Chapter 54

FIFTY-FOUR

I know Alek is worried about Alice and me. He shows it by hovering around and trying to take care of everything. It's sweet, but I can see Alice rolling her eyes. It seems they had a heart-to-heart this morning, which was needed. I'm glad Alice is realizing just how much her brother does for her and giving him some freedom from that. He needs to know it's okay to let her live her life and for him to live his.

By early afternoon, we are all restless, unsure what to do, so we contact the lawyers and head to the station. In the daylight, it's a much different sight than last night. There are police cars everywhere, and when we walk in, there are more officers here than I have ever seen. There aren't any bodies or blood, so they must have cleaned it up, but I know they must feel the loss.

Their officers died protecting us last night. It makes my steps heavy with guilt. However, none of them blame us or glare. They welcome us warmly and take us to a side room, and a burly man comes inside with an older man carrying a briefcase.

He's attractive, probably in his mid-forties, with a strong build. He's wearing a designer, tailor-made suit, a Rolex on one wrist, and a diamond ring on his left hand. His hair is artfully swept back, displaying strong features, and he seems familiar, but I can't place why. "I am Sergeant Rodgers, and this is my precinct. It's nice to finally meet you," the burly man says as he sits.

"I'm Declan Townsend, and I will be representing you in any matters." The man nods at us and sits. He has an elegant if slightly stiff aura about him—arrogance, the type that comes with power and money. I know that all too well because it surrounded my family.

"I tried to explain you don't need representation," Rodgers starts.

Declan simply smiles. "Then I'm here as a formality."

"I see." Rodgers eyes him and then turns to us. "Interesting how you sought the richest and most lethal lawyer in the vicinity."

"You flatter me." Declan smiles. It's sharklike and reminds me of Bones for a moment. Shit, is this Bones's dad?

I eye him again, noticing the resemblance once more. It has to be. He mentioned his dad owns a law firm. He hired his dad for us?

"Yes, well, I'll cut to the chase since we all know that we have our dead to see to," Rodgers says, his eyes haunted. "All I need are your statements on what happened last night. We have camera footage and witness statements, including ones from Officer Beckett, Winchester's partner."

"He survived?" I lean forward.

"He's in critical condition, but he's alive." Rodgers nods. "We know you have nothing to do with any of this, but you were here, and we need answers. I'm going to record it, if that's okay."

I look at Declan, who inclines his head and leans into us. "Look at me before speaking. You don't have to answer anything I say not to."

"Declan." Rodgers sighs. "I'm not trying to trick them?—"

"William," Declan retorts, using the sergeant's first name since he did the same. "I will advise my clients as I see fit. You may record the interview, but they are free to ignore your questions or leave whenever they wish. You have already said they have no charges being pressed against them. Now, let us begin. My clients have been through a terrible ordeal and should be resting."

"We lost good officers last night," William snaps. "I just need to know how and why. "

"A great loss." Declan nods. "But your anger is misplaced. Aim it at Miss Clarissa Wright, who you have in holding, not my clients. Now begin."

William looks tired, and I feel for him. These officers were probably colleagues and friends for many years. I know that loss well.

For the next two hours, we go over everything in detail. I leave nothing out, neither does Alek, and when it's over, Declan stands with us, but I hesitate.

"Has Tommy Mashou's parents been notified?" I ask, looking at William.

His eyes soften. He's a stern man, and it's obvious why he's in power, though I'm betting he's feeling that weight now, but he is also kind and never pushed us nor blamed us for anything. If anything, he went out of his way to make us feel better. "They were. I called them myself this morning. They will be coming down today to see their son. He's at the hospital if you wish to see him as well."

I roll my lips inwards. "I said my goodbye," I say. I don't think I could bear to see him again. "But thank you. He is—he was a good man."

"I know. I looked into him. I am sorry for your loss. I know you were close." He stands and holds out his hand. "I'm here if you need anything, Evan, and please be assured she won't be getting out for a very long time. You're safe. You all are."

"Thank you." I follow Declan outside, where he nods at us.

"I will wait here. Your friend, a Miss La—" He stumbles over her name, his brows furrowed.

"Lally." I grin.

"Yes, Lally." Declan coughs. "And Skylar Warren and Silas Townsend—or I suppose you know my son as Bones—will be speaking and giving statements soon. I mean it, though, go rest."

"Mr. Townsend," I call when he turns to go back inside. "Thank you."

He shrugs. "My son made a deal with me for my help. I don't need your thanks."

My eyebrows rise at his cold tone, and I wonder what Bones offered his father for him to waste his time with us. Probably nothing good, but I have enough of my own worries, so I let it go.

The story breaks that night, and Alice, Alek, and I sit and watch the news. Just as Bones and the others promised, it's brief, mainly focusing on the great loss of everyone who perished last night. Our names are kept hidden, and for that, I'm grateful. I don't need to be reminded of what we endured and what we lost.

Alice sleeps here for what will be the last time. It seems she is taking her newfound independence seriously, and I'm proud of her. I know Alek is worried, but it's obvious he's trying to let her go and give her what she wants. I know it won't be easy for either of them, but it's a healthy move.

All I can do is be here for both of them as we heal together, and as I watch Alek sleep soundly at my side, his hand clutched in mine, I know I'll stay right here at his side, in his bed, and in his home.

I knew that Alek was my forever type of thing, but after what happened, it only made it that much clearer. He was willing to die for me, to kill for me, and he loves me. He will never let me go. I know if we can survive this, then we can survive anything that might arise in our lives.

Some might say we are too young, but I don't care. When you find the one you love and want to spend the rest of your life with, you hold on tight and don't let go.

I've spent my life ignoring others' opinions, and I won't start caring now.

Leaning down, I smooth the furrow between his brows and kiss his worries away. "I'm right here, princess. I'm not going anywhere," I murmur. "Thank you for coming for me. Thank you for saving me."

"Always," he whispers sleepily as he guides me down into his arms. "I'll always find you, pretty boy."

"Thug," I tease .

"Rich prick," he retorts, and something clicks in my heart, letting me know we will be okay.

The grief for what we have lost will go on, but I hope it will get easier. If I can have him waiting for me every night, it will be worth suffering through it all, and I'm excited for dawn and what it will bring.