Page 1 of Savage in the Streets
Chapter 1
Bailey
My entire life,I’ve been lied to. Kicked around. Cheated on. And perhaps worst—underestimated.
The last thing I should be is surprised, but this one really knocked the wind out of me.
Detective Brawner locks his cold eyes with mine. “Ms. Savage, I’m afraid I’m gonna have to—”
“Don’t talk to me without my attorney present,” I snap back.
He smiles as a kind grandfather would. “It could take a while for a public defender to show up.”
“I’m well aware.”
“Of course, you are. You’ve sat in that chair how many times?”
“I thought I told you to shut up.”
“You, my lady, have every right to remain silent. I cannot and will not rob you of that. I’m not going to ask you any questions; however, I am going to present you with some hard truths.”
I glare daggers back at the asshole who’s so clearly mocking me, sealing my lips tight against his insults.
He casually thumbs through my case file. “I don’t think a public defender is going to be able to navigate the courtroom in your case.”
“It’s what they’re paid to do,” I blurt out because my dumb ass can’t keep my mouth shut.
“Yeah, but they certainly don’t do it well, and when a jury hears the testimonies of all the elderly people you swindled, robbing them of their retirement…well, I can’t say they’re going to look too kindly upon you.”
I shift my eyes away but quickly check my nails, not wanting Detective Cockwaffle to see that he’s gotten under my skin.
“With your history, you’re looking at years in federal prison.”
Keep your mouth shut. He’s trying to rile you.
“Of course, if you cooperate, I will personally see to it that you are treated well and leniently.”
“Is that so?” I say in an exaggerated tone.
You idiot!
“Ms. Savage, I’m going to say this bluntly: I don’t want to see a pretty thing like yourself rotting behind bars.”
“Then let me go.”
“You know I can’t do that. Heck, I can’t even say you’ll get bail. That will be decided at your arrangement.”
I cross my arms over my chest, trying my best to look like I don’t give a fuck, when deep inside me, I’m down on my knees, trembling like a small child.
Heaven knows I’m no saint, but I carved out a decent life for myself. Now, everything’s about to get ripped away from me in the blink of an eye.
All because I trustedhim.
“I have a daughter your age.”
“Let me guess. I remind you of her.”
The detective chuckles condescendingly. “Nope. Not at all. You see, she’s in Harvard.”
