Page 205 of Hidden Ties

“Sir, this shouldn’t take long. If nothing is found, you’ll be able to go along your way.”

“I’m going to sue the whole police department! My son—”

“Mr. Wilson, there are pictures of him making the buy.”

Thad’s spoiled bearing withered when his father turned as if he were going to grab him at the officer’s words.

“I’m sorry, Dad. Daria told me it was easy money, that private planes are never checked.”

“Who in the fuck is Daria?”

“My girlfriend. Remember, I told you about her! She’s the one who gave me the idea.”

“Thad, I wouldn’t say anything else,” Creed helpfully offered.

A crackling sound came across Officer Lee’s radio.

“We found the drugs, Lee. Make the arrests.”

“Wait—” Mr. Watson yelled. “Why am I being arrested? Thad’s the one who bought the drugs!”

“It’s your plane that was used as transport, and you had full knowledge of the drugs.”

“I didn’t!” Wilson screamed.

“We have a transmission of you receiving a payment to an off-shore account with your name on it at the same time your plane landed. I find that a hell of a coincidence. I’m going to read you your rights,” Officer Lee said.

“Kent! Do something!”

Aghast, Kent shook his head. “Hollingsworth doesn’t handle drug and smuggling cases. It would tarnish our reputation. I’m sure you’ll find another legal firm who will handle your case. Officer Lee, you keep up the good work.”

“Bryant, get back here!” Mr. Wilson yelled at his back.

“You have the right to remain silent …” Officer Lee began reciting.

Ignoring him, Mr. Wilson continued yelling after Kent. “Bryant, I’ll pay whatever fee you want! Get back here!”

“Dad, do I have to go to jail with you?” Thad asked plaintively.

“Bryant!” Mr. Wilson screamed louder. “I hate your guts! If you don’t—”

Creed got in his car, shutting out the loud yells.

Sage’s loving gaze made his whole fucking day.

“If Thad Wilson had been convicted for the hit and run, how much time would he have done?”

“He could have been sentenced to ten to twelve years. He would probably be out on parole in five to six years, considering how much money his dad has available.”

“How much time will he have to do if he’s sentenced for the drugs on the plane?”

“Over twenty plus, considering the amount they’ll find.”

Sage leaned across the console to give him an appreciative kiss. “Doesn’t it bother you how many people tell you they hate you?”

“I’ve grown used to it.” He shrugged. “The only time it stung was when you said it to me.”

“I’ll never say that to you again.”

“I won’t give you a reason to. You ready to head to the liquor store?”

“Mmhmm.” She nodded toward where the officers were putting the Wilsons in the police cars. “You should switch sides and become a prosecutor. Wouldn’t you rather be the person responsible for putting criminals behind bars?”

“Not at all. I don’t care how justice happens, as long as it gets done.”