Page 127 of Badges

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Or where I buried him.

“I just…wow. I get it, but. Why didn’t you tell me?” Her chin trembles.

I need to hold her.

Tugging at the cuffs, a chill runs through me when I realize they aren’t plastic.

“Elena, please give me the key so we can talk about this.” I look up, searching the room for her.

She’s gone.

“Elena?” I call out, but not loud enough to carry.

The last thing I want to do is wake Cynthia.

Fuck.

“Elena?” I hoarsely whisper, hoping she can hear me.

But when I hear the slam of the front door, it’s a punch to the gut.

She’s gone.

Little miss powertrip

Elena

That wasnotwhat I was expecting.

I just need a minute.

I’m not even angry about my father. He was an awful, awful man. If anything, it gives me a little bit of peace knowing that I’ll never accidently run into him.

I wish Wade had told me sooner. Knowing he was protecting me, and wasn’t afraid to do everything in his power to do it, makes me love him even more.

It’s just so out of left field, I need a moment to wrap my head around it.

The knock at the front door is even more unexpected.

Shit, it might be Abe. I make sure my robe is double knotted before I reach for the handle.

Just in case.

But when I crack it open, I can feel the frown sweep my face.“Paige. What the fuck do you want?” I don’t know the other officer with her.

I also don’t care at this hour.

“Turn around and put your hands behind your back. You’re under arrest for violating the terms of your parole by leaving the grounds without permission.” Her gleeful smile makes me want to punch her in the face.

“You have got to be kidding. I get this off infour days.” I hold up my leg, pointing towards the ankle monitor.

“Turn around before I make you.” Her voice drops to a sinister seethe.

Great. Little miss powertrip.

“Fine. Let me just get Wade—”

Before I can turn, she grabs my arm and jerks me out the door.

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