Page 54 of Tainted Truth

“I would like a copy for my records,” Rio tells Asher.

Asher deflates in frustration. “Seriously, man?”

“You can never be too careful.”

“Whatever. I’ll get you a copy after.” Asher’s attention turns back to me. “Ms. Gray, have you ever seen this gun before?”

I cross my arms and peek at Rio, who gives me a nod of approval. “Yes.”

“Is this your gun, Ms. Gray?”

Another peek, another nod. “Yes.”

“Where did you purchase the gun? There’s no official record of the sale, so I’m assuming you bought it from someone illegally.”

When I peek at Rio for a third time, Asher makes a sound of annoyance. “You don’t have to look to him for everything.”

I put on my best brat face and reply, “Excuse me, I’m consulting my lawyer.” Rio nods again. “I bought it from a guy in Central Park. My ex-fiancé terrifies me, and I needed a way to protect myself without there being a paper trail.”

Asher leans on his arms on the table. “What was the name of the seller?”

Shaking my head, I give him an answer he doesn’t like. “I don’t remember.”

“Oh, come on.” Asher rolls his eyes.

“I’m being honest. I don’t remember his name. It was an old guy name, though—I know that much. I remember thinking it was odd his mother named him that and figured it must be a family name.”

Asher squints. “Hank?”

I snap my fingers. “Yes! That was his name. Hank.”

I’m unable to see Asher’s face when he turns to Zane. Zane doesn’t seem phased, so everything must be okay. “I know.”

Asher rights himself in his chair and inquires, “Have you heard of the Bride Butcher?”

Receiving another nod from Rio, I tell the truth. “No.”

Asher sighs. “You’re not in trouble here, Spencer—you have the paper to prove it. You don’t have to look to Mr. Flores for every answer.”

“Could’ve fooled me, Mr. Dawson,” I mock. “Since we’re in an interrogation room, this seems like the perfect place for questions. Where did y’all get that recording of Anthony?”

“Hold that thought,” Asher instructs and gets up from his chair.

“Leaving when the questions get tough? Hypocrite,” I mumble.

Asher raises a brow. “I’m going to turn off the recording equipment. There are some things that we don’t need a record of.” He leaves for a few minutes and comes back to his chair quickly. He waves his hand at me. “Okay, throw your tantrum.”

I place my hands on the table and stand. “Tantrum? Bullshit, Mr. I-Have-A-Badge. You three must have done something incredibly stupid to get that recording. Now, what was it?”

Asher stands and matches my position. “Ididn’t do anything.”

My brow furrows. “Huh?”

“It wasn’t me. Ask them.” He points to Rio and Zane.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“We can explain, Angel.” Zane crosses the room to me.

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