Page 38 of Vigilante
His eyes flick to my name badge, which I had the good sense of writing my name on in giant letters.
“What can you tell me? Why is this happening?”
He leans forward, placing his hand on the smudged glass. I do the same, playing into the idea that we’re a couple. “Julia, they’re just looking to pin this on someone, and I guess they think I fit the description, but the guys in that video didn’t even have an eyebrow piercing.” He gestures to the now missing piece of jewelry. They probably made him take it out.
“How can I help?”
“Just let them know where I was that night.” His dark eyes bore into mine, pleading.
“I will.”
“Times up.” The guard grabs Rocco up by his arm, yanking him aggressively. Sometimes, I think there are guys who get into that profession because they get off on bullying others. It’s clear by how rough the guard handles Rocco on the way out that he falls into that category. The guard is wearing a smirk on his smug face, like he’s enjoying the power he holds over him.
We need to get him out of here. There’s no knowing what will become of him in a place like this if that’s how they treat him out in the open.
I just hope they believe my story.
“I told you, it’s a new relationship. He came into the coffee shop, and we’ve been out a handful of times. He was with me that whole night.” My frustration is mounting as the lead detective grills me. I’ve been in this tiny room for hours, and my head is pounding.
Going to see Rocco was an essential step in my plan. A girlfriend would want to make sure her man was okay. I’m just glad he didn’t give away my true identity.
The detective throws a grainy-looking picture taken from the video on the table. It’s zoomed in on Rocco’s half-hidden face.
“You’re trying to tell me your boyfriend isn’t this man?”
I raise my eyebrow and look at the photo. “I already told you it’s not. He was with me.”From that angle it could be anyone.They’re just looking to place blame, I tell myself, as I raise my chin.
The detective’s face is gaunt-looking under the harsh fluorescent lights that continuously buzz in the background. His receding hairline is peppered with streaks of grey, and his under eyes are streaked purple.
“You understand that you could be charged with obstruction of justice?” I do my best not to sweat under the pressure.
This seemed like such a better idea in the cabin. Now that I’m here, it’s seeming less like a brilliant stroke of genius and more like a way that’s going to land me in my own orange jumpsuit. I don’t care what that show says about orange being the new black. It’s not my color, and I know it. It makes my blonde hair look brassy and turns my skin pallor into one that looks sallow.
They release me with a promise to be in touch. I can’t get to the car fast enough. I need a shower, my bed, and the most comfortable pair of pajamas I own.
“How did it go? Do you think it worked?” Max asks. I don’t miss the hopeful lilt to his tone.
“I don’t know.” Either they’ll believe my flimsy alibi, or they’ll arrest my ass and Max along with me if they discover the truth.
CHAPTER 22
Maximo
My knee hasn’t stopped jerkingsince watching Julia step out of my car and make her way into the detention center to be the alibi for my fucking idiot cousin, Rocco. It should bother me that she wants to help. The feeling should sit low in my gut and make me feel sick, but it doesn’t.
I watched her walk away from me, my eyes only leaving her back when she disappeared through the steel grey door and out of sight. The thought of her cracking when being interrogated filled me with a type of fear I hadn’t felt since I knew I was going to lose my father.
She’s the most incredible woman I’ve met and had the pleasure of being around, and I can’t seem to make the feelings I have for her stop. I didn’t intend for this, didn’t want to drag anyone else into this, but here she is, saving our asses like she knew the plan from the day I met her.
The fact she doesn’t care that I killed a man, thatshecomfortedmewhen she found me in the living room lost in thought, blows my mind. I checked my watch for the tenth time since she left, and it’s like time hasn’t passed. I hope they believeher and let her walk free and that my cousin—who is more like a brother to me—walks out soon after she does.
Julia is a woman I never expected, but also a woman I’m not prepared to let go of, no matter the consequences.
CHAPTER 23
Rocco
If I didn’t thinkmy cousin would beat the shit out of me for touching her, I’d bend Julia into a fucking lawn chair and please her with my mouth for her bravery. The police officer watching me came to my cell about an hour ago, spewing venom about having to let me go. And all I could do was laugh my ass off.
