Page 37 of Devious Corruption

By the time I’m pulled into the station, I’m sure there’s nothing worse that can happen tonight. My face hurts from the brick scratching me. The back of my head hurts from head butting the stupid cop. And panic is easing its way into my soul over how the hell I’m going to get out of this mess.

I can’t afford a lawyer. I have no answer about the gun they found. I don’t even have anyone to call to pay bail.

Well. I do. But there’s no way I’m doing it.

I’d rather sit in jail.

“Put her in five.” A female cop tells my armed escort as she buzzes us into the back of the police station. There are ten cells in here, five lining each side.

During intake, they took my picture, fingerprinted me and put all of my belongings into bags. Now, I’m taken to an empty cell and pushed inside. Apparently, words gotten around that I head-butted the cop. As soon as I step in, the cell door slams shut, and the mechanical lock slides into place.

It’s a haunting sound.

I can’t find the energy to even lie to myself about my situation. I’m screwed. While I was being processed I heard the arresting officer rattle off the reasons for my arrest. Resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, possession of a firearm, and public intoxication. That last one is completely bullshit since I haven’t had a sip of alcohol inweeks, but since it’s the least of the charges it’s not really a concern.

They’re going to ask about the gun. They’re going to want to know where I got it, and I can’t tell them the truth. To do that would open an entire can of worms on my brothers. They’d search their apartment and then go searching for them. And if Lev was telling me the truth, that they’d gotten involved with some big bad guys, having the police tracing them would only make things more dangerous for them.

Sitting on the bench, I rest my head against the concrete wall behind me. This could not get worse.

“Maxine.” A deep , dark voice rattles the bars of my cage.

I open my eyes. I was wrong.

Lev Yakovlev stands on the other side of my door. The heat in his glare could melt the bars between us.

“Open this now,” Lev snaps at the police officer standing behind him.

“Of course, Mr. Yakovlev.” The dark-haired officer turns toward the main door and calls for them to unlock my cell.

A loud beep sounds right before the lock opens and Lev yanks the door.

“Let’s go.” He jerks his head at me.

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I hurry out of my little room. The police officer avoids my eyes.

“Right this way, and we’ll get her things.”

“Say nothing.” Lev growls at me, firmly placing his hand on the small of my back, leading me out of the holding room.

The inhabitants of the other cells stand at their doors with confused expressions.

I’ve only been here less than half an hour and already I’m leaving. That’s not really heard of, except Lev isn’t just anyone. He’s connected and apparently has several ties with the police department.

“Here are her things.” A large clear bag is tossed on the counter by the officer I hit.

Dark bruises are already forming around both of his eyes, and his nose is swollen.

Yeah, I definitely broke it.

I open my mouth to apologize, but Lev digs his fingertips into my back, silencing me.

He grabs the bag from the counter, opens it and pulls out my coat, handing it to me before pulling out my purse and my cell phone.

“The other item,” he says in a no-nonsense tone that has the police officers on edge.

“Give it to him.” Another officer enters the small room with us, though he has more metal on his chest, so I assume he’s higher ranking. “Mr. Yakovlev. I apologize for the inconvenience. She didn’t mention she was your girlfriend, if she had–”

“From what I’m told, she wasn’t given time to say anything, much less identify herself.” Lev turns to me grabbing my chin and twisting my face until my cheek is facing forward. “And who did this?”