Page 65 of Claimed By the Deputies

“Agent Patterson, you’re dealing with me and my deputies,” Lucas interjects. “No one else. Now, while we get our ducks in a row and peruse through the intel we’ve gathered so far, I suggest you book yourself and your colleagues into a hotel. We’re holding a briefing with the entire sheriff’s department tomorrow, first thing. You’re welcome to attend. Until then, however, I need you and your people to get the fuck out of here.”

The last sentence causes plenty of eyebrows to raise, yet nobody objects. Even Patterson knows she’s pushed things as far as she can.

She gives me a sour look. “I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”

“And I will be filing harassment charges directly with your boss if any of my staff feel threatened or pressured by you or any of your colleagues,” Lucas steps in once more.

Mitch lowers his gaze as soon as I look at him. I know the trust between us now stands on shaky legs. The fact that Trevor is in town has me thinking twice about how deeply I wish to get involved—both professionally and emotionally.

First, however, I need a pregnancy test.

As soon asPatterson and the DEA platoon are out of the bullpen, Lucas instructs Sherry to hold all of his calls and keep everyone out of his office while he confers with Mitch and Tyler.

I hesitate in the doorway as soon as they go in.

Lucas turns around and gives me a hard look. “I’ll talk to you in a bit. I need some time with my team.”

“Okay.” I thought I was a part of his team. Guess not.

Patterson came in and dropped a pile of shit on me. Lucas did the honorable thing; he and the guys defended me, but it doesn’t mean I’m in the clear. There’s the issue of liability, and Trevor’s presence definitely raises questions about my own reasons for being here, especially after Patterson’s accusations.

I leave Lucas and the guys to their meeting and head out to the drugstore across the street.

Fifteen minutes later I’m locked in the bathroom, staring at a plus sign. “Oh, man,” I whisper.

A glimpse of myself in the mirror as I approach the sink has me breaking down in tears. Too much is happening at once, and it’s all so big and overwhelming. I can barely keep it together.

I toss the pregnancy test away, then splash my face with cold water.

Sherry walks in just as I’m about to leave. “I guess your jig is up, huh?” She snickers as she turns the hot water faucet on.

“What are you talking about?”

“You and the DEA. That was really something.”

“Stick to photocopying police reports and taking Lucas’s calls and leave me the hell alone.”

She laughs, enjoying every second. Maybe there’s a secret sadist lurking inside her. Or maybe the bitterness of losing any chanceshe had with Lucas has turned her into the pathetic, mean-spirited creature she is. I don’t know. What I do know is I do not want her crappy energy anywhere near me.

I’m fucking pregnant by one of the three men I’ve fallen deeply in love with.

The same three men who now may lose their trust in me because of things I kept to myself regarding my past. Things that may have put them in a rather difficult position with the Drug Enforcement Agency.

“Say what you will, Tassia, but I’ve got a feeling your days here are numbered.”

“Say whatyouwill, Sherry, but you’re never getting back in Lucas’s bed, ever,” I shoot back, knowing I sound like a snarky teenager. She seems to bring out the worst in me.

“As if I’m interested anymore. I’ve got a good man now. He takes care of me.” She looks at me with fake pity. “What’s the matter, are your studs shutting you out? ‘Cause that’s what it looks like from where I’m standing.”

I exhale sharply then give her one last look before turning to leave the bathroom. “The day will come when you look back on this moment and realize you would’ve gotten a whole lot more out of being a decent person than the raging bitch you chose to be.”

Not sticking around to hear the rebuttal, I head out.

I find Lucas, Mitch, and Tyler waiting for me by the murder board with sour looks on their faces.

I understand it’s time for my reckoning, whether I’m ready for it or not.

16

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