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CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Michael

By the time I wake several hours later, Daniel has stretched his legs out in front of him, taking up more than half of the cell’s floor plan. The bikers are spread out on the floor, looking cold and uncomfortable.

Sitting up, I groan; pain ripples up my neck. I’ve never felt older. My body suddenly thinks it’s fifty-seven, not twenty-seven.

Dragging my body up, I spot my dad on a bench in the waiting area across the room.

Seeing that I’m awake, he approaches. His usual pressed shirt is wrinkled, his tie discarded on the bench. His face is etched in worry, and his eyes assess me as he draws closer. You’d think I’d been here days, not hours, but I love that he’s here, and he cares. He always has.

“Hey, son. How are you doing?”

“I’m okay.”

I am.

“Good.” He smiles. Lowering his voice, he continues, “It’s a fishing expedition. They have nothing."

"Cooper?"

Dad nods. “He ran his mouth to the feds, gave a spiel about local authorities turning a blind eye, and they sent out Collins. Just to be safe.”

Figures.

“Lara gave you an alibi for Halloween.”

I nod. “We were at her dorm in the student village.”

His shoulders drop, tension leaving his body.

He thought she lied for me.

“Listen, Edward says to remain silent and not answer any questions. We should be out of here in a few days tops.”

I look over at our family lawyer and the two other men with him.

“And Daniel?”

“He knocked a man out in front of two law enforcement officers. We may need to work something out with the locals, but he’s not leaving until you do. You first.”

Sounds like my brother.

“I’m going to send the other two home.” He gestures to the lawyers. “Have them look into ways of dealing with Cooper. Start the paperwork for a lawsuit or something.”

“Go home, be with Mom and the girls,” I encourage. “I have Daniel in here and Edward over there. I won’t speak.”

“No, no. I’m not leaving my boys.”

“Dad,” I start.

“No,” he rushes, “I wasn’t there before you came to us, but I’m going to be here for you now.”

What is it about my family trying to make me cry in a jail cell?

“Okay.” I give in. He needs this. And I need my family.