Page 230 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“When do you see the judge? I can get you bailed out once it’s set. Are you in Vegas?” My legs shake anxiously, ready to go wherever he is, even if that means returning to a city I swore I’d never visit again.

“No, I’m in Sacramento. I was gonna surprise you and Maddie and was only fifteen minutes from your house.”

“I’ll figure out a way to get you bailed out at least until the court date,” I tell him confidently. There’s no way I’m letting him stay there.

Tyler blows out a frustrated breath. “It’s gonna be a lot.”

“I don’t care,” I tell him. “It’s your first offense. You’re a vet. You don’t have a record. I’ll call my lawyer friend, Serena, and see what she can do.”

“Well, unless she’s a miracle worker, I’m not holding my breath. The officer who put me in cuffs was a total dick. Before putting me in the back of his unmarked car, he whispered in my ear and said I should’ve never betrayed Victoria. Then he winked and pushed my ass inside.”

“Who the fuck was the officer?” I ask, my adrenaline spiraling out of control.

“I’m pretty sure his tag said Officer Ferguson. Now I’m convinced she has everyone on her goddamn payroll.”

“Blake. That motherfucking bastard.” Then I glance over at Maddie. “Told you he was bad news.”

Maddie tenses and shakes her head, frowning.

“Serena will know what to do. I’ll have her come down and be your counsel. At least that way, you have someone on yourside,” I tell him, feeling helpless but wanting to save him the same way he saved Maddie and me.

“Even if I get out on bail or manage to somehow prove my innocence, she’ll come after me again, Liam. I wouldn't doubt it if she planted shit at my house too. She’s like a black widow and will seek her revenge one way or another. I have to play by her rules, and this is what she wants—to humiliate me and send my ass to prison. I’m convinced it’s the only way out of this. It’s the only way she’ll leave everyone alone.”

“I’m not letting you rot in there without a fight,” I tell him.

“I appreciate that, man, but I’m afraid my destiny’s been set.” He sounds so damn defeated, and my guilt starts to weigh heavily on me.

“I’m sorry, Tyler. I’m so damn sorry.” All I can do is apologize as the reality of it all sinks in.

“Don’t apologize. I planned it, remember? I chose to go undercover, knowing the risks. It was worth it, Liam. I have no regrets and would do it again in a heartbeat.”

“I love you, man,” I tell him. “I’ll get Serena down there as soon as I can, okay?”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Without allowing me to say another word, Tyler ends the call, and I’m left standing there in shock. I turn to look at Maddie whose eyes are glassy with tears.

“I can’t believe this,” she says, wiping her cheeks.

“I don’t care that she’s about to pop out two babies, I’m tempted to fly my ass out there and give her a reminder of what I’m capable of,” I mutter.

“What would that solve?” she counters, crossing her arms. “That’d give her another reason to come after us again.”

“Maybe.” I shrug. “Maybe not.” Pulling out my phone, I scroll to Serena’s number. “I’m gonna call Serena and beg her to help. Pay her triple if I have to.”

Maddie frowns. “I hope he’ll be okay.”

“He’s one of the strongest people I know. If anyone can make it through this, Tyler can.”

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

MADDIE

SEVEN MONTHS LATER

“Right corner pocket,”Liam announces, bending over and effortlessly sweeping the ball into the hole.

“Goddammit,” Mason curses, slamming down his pool stick. Liam’s killing him and only has the eight ball left.

“Why’re you even trying, man?” Liam gloats, lifting his arms to show off his biceps.