Page 14 of Dirty Deeds

“I got out of my car and intervened.”

I did what any man in their right mind would do if he saw another man with his hand on a woman’s throat and I’m not sorry for it.

“Badly enough to charge you with a first degree assault.”

I nod.

“You and I both know Brent Matthews is a powerful guy. He’s running for congress. But everyone has skeletons in their closet. They put on a good front but their marriage didn’t end simply because they grew apart. He’s been treating her like shit for years. Now, I witnessed a heated argument between a divorced couple and the second he raised his hands to her, I separated them.”

In the moment I was too blinded by the rage and the adrenaline pumping through me to really acknowledge how it all played out. One minute I was a bystander and the next I was on top of him, throwing fists, but I didn’t swing first.

When I pried his fingers from Danica’s throat, he came at me.

“He took a swing at me, and I defended myself,” I add confidently.

“Are there any witnesses? Anyone who might be able to back up your story?”

I stare at her for a beat, contemplating if I should mention Brent’s girlfriend. She can’t contradict anything I’m saying, and I’m fairly certain Brent doesn’t want to draw any attention to her. Why else would he order her to go back inside the house before the cops showed? He wanted to keep her quiet. Hidden. He knows Danica makes a better show. Loving ex-wife stands by the future congressman after he’s attacked. It’s a great headline.

But Danica fled.

When confronted with the choice to stay with him and do as he asked or leave, she left. She got in her car and drove away before she could cover his fucking ass.

That speaks volumes.

“Brent’s ex-wife will back me.”

“Are you sure she’ll tell the same story?”

In my experience I can’t be sure of anything when it comes to Danica. I never thought she’d leave my bed without so much as a goodbye, or parade around with Brent days after she and I were together, but it happened.

Still, I can’t shake this feeling in my gut. That’s why I stare straight into Finley’s eyes and nod.

“Yes.”

“All right. Well, that’s good. You’ll go in front of the judge tomorrow or the next day. The charges will be read, and they’re going to set bond. I’m sure your father will get it posted as soon as possible.”

I flinch at that. Clearly, she doesn’t know my father as well as Schwartz does. I wouldn’t put it past the old bastard to leave me in here for a couple of days. You know, to teach me a lesson and all that.

“They’ll set a preliminary hearing date, but given that you were arrested on the scene, have a couple of busted knuckles, and blood on your clothes, we will likely want to waive that hearing and gain access to the police reports and any other evidence quicker. This will come down to what his ex-wife says and whether the DA believes you and her or the alleged victim. Do you have any questions right now?”

I shake my head.

“No, I’m good.”

“Okay. Then, sit tight. Keep your mouth shut and your head down.” My lips quirk at that last part. I’ve heard those words a time or two, but they’ve never been directed to me. “I’ll see you in court.”

She pushes up from the table and exits the room. A couple of minutes later the officer returns and brings me back to my cell. Exhaustion washes over me and I lay down on the dirty cot. When I close my eyes, I picture Danica.

That green dress.

Those killer heels.

The woman is my kryptonite.

CHAPTERSIX

DANICA MATTHEWS

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