Page 107 of Emergency Exit
Harper was soaking wet, shivering, and unsure of what she was supposed to be doing. Police people periodically asked her things, and she thought she answered them appropriately, but she wasn’t entirely sure. Ash had put his jacket over her, but it was now as wet as the rest of her.
Ash had his arm around her shoulders and walked them slowly through a strange cement space. It seemed like a train station had a baby with a warehouse. Another shiver shook her entire body as they neared a more standard set of double doors. She looked down at her bare feet and wished she’d kept her shoes on. She had stopped being able to feel her toes, and the cement felt like it was radiating cold through her soles.
Ash checked his phone as another message came through.
“OK,” said one of the police officers. “Well, we’ll just have you wait here until they’re ready to take your statement.”
“No,” said Ash. “We’re done. You can take our statements when it’s convenient for us.”
“What? No. Detective Caine said—”
“Detective Caine can say whatever she likes. We’re going this way.”
Ash pushed through the doors, and Harper realized they were on a quiet street somewhere. A black car pulled up, and two men got out. They had the serious-faced look of security professionals.
“You can’t leave,” protested the officer, following after them.
“You’re not treating Harper appropriately,” said Ash withoutturning around.
The car door was opened, and Harper got in.
“The paramedics will bring her some blankets or whatever.”
“Contact my lawyers or visit me at a more convenient time,” said Ash. “Goodbye.”
It had never occurred to Harper that anyone could simply tell the policegoodbye.
“This isn’t your car, and who are these people?” Harper felt lost as the car began to move.
“They belong to Rowan,” said Ash. “Thanks, Teddy,” he said, leaning forward to speak to the two men in the front seat.
“No problem,” said the man in the passenger seat. “But Rowan says he’s going to need an explanation when he gets back.”
“Yeah, I’ll text him after Forest. I need that detective’s email address. I see now why he just emailed her.”
That clarified very little for Harper, but she was too busy shivering to try and ask more questions. What seemed a very short time later, they pulled up at Ash’s condo and were ushered inside. The doorman kicked some people out of the elevator for them, and within moments, they were in Ash’s bedroom.
Harper watched as he buzzed around the space at seeming hyper-speed, and then he moved her into the bathroom where the tub was filling with hot water and bubbles.
“OK,” he said, “we’re just going to undo this.” He began to unbutton her blouse.
“I left my purse somewhere,” said Harper.
“Piper has it. Romeo’s gone to get it from her.”
Harper nodded. She had no idea how those things had occurred, but it seemed like Ash was taking care of it.
“I wish I had my clothes here,” she said.
“Yes, so do I,” he said, nodding. “You should probably move in with me. It will really be easier.”
“That’s true,” said Harper. “I hit Emma with a Hydro Flask.”
Ash paused in unzipping her pants.
“It made a really loud noise. And then I punched Stephanie.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to get married?”
