Page 130 of Devil's Dilemma

But Dad’s there. “I am unaware of any kidnapping. The man who impregnated Ms Martins and so callously left her had just been found. Of course, she wanted answers. Clare Jordan was invited back to the compound, and Agent Jordan invited to join her. Not a hair on either of their heads was harmed.”

“That’s not how Agent Jordan relates it. No invitation was extended, force was involved.”

“Have you asked Mrs Jordan for her interpretation of the events?”

As Dad asks the question, I hold my breath for the answer, hoping Clare’s stayed true to her word.

There’s silence for a moment, then Forsyth admits, “Mrs Jordan confirms your story, saying she wanted answers herself, but Agent Jordan remains adamant on the point.”

“I suggest Agent Jordan has a vested interest in making the club look bad,” Dad, who I’ve brought up to speed with our visit to Vegas, suggests. “You’ve more witnesses to say otherwise.”

“Are they still together?” I ask. Pyro had suggested we don’t let on I’ve seen her, and it seems a question they’d expect me to ask.

“I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

“So there’s nothing to back up this story of kidnapping,” Dad states. “Unless you have evidence, it’s the word of your man against a number of others, including, it would seem, his wife.”

They don’t like it, but don’t contradict him. After a moment the two heads bow together. Then Forsyth looks up. “Please wait here.”

They leave the room.

“How do you think it’s going?” I ask, my eyes watching the closed door.

“You’re telling the truth, Melissa. That’s all we can do.”

I notice my father staring at something, then his eyes go to the recording device which hadn’t been turned off.They’re watching and listening.

Taking his cue, I say nothing more. The clock ticks loudly and counts off the minutes. I know exactly nine of them have passed before the two agents return.

They don’t bother taking their seats.

“Thank you very much for coming in, Ms Martins, Mr Martins. We will consider what you have told us today and give you our written response as soon as we can.”

“Just before we leave,” Dad doesn’t yet stand, “I have requested all documentation and any photographic evidence you might have which refers to or shows Ms Martins. I trust that will be delivered to my office without delay.”

Again, they exchange looks. I’d say they look uneasy. After a few seconds have passed, Forsyth nods his head. “Of course, Mr Martins.”

They’re obviously waiting to escort us out of the building.

Pyro’s out front. “How did it go?” His anxious eyes flick from me to Dad.

I make a seesawing gesture with my hand. “Hard to tell.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Pyro

Mel looks like she’s been put through the wringer. I’ve been questioned by the cops before—what biker hasn’t?—so I know how challenging that can be. The police get you going around in circles and try to trip you up and make you contradict yourself.

“Let’s get you home.”

“We’ll meet you there,” I tell her father.

We’ve arranged to stay with her parents overnight and head back in the morning. I think both Rufus and I knew exactly how hard this would be for her. We knew she would be dredging everything up in front of people who don’t want to believe her.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask, as I drive behind Rufus’ car.

“They tried to make something of the fact you and I have a relationship.” Her voice is quiet. “They kept calling your club a gang.”

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