Page 85 of Taking Denver

I’m having fun. I feel like a cat playing with its food, and I’m not even hungry. How embarrassing for Adler to think that was his big break. At least I know now I have nothing to worry about when it comes to him.

“Is it Detective Hayes’s turn?” I ask, moving my eyes to him. “I really hope it is.”

Hayes sits forward. “I do have a few questions. Where was Axel that night?”

I consider him for a moment. “At the party, with everybody else.”

“The last time anybody saw Wyatt, he was talking to Axel,” Hayes says.

My heart starts to thump. I know what he’s doing. Hayes knows he can’t get me to confess, but he also knows I’ll do anything to protect Axel, especially if he’s accused of a crime I committed.

“They were talking about marshmallows,” I say.

Adler looks amused. “Marshmallows?”

“Axel was high, legally, and he wanted to make s’mores,” I say. “I told Axel not to drive and to ask Wyatt to go to the store for him if he wanted marshmallows.”

Adler tilts his head. “Why wouldn’t you bring that up as a reason for your husband leaving that night?”

Because Axel already felt responsible for a carjacking that never happened.

“It only just occurred to me,” I say.

Adler smiles again. “It only just occurred to you?”

“Are you a parrot?” I snap.

Hayes smiles. They’re getting under my skin, and I need to stay calm before I lunge across the desk or say something I regret.

“Are you close to Axel?” Adler asks.

“Yes.” I dust off my leg.

“Did you have an affair with Axel?”

I roll my eyes. “No, I have never slept with Axel. He’s like a brother to me.”

“You argued with him a few nights ago. Why?”

My eyes move to Hayes. “He got into an argument with someone at Pulse. I asked him to leave because he was drunk.”

“So, it wasn’t a lover’s quarrel?”

“This is just a fishing expedition at this point,” Dennis says. “You’re wasting our time. Unless you’re going to charge Ms. Luxe, we’re leaving.”

Hayes and Adler exchange glances, and Hayes nods at his partner.

“We have an offer for you, Ms. Luxe.”

I shake off my intrigue. “Congratulations on finally getting my name right.”

Adler runs a tongue across his teeth. “We’re willing to offer you immunity.”

I go totally still. I flick my gaze to Hayes. “Is this a joke?”

“Listen, you know being with Ranger will end poorly for you,” Adler interjects. “Angelina Luxe didn’t fare so well.”

Tension steals up my neck. “Is that so?”

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