Page 47 of Charmed Forces

“Love to. Great idea,” I agreed. “How’s Solomon? Where did you buy your shoes?”

“Let’s focus on you first,” she said with a smile. “I’ve seen the security footage from the hospital and this whole arrest is nothing more than a farce. Give me ten minutes and I’ll get the arrest tossed.”

“Can you make it five?” I asked, even though I was already impressed at how fast she worked.

“Why? Have you got somewhere to be?”

“Yup,” I said, crossing my legs.

Seven long minutes passed and Captain Brandt waved me out of the room while Diana gave him her exact opinion of the arresting officers. Words like “buffoon” and “farce” were tossed around liberally while I nodded enthusiastically and then she ushered me out to the lobby. I dashed to the restroom and when I returned, Solomon was standing beside her.

“Hey, sweetheart,” I said as I hugged him.

“This is nice,” said Solomon, squeezing me in return.

Garrett waited by the doors and nodded to me when I waved.

“Thank you,” I told Diana. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am. How did you get the hospital security footage?”

“A helpful little bird,” Diana said with a small smile. “And of course. My pleasure. Now, let’s not meet here again.”

“Done,” said Solomon, shaking her hand.

When Diana walked away, her heels clacking on the floor, Garrett came over. “I can give you two a ride,” he said. “Where do you want to go?”

“The hospital to pick up my car,” said Solomon. “We both appreciate the offer.”

“It’s the least we can do,” said Garrett. “I’ve got the gist but you can fill me in on the whole story on the way over there.”

“Aren’t you needed here?” I asked. “There’re more important things going on than giving us a ride.”

“Not for me. I’ve been invited to take a few personal days,” he said, with the kind of scowl that made me think it was less of an invitation and more likely, a command.

“Why?”

“So I don’t interfere in the case. Captain Brandt’s commandeered my squad and I’m surplus to requirements. His words, not mine.”

“What about Jord?”

“He’s on desk duty after being threatened with traffic duty.”

“Wow.”

“It won’t be long until Brandt puts everyone related to us on blast. Not that I’m sure everyone’s familial relationships are entirely clear.”

“I married into your family and I’m not even sure how far the Graves’ family tentacles might reach,” said Solomon.

“I’ll show you Mom’s family tree one day,” I said. “She did both hers and Dad’s branches. There are lots of branches. We’re as sturdy and staunch as a mighty oak tree.”

“And full of nuts?” asked Solomon.

“Big and broad,” I countered. “And don’t you mean acorns?”

He held back a smile. “Sure.”

“Mr. Solomon! Mrs. Graves-Solomon!” Captain Brandt called our names as he strode towards us.

“What now?” growled Garrett.

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