Page 161 of Wildest Forever

I follow his gaze and look at the time. It's ten thirty.

I shake my head.

“I didn't sleep well last night,” I kind of lie, but kind of not a lie either.

It took me ages to fall asleep last night and even though I had Morgan curled under my arm, her head on my chest, my fingers trailing down her spine, I just couldn't get Conrad out of my mind. I just couldn't get what those assholes did to him.

I kept thinking of how scared he must have been, how alone and betrayed he felt.

My stomach twists and Riggs clocks my expression.

“You good?” and I nod, swallowing the bile that is threatening to pass my lips.

Swiping the coffee from the desk, I bring it to my lips and try and wash away the nerves when in truth, the coffee will only make it worse.

“Pace,” Riggs pushes from the chair and steps towards me. He doesn't have to say another word, just pulls me into him and holds me tightly and I didn't know how much I needed that from him. With everything going on, he has been there every step of the way and by my side.

Tripp's voice breaks through the moment as he clears his throat.

“Am I interrupting?” I hear the humor that laces his voice.

Sniffling, I step back from Riggs and see the concern on his face when he looks at me.

“I just had a moment,” I admit, shrugging a shoulder up.

“We all have them brother,” Riggs says as his hand presses against my back and Tripp nods, moving closer.

“Right,” he claps his hands together as I sit at my desk, Riggs and Tripp next to me. “What time do you have to take Luke to the courthouse?” and I sigh.

“He forgot,” Tripp chuckles and I roll my eyes.

“I didn't forget,” I lied.

I did forget.

Scrubbing my face and try to rack my brain.

“Four,” I mutter.

“Is he going in front of the judge then?” Tripp asks and I shake my head.

“Nope, he will be detained until Friday and then he will face him in the afternoon.”

Tripp nods.

“He won't get off, we have the evidence. We just need to get Marty too because let's be honest, he wasn't innocent in it.” I look at Riggs and I watch as his jaw clenches.

“I still cannot believe that fucking snake,” he growls and his fists ball.

“I know but we will deal with it.”

“He has been by my side for years and as soon as I push him away into something he has always aspired to become he shafts me.”

“No one has been shafted, we will get to him before Sunday.”

Riggs' nostrils flare and I know this is winding him up the longer it goes on.

“Have you seen the video?” I ask Tripp and he tells me no.“Want to see it? I think you should... and I know that sounds wrong, but it would be ideal for you to see what actually happened.”

---