Chapter thirty-four
Bexley
This is not the most ideal ending to my day. And out of all the cops in Ridgeview Valley, I just had to get the ones from Willowbrook.
Actually… I stand corrected. Upon reflection, it’s strikingly obvious that this was arranged. I’m an idiot for not realizing it sooner.
The moment Mayor Astor showed his miserable face, I should have suspected trouble was on the horizon. Why else would he have been there?
Alright—I concede that being supervised probably isn’t the worst idea. I should have walked away when Arch elbowed me. But I couldn’t resist speaking my peace. And look where it got me.
I’d say Mayor Astor was there to witness the glory—a little pre-show entertainment while he distracted me so the cops could swarm in.
Thank goodness most of the academy had cleared out.
Though, a few people in the parking lot saw me getting shoved into the back of the police car.
Great. There’s probably video footage of it.
I’ll be on Youtube and social media in no time.
Maybe this is karma for posting the clip of Hunter’s ass glued to the desk.
An eye for an eye to restore karmic balance.
I swallow a groan as I twist on the bench, attempting unsuccessfully to get comfortable. I’m still handcuffed on one hand, but the officers locked me to the seat so I wouldn’t escape. Willing cardio? I don’t think so.
The cops are blatantly ignoring me as they sit behind the desk and laugh among themselves. Besides eavesdropping on their conversations—which only seems to be about sport and weekend plans—the only entertainment is watching the clock on the wall.
It’s been a few hours since I was arrested. No one has spoken to me or turned up. I was expecting them to question me at the very least, but that hasn’t happened.
I’m not entirely sure what the process is meant to be here, but I would assume if I was being charged, I’d have to give a statement or be shoved into a room with one of those two-way mirrors.
But nada.
Dammit. I hate being left alone with my thoughts at a time like this. It’s already bad enough that I’m panicking about being incarcerated. But I’m also stuck wondering where the guys are and if they are okay.
Mayor Astor was cryptic, perfectly hiding his threats behind words. But not knowing where Rylan is, or Tai and Hunter, I’m going out of my mind.
I’m sure everything is fine though. It has to be.
After all, I’m their intended target. What benefit would Mayor Astor or Dean Lannister have by hurting their own family?
All I can do is hope that Arch wasn’t detained as well and managed to call for help.
Liv and her big mouth. If she wasn’t out there bullying people I wouldn’t have had to break her nose. She fucked around and found out.
But this is also my fault. I’m responsible for my own actions and decisions. I should have walked away or ignored her. But after hearing Peyton’s confession, I felt strongly about protecting her.
She showed courage by admitting something deep. And I can only imagine the struggle it must be to go through a battle of that magnitude.
As soon as Liv spoke those words, I lost control. I have no idea why—it’s out of character for me. Just like today.
Usually I can hold it in, not let myself be fazed. But threatening the people I care about? Rationality is hard to grasp.
I feel compelled to protect people. I guess it’s not necessarily a bad trait to possess… but I’m in a teeny-tiny bit of a mess now, and that’s on me.
The cops are talking about some big game coming up when the door to the station swings open. The sun is starting to set outside but I’d recognize the silhouette anywhere.
“Bex,” he says, sounding relieved as he makes a beeline toward me. “How are you holding up?”
“I’ve been better,” I joke, tugging at the handcuff. “I’m a bit tied up—so, you know, keeping busy.”
He frowns, eyes darting over to the closest cop at the desk. “Uncuff her.”
The station falls quiet as the officer stands, face hardening. “And who are you?”
“Her attorney. Take the damn cuffs off.”
Sparks of electricity crackle between them. I wait, hoping this doesn’t go south. But at least I’d have a cuff buddy.
“She hasn’t been questioned yet,” the cop replies. “Now that you’re present—”
“Actually, no. The arresting officers failed to read her the Miranda rights or allow her to contact an attorney. Therefore, she’s free to go. You want to question her? Get a warrant. Now, uncuff her.”
The room is filled with awkward silence. I’m fairly certain they weren’t expecting someone to come barging in to rescue me—probably counting on the dead and absent parent card. But he’s right. Even though I told Arch to call for help, they didn’t give me the opportunity to do it myself.
The curses are clear as he mutters to himself, trudging over with a set of keys. I jump up immediately when I’m released and I’m swiftly dragged out the door before the cop can try another tactic.
“Thanks, Lark,” I say when we’re on the footpath outside.
“Sorry, it took so long for me to get here,” he murmurs, digging into jacket pocket and pulling out a key fob. “Archie briefly filled me in.”
I nod, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Yep—it wasn’t the greatest afternoon.”
Lark nods his head to the left, gesturing for me to walk with him. “Arrested at Willowbrook is kind of iconic, though. When I heard Cedar got transferred there, I thought it was a joke. How are you coping?”
“It’s been… interesting,” I say, smirking. “You aren’t missing much.”
Lark gives me a grin, flashing his dimples as his gray eyes dance with amusement at my black and white tartan skirt. “I hated moving away from Ridgeview and Cedar Heights. Some days, I consider telling the firm to go fuck themselves and coming back. But this makes me appreciate my escape.”
“You’re welcome. But hey—comes in handy having a big hot-shot lawyer on standby.”
The sudden sound of a car door slamming closed behind us makes me twist around to investigate. I grind to a halt as I spot Hunter getting out of his car, eyes glued on me. I pivot fast on the concrete ground, closing the distance to Hunter in three strides.
“Hunter,” I mumble, throwing my arms around him.
He hugs me back, back tensing up under my hands. “You got arrested?”
I pull back, blinking as I notice his hostile stare aimed at Lark. “Yeah. Liv, as usual.”
Hunter nods sharply, gaze not faltering from my companion. “Who are you?”
The tone of his question makes me wince internally. The demand is not really a surprise but I’m too exhausted to throw another emotion into the mix.
“Lark. And who are you?”
Neither have a great curb manner and I’m sure it’s because Hunter is suspicious of Lark, and Lark knows exactly who Hunter is.
Wonderful.
“Not necessary for you to know,” Hunter replies coldly before turning back to me. “Why didn’t you call us?”
Oh. That’s the problem.
“Arch called him,” I say carefully, not disclosing the fact Lark would have been my call regardless, if I had been granted one. “He’s an attorney.”
Hunter glowers at him once more. “I could have helped.”
“Where were you today?” I ask, skipping straight to the point. “You weren’t there and no one was answering my calls before the cops showed up with your dad.”
He frowns, eyebrows knitting together. “Something important came up.”
“And last night?” I push.
Hunter looks away, jaw clenching. “We were busy.”
I’m taken aback by his dismissive, short replies, feeling like I’ve been bitch-slapped back into the realm of distrust. It’s certainly not helping my anxiety or earlier thoughts. And I can’t even focus on the fact he completely glossed over the mention of his father being involved in my arrest.
“Alright,” I mutter quietly. “Well, thanks for coming to check on me. Lark sorted it but I appreciate you coming as well. We should study soon.”
Why does this feel like some strange post-breakup conversation? You know… those let’s be friends situations where no one knows how to act around the other.
The tension between us is uncomfortable. There’s something missing. Or different.
I just can’t pinpoint what exactly.
Whatever Hunter wants to say, he seems to be remaining guarded—unwilling to talk freely in front of Lark. I don’t blame him, to be honest. But I hate that I’m also on the receiving end of this icy reception.
Too bad for him that he’s stuck with me. If he thinks we’re letting some minor thing like an arrest come between us then he’s delusional.
I stretch up on my toes, giving him a kiss. It’s a bit of a mixture—me showing Hunter that we’re okay and I’m still his, and also testing his stubborn ass because he’s giving me emotional whiplash right now.
I get my answer when he relaxes, his arms snaking around me as he returns the kiss. My whole body sags against his in relief, but while that fear has been reassured, there’s still lingering worry.
If the problem isn’t us… then it’s something. And I don’t think it’s Lark despite the obvious possessiveness radiating from Hunter right now.
Pulling back slightly, I lock eyes with him. “What’s going on?” I ask quietly.
Hunter smiles softly. “Nothing that you need to be concerned about, Duchess. We’re just dealing with something as well.”
“And my arrest derailed that?” I tease lightly.
“You certainly complicate things,” he mumbles, squeezing my hip. “But it’s fine. I like your chaos. It’s addictive.” Pausing, his lips brush against my forehead in a gentle kiss. “Don’t worry about us. I’ll fill you in later.”
Frowning, I let out a little sigh and nod. “Okay,” I say, conceding defeat. “But please stay safe. Your dad and Mayor Asshole are up to something.”
Hunter kisses me again before stepping back, expression hardening coldly with narrowed eyes on Lark. Slowly, he turns and hops back into the car, attention still fixed on me through the glass until he drives off.
“Wow,” Lark remarks in a friendly mock, chuckling low. “You and a Lannister. I didn’t see that coming. Looks like being at Willowbrook isn’t the only thing I missed.”
“You heard him,” I murmur, amused. “I’m nothing but chaotic. It’s part of the charm.”
Lark snorts. “Good to hear you haven’t changed, Bex. Come on—I’ll give you a lift home and walk you through the next steps. Because I’m certain this isn’t the last we’ll hear from the police.”