Page 53 of His Prize

The other officer snarled. “We’ve got every right to hold this man until we get some answers.”

Then, the chief of police walked out. “His lawyer’s right.”

I looked to either side of my body. “Well, you heard the man.”

The officer to my left gripped my arm. “We can’t let him go, Chief.”

The officer to my right nodded curtly. “You know damn good and well—”

The chief of police locked his eyes with mine. “I’ve seen the paperwork. I want the two of you in my office now. And as for Mr. Rossi? I want him uncuffed and headed home.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

Chief shook his head. “Don’t thank me. Thank your smooth-talking lawyer and the loopholes in our justice system. You watch your back, though. I know what’s happening. I know what’s been done.”

The second I felt the handcuffs fall away from my wrists, my lawyer walked over to me. He held his arm out toward his car, and we started back for his vehicle. I had no clue who called him or what had happened, but I felt everyone staring at me as I made my way across the parking lot.

“You owe me big time,” my lawyer murmured.

I snickered. “Trust me, I know.”

We slipped into his car, and I pulled out my cell phone. I needed to call Bonnie. I needed to tell her what had happened. But, more than that, I had urgent news to relay to her.

News that couldn't wait.

“My God, Israel. Is that you?” Bonnie asked as she picked up the phone.

I nodded. “It’s me, beautiful.”

“Why in the world are you calling me from—?”

“Someone called my lawyer, and he showed up with documentation from my PI.”

“So, you’re not being booked right now?”

I sighed. “No. But, that doesn’t mean the police will stop pursuing this. The chief of police knows.”

My lawyer shook his head. “I can’t hear this, Israel. Wrap it up.”

Bonnie sniffled. “I never thought I’d hear your voice again.”

I smiled softly. “Just hang tight. Once I get back to the hotel suite, we can talk.”

“I want to help, Israel. I want to help save you. You’ve saved my ass so many times, and I have yet to return the favor.”

I chuckled. “Saving someone isn’t a favor to be paid back. I did it because I love you, Bonnie.”

She drew in a broken breath. “I love you, too, Israel. So, so much. Please, never forget that.”

“I don’t like your tone of voice right now. What’s going on?”

She sighed. “I just—”

A chill slithered down my spine. “Bonnie, spit it out.”

“I just never thought I’d hear you say those words. That’s all.”

I blinked. “What?”

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