Chapter Thirty-Two
The room was silent. No one moved, not even Juniper. Feeling the tension, Juniper let out a little whine. Maya fought back tears, not wanting to cry in front of everyone and to stay strong for Josh. She couldn’t believe he was in handcuffs.
I don’t know if Josh will be safe in jail. Or even on the transport to the bigger county jail. Probably where they’ll take him because that way, he’ll be there for a bail hearing in the morning. They’re usually on Tuesdays. I need to make sure he has an out if something happens.
She noticed a stack of papers on the table from a previous department meeting that someone had left behind. A paper clip held the stack together. Maya leaned back against the table and managed to pry the paper clip off the stack of papers.
“Lucas, I know you need to process him, but can I have a moment?”
Lucas sighed and said, “Make it quick. And I’m not leaving.”
“Okay,” Maya said, annoyed at Lucas but also understanding the fine line he was walking between friend and law enforcement officer.
She went over and wrapped her arms around Josh, holding him.
She leaned in for a passionate kiss, not caring what anyone thought.
She rubbed her hands down his chest, and then behind his back.
No one had a good view of his hands in the cuffs.
She caressed one in a way that if someone did see, they would think she was being flirtatious.
Massaging his hand, she placed the paper clip in it.
Hopefully everyone was distracted by the kiss and didn’t notice what she had done. Josh gave her a look.
Before he could say anything, Maya said, “Be careful. Stay aware. I think someone has planned this and it’s working out perfectly. I love you.”
She held his hand again, her eyes begging, pleading with him not to say anything and just keep the paper clip. Maya knew that Josh would never use it unless it was necessary. He wasn’t the type to escape for no reason, but she felt better knowing he had a way to pick the handcuffs if need be.
“I’ll be okay. I love you too,” Josh said. “You be careful too.”
Based on his look, Maya thought he was going with the plan. She also figured he was talking about the evidence he’d given her. Maya was glad she’d made copies of everything and stashed them in multiple locations.
Lucas cleared his throat and Maya stepped back. She saw Josh shove the paper clip up his shirtsleeve, tucking it in near the cuff. Hopefully no one would see it when he put on the jail scrubs.
“I’ll have you change clothes,” Lucas said. “Under my supervision. My boss said there’s a jail transport coming soon. We’d rather have you down in the main county jail. That way no one can say there’s any conflict of interest with you being here.”
“I’ll cooperate,” Josh said.
“I know you will. Come with me,” Lucas said.
Josh followed Lucas out and Maya sat down on the table, her legs feeling like Jell-O. Juniper leaned up against her as Maya rubbed her pointy ears, trying to tell herself everything would be okay. Pops didn’t say a word and they sat in silence.
A few minutes later, Josh and Lucas came out from the back jail area.
Maya gasped. She wasn’t prepared to see him in the striped jail clothing with his hands cuffed to a belly chain.
Lucas carried ankle shackles and Maya knew Josh would have to wear those in the jail transport.
Had he been able to keep the paper clip?
They all walked to the front lobby and waited. Juniper continued giving little whines, upset and knowing Josh shouldn’t be dressed the way he was. Maya tried to pet her dog, not certain who she was consoling. Headlights shone through the glass as a jail transport pulled in.
“Are there any other prisoners on this run?” Maya asked. She was concerned that if there were, they could find a way to injure Josh.
“No,” Lucas answered. “It’ll just be him and a couple guards plus the driver. It worked out because they were taking a prisoner to Wyoming for an extradition. They were coming back through this way.”
“Good,” Maya said. “I’m just glad that it’s only Josh and the guards.”
Josh didn’t say anything. Maya hoped that meant he’d been able to slip the paper clip under his tongue.
Lucas nodded to Josh and they walked to the van. Josh got in and Maya could see Lucas placing the ankle shackles on him. How was this happening? Anger replaced her tears. She had to find the prosecutor before anyone else did.
Then she’d make whoever did this pay. No one messed with someone Maya loved.