Or he’d just think you did it to yourself to gain attention . . . wouldn’t be the first time he’d thought that.
She had no faith in her father anymore, which was a sad realization.
However, now she was in trouble, and it was probably best she didn’t get herself into a worse state.
“Get the fuck out!” Vince undid her seatbelt and grabbed her arm, dragging her out.
He yanked at her arm and she cried out in pain. He half-lifted her out and then slammed her against the car.
She stared at him in shock. He’d really lost it. He was heaving for breath and fumbling for his handcuffs.
Holy. Crap.
He wouldn’t.
“This is police brutality!” someone yelled out and she glanced over to see a little old lady walking an enormous Doberman holding up a phone. “I’m recording this.”
Vince glanced around, seeming to realize that he had an audience.
What an idiot.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about! I’m arresting a criminal,” Vince yelled back.
“What the hell did she do?” someone else asked.
She glanced over to see a younger guy staring at them, frowning.
“None of your business. Go on your way!” Vince ordered, his face growing red.
Another car pulled up behind Vince’s cruiser and she breathed out a sigh of relief as Reeves got out. The car was an expensive one. Only the best for Reeves, who dressed in Hugo Boss suits and three-hundred-dollar shoes.
Rumor had it that he came from money. She didn’t care. The only thing she cared about was that he’d seemed like a decent guy the few times she’d met him.
“Something going on here?” he asked.
“Who are you?” the old lady asked.
Reeves glanced around at the people milling about assessingly. “My name is Detective Clayton Reeves. I received a call that there was an incident.”
That had to be a lie. Maybe he’d overheard it on the radio. Because a detective wouldn’t attend an incident like this.
“You can all be on your way,” Reeves said, waving his hand at everyone.
“Don’t think we want to do that until thisofficeris gone. We want to make sure this young lady is all right,” the older lady said.
Wow. That was kind. And heroic.
But the last thing she wanted was for Vince to turn his attention on this poor old lady who was just trying to help her. And Vince would do that. He would happily make this woman’s life a misery.
She had to get his attention off her.
“Everything is fine, thanks! I know Detective Reeves and I’ll be fine with him,” she called out to everyone still watching. “Thanks so much for trying to help me, though.”
She didn’t mention knowing Vince. That wasn’t something she wanted anyone to be aware of.
“You sure, young lady?” the woman asked.
“I am. Thanks again. You all get home and keep safe.”
