Page 73 of Between Secrets and Obsession

He lets out a breath and slowly nods. “Listen, it seems like you got mixed up in something you shouldn’t have. This car was reported stolen yesterday.”

That’s when the tears start to fall. “What?Stolen?”

“Unfortunately, since you were the one driving it, I have to take you in. The car will be towed and given back to its owner.”

“But I have a bill of sale on the seat that he gave me. Are you absolutely sure? This has to be a mistake.” I swallow hard, hating the way these cuffs feel on my wrists. Nico seemed so nice and honest. This has to be wrong.

“I’m really sorry,” he tells me. “Sounds like you were scammed, and he used that piece of paper to seem legitimate. Once you get released from jail, you’ll be assigned a court date and can meet with a judge to plead your case. If you can show proof that this is what really transpired, then I’m sure you’ll be fine.” The truth of his statement hits me like a ton of bricks. How the hell do I prove I didn’t steal this car?

I’ve been caught off guard and feel like a deer in the headlights right now. “I would never steal from anyone. I can’t believe this happened.” I’ve never gotten into trouble like this in my entire life, and here I am on the side of the road being arrested like some criminal.

“I believe you,” he tells me, walking me around to the side. He opens the back door, tells me to watch my head, and places me inside. Tucking my lips inside my mouth, I close my eyes tight, trying to hold back the tears, but it’s no use. I’m not crying because I’m sad. I’m crying because I’m livid as fuck. Every penny I’ve saved is gone, and there’s nothing I can do about it. And I still don’t have my own damn car. So much for freedom.

Officer Ferguson goes to the Honda and digs inside. He returns with my purse and the papers that were on the seat.

On the way to the jail, he talks on his radio, and I hear calls coming in about all sorts of things. Most of it is in code, but I can make out that a group of them are chasing a guy on foot. I stare out the window, wondering who I’m going to call to bail me out and how I’m going to explain this to Sophie. No telling how much it’s going to cost. I don’t even know how all this works or how long I’ll be stuck there. I’m so pissed that I was taken advantage of by someone so…nice.

I’m a damn fool.

Once we’re there, my possessions are taken, and I’m booked. The officer is kind enough to let me make more than one phone call, so after I try Sophie and she doesn’t answer, I reach out to Lennon. Instead of leaving voicemails, I hang up. I’m left with one person to call who I know is home right now, and it irks me to no end to have to ask him for help. I dial Liam’s number, and he picks up after a couple of rings.

“Hello?”

“Liam,” I say, softly, swallowing my pride. “Can you come bail me out of jail?”

The asshole laughs, and when I don’t reciprocate, he clears his throat. “Wait, what?” He sounds just as shocked as I felt when those cuffs were placed on my wrist. “Seriously?”

I suck in a deep breath. “Never mind. Sorry for bothering you.”

“Hold on, I’ll be there. Are you okay?” he asks sincerely.

“Yeah, it’s a long story. I’ll tell you when you get here.”

“Alright, gimme fifteen minutes,” he tells me before I end the call.

I’m escorted to the holding area where I feel as if I’m losing my mind. The room is empty, and the only thing on the wall is a clock that looks like it’s superglued in place. Fifteen minutespass, then twenty, and thirty. Maybe Liam forgot about me or something else came up. I begin to worry after forty-five minutes that maybe he changed his mind. Right when I give up hope, an officer comes to the door and calls my name. I’m led down the hallway to the front where Liam is standing, pissed.

I sign some paperwork. I’m given my cell phone and purse, and let free. In silence, we walk across the parking lot, and I stop when I hear my name being called from behind.

“Maddie!”

Officer Ferguson walks toward me, grinning. “Hey.” Confidence surrounds him as I move closer to him. “I’m really sorry about all that.”

“It’s not a big deal. Could’ve been worse, I guess. The car could’ve been packed full of drugs or something.”

“I don’t typically do this, but I’d like to make it up to you. Go out for dinner and drinks or something.”

A smile slides across my lips until Liam speaks up.

“Absolutely not. You need to back off, Blake,” he interrupts, and I’m shocked to hear Liam knows his name. “Come on, Maddie. Let’s go.”

Turning, I scowl at Liam and shoot him a murderous glare at the audacity. “Excuse me? You need to mind your own business.” I throw back the words he said to me not long ago.

I look at Officer Ferguson, who narrows his eyes. “Are you two…?” He moves a finger between Liam and me.

“No. He’s my roommate and he’smarried. Big brother syndrome, I suppose,” I explain, stepping closer to him so Liam’s out of the conversation.

He chuckles and nods.