington. And yes, I’d always rather be with my wife and son, but I also wouldn’t trust anyone else to handle a brother’s case, let alone his woman’s.”
“I’m not—”
“Don’t insult me by lying your ass off about your relationship to Wilson.”
I shook my head, “I wouldn’t dare. I was going to say I’m not surprised by Tybalt’s restroom devastation.”
Lincoln smiles at me. “So, you’re Wilson’s woman?”
“Not to be…vulgar. But if I wasn’t, he has some explaining to do about our hotel activity. I don’t do that…with anyone, really, but certainly not someone I’m only casually seeing.”
With a sigh, Lincoln sits back in his chair, an earnest expression clouding his face. “I wanted to thank you.”
“What? You’re the one who—”
“Woman. Let me finish.” I snap my mouth shut, but not before sticking my tongue out at him in response. “Thank you for recognizing Sammy’s downward spiral at the clubhouse. I know you were scared out of your mind about you and Wilson being arrested, but you thought quickly and compassionately, redirecting his energy and Audrey and I can never thank you enough for that.” I sniffle a little, blinking rapidly to push back my tears.
“You don’t have to thank me. He’s such a good kid and he doesn’t deserve what life has served him. I know Wilson would never want to be responsible for heaping more onto his plate. Nor would I.”
“You’re good for Wilson. And good for the Congressionals. We’re happy to welcome you to the family.”
“I don’t know about—”
“Just say you’re honored and let’s move on.” Stifling a laugh, I flutter my lashes at him and put my hands together in front of my chest like I’m praying.
“Thank you, sir, thank you so much for your kindness.”
“Brat.”
About an hour later, I’m following agents Lomax and Fish through a series of corridors. I know I’m being released, and the charges are being dropped for now, but I won’t take a full breath until I’m outside of these bureaucratic walls. 20 steps to freedom, Wilson enters the vestibule of the FBI building. My heart starts pounding in my chest at the sight of him. It’s been a long 40 hours without him. For one second, we only stare at one another from across the open space. The next, I’m wrapping my arms around his neck, my legs around his waist, and peppering his roughly bearded face with kisses. He smells, I smell, we all smell like wrongful imprisonment! And yet, he’s the most beautiful, wondrous, dreamy man I’ve ever seen. I missed him so much. More than I can explain. And judging by his own…growing reaction between my legs, he missed me just as much.
“If I ain’t getting any, neither are either of you,” Lincoln bitches from our side. Still firmly wrapped in Wilson’s arms, he carries me from the FBI building. His grip tightens when Lomax calls to us just before the doors close.
“I’ll be seeing you soon.”