Page 23 of Waste (Legendary Shifters #4)

“Hell, I don’t either,” Drew responded, and Charlotte snorted.

“Sign off on what I sent, and we’ll release it. I’ve spoken to Shelley’s father, and they are preparing their own press release. For now, both you and Shelley need to keep your heads down,” Charlotte advised.

“I’ll send the statement back within an hour. Thank you, Charlotte, and we’ll talk soon.”

Drew hung up and accessed his emails. He scanned what Charlotte had prepared and agreed to it with a couple of minor changes.

It clearly refuted Jo’s claims and stated that legal advice was being sought for slander and libel.

Drew wasn’t too happy with everything, but they were doing their best firefighting.

Briefly, Drew considered pulling back from Shelley.

While he wanted to know her, he wasn’t sure that his fame was good for her.

Shelley had looked devastated when she’d read Jo’s cruel words.

Such occurrences were frequent in the music world.

Rivals were constantly seeking ways to pull others down.

Shelley was so damn sweet; this type of thing would hurt her deeply.

“I know,” Shelley said from behind him.

Knew what? Until he figured that out, he went for distraction. “Are you okay?” he asked as Shelley entered the library and headed for the nearest chair. She settled into it as she looked around.

“I’m fine. Now that the initial shock is over, all I can do is pity Jo. Sadly, she’s shown the world her true colours, and they’re ugly,” Shelley said. “That article is a lesson in jealousy and pettiness. People will see that.”

“Glad you’re being strong.”

“Drew, I’m not a weakling. Just because I’m quiet doesn’t mean I’m a pushover. I don’t have to stamp my feet and screech to get attention. That’s not me.”

“Shelley, you think I haven't realised that? It’s what attracted me to you in the first place,” Drew replied as he sat opposite her.

“Stop avoiding what I said. Drew, I know you spotted Mary Worth in that mirror.”

“Who? Shelley, what are—”

“Don’t gaslight me, Drew. Just don’t! I saw Mary Worth very clearly, and so did my assailant. He fled because of her. What is your connection to Mary?”

Drew kept a puzzled expression on his face while he sought an escape route. He didn’t want to lie to Shelley, but now he was stuck. There was no way he could out the others, but he hated the idea of deceiving her.

“Let me guess. You know Ghoul and Mary, but are sworn to secrecy because of these Hunters. One of them helped you, too, and by staying silent, you keep them safe. Drew, I won’t tell a soul about them.

I’ve not even mentioned it to Charlie. I don’t want to hurt them, but I’m so glad I’m not crazy,” Shelley said softly.

And that put the kibosh on Drew telling her she’d imagined it. Damn! Drew struggled to find the right words to distract Shelley as she continued to gaze at him with perfect trust.

He opened his mouth and then closed it again. Shelley had him cornered, and he couldn’t—wouldn’t—lie to her. Nor could Drew expose his siblings. Shit. Shit. Shit. Caught in a quandary, he’d never been so relieved when Charlie entered the library.

“That cop just phoned. He wants to meet with you. Told him you’d ring him back,” Charlie said, frowning.

“Did DI Wilson say why?” Shelley asked, sitting up straight.

“No, but he didn’t sound too amused.”

“Oh no. Do you think he believed Jo’s article?” Shelley worried.

“Don’t know, Shels. But the timing is suspicious,” Charlie replied.

“This is bad,” Shelley stated, and Charlie nodded. Drew was already pulling out his phone to call for legal help. Shelley wouldn’t be going alone. That was for sure!

Shelley

She longed to roll her eyes at DI Wilson and PC Simmons. Wilson was conducting the interview with PC Simmons as his sidekick. She could tell that neither of them liked her and that both were suspicious of her.

“And you still maintain that you’ve no clue who killed John Saville,” Wilson stated.

“No idea. I was blacking out when he was pulled away. I’ve told you this countless times. How many times do I need to repeat myself?” Shelley asked, exasperated.

“Mind your cheek!” PC Simmons warned.

“You mind your own manners and don’t worry about mine,” Shelley retorted.

Wilson raised an eyebrow at Shelley’s feistiness. “Seems there’s a side to you we’ve not seen before.”

“Well, I’ve never hidden it. Nor do I excuse my personality.

But I’m tired of being treated like this.

I was Mr Saville’s victim. He attacked me , not me, him.

He tampered with my car to force a confrontation.

John Saville was just a nameless customer until he became the man who tried to kill me.

I didn’t flirt with him despite what my manager stated. ”

“No, your colleagues, when we interviewed them, did say you kept to yourself. Which is why I’m questioning this story of Jo Perrin. She has put a large target on your back with Mr Saville’s family. If you could remember something that would give us a lead to his killer…” Wilson said and paused.

Shelley shook her head. She’d never mention Ghoul. “Honestly, I’ve nothing. I was blacking out and suffering a lot of pain. Detective Inspector, I won’t make up a lie to give you something to chase. That’s wasting your time.”

“Okay, so do you remember anything about the car crash?”

“No, it was brake failure, wasn’t it?” Shelley asked, confused.

“Yes. But did you see anyone hanging around it? Suspicious behaviour?” Wilson pressed.

“The only thing that comes to mind was when the car was serviced,” Shelley said.

“Could your attack and the car accident be linked?”

“How would I know? I’ve no idea what’s happening. I prefer a quiet life. This is anything but.”

Shelley moved and tugged on her scarf before she realised what she was doing. Wilson’s eyes latched onto her throat and widened.

“It appears, Miss Evans, you’re hiding things from me,” he accused.

“No. The attack was reported at the resort we were staying at, and the local police were informed.”

“Miss Evans, those bruises look serious. It’s clear you’ve been attacked again.”

“Yes, I was. Someone broke into our holiday home and tried to strangle me. He got spooked when Charlie and Drew heard the commotion and fled. We returned to England because Drew thought it was safer,” Shelley said with a sigh.

“How well do you know Mr Martin? Could he be behind this?” Wilson pressed.

“No, definitely not. The man who assaulted me had blue eyes, whereas Drew has brown eyes. There was also a difference in their builds. The guy was bulkier than Drew. And Drew was with Charlie when I was attacked, so it can’t be him,” Shelley explained.

“Maybe someone he hired?”

“DI Wilson, I’m lost as to why you’re fixated on Drew being the bad guy here; he’s not. He’s a good friend and very supportive,” Shelley said.

There was a knock, and a WPC poked her head in. “Miss Evans’s solicitor is here.”

“What solicitor?” Shelley asked, confused. “Did I need one?”

Another woman barged past the first and marched around to where Shelley sat, staring down at DI Wilson and PC Parker.

“Yes, Miss Evans, you did. My name is Liadun O’Cleirigh, and I will be representing you. Why are you questioning Miss Evans without counsel?” Liadun demanded, turning to Wilson.

“This is just—”

“Did they tell you your rights?” Liadun snapped, cutting Wilson off.

“No, why?”

“Because you’re being recorded,” Liadun replied, pointing to a blinking red light.

“Oh. You didn’t have my consent,” Shelley exclaimed, looking at Wilson.

He blushed slightly.

“I’m investigating a murder and attempted murder. Guess who’s at the centre of all this drama?” Wilson pointed out.

“This interview is over. You didn’t get my client’s permission to record her, nor did you read her rights. Nothing here can be used in a court of law,” Liadun announced and motioned for Shelley to rise.

Shelley rose to her feet and glared at Wilson. “I’m not sure what you did is legal. While I understand the need to solve crimes, there’s a proper way of doing it. Victimising the victim isn’t one.”

With that, Shelley turned and, using her crutch, hobbled out.

“This isn’t over,” Liadun promised and followed Shelley.

Drew/Ghoul

He was relieved to see Shelley heading towards him with Liadun firmly on her heels.

Liadun was well known for her take- no-prisoners attitude.

She was called a piranha in legal circles because she ate her opponents and left them dead in the water.

She was famous enough that she could pick and choose her own clients.

Liadun only took one or two cases a year but remained available to the Legends.

“Thanks, Liadun,” Drew said as they approached. He reached out and held Shelley by the arms, checking her over.

Liadun offered him a grim smile. “I need to draw up some papers. Wilson completely violated Miss Evans’ rights.”

“Thank you for coming,” Shelley said, extending her hand. Liadun shook it and nodded at Drew before leaving.

“I didn’t think you’d be long once Liadun arrived. Maybe next time you’ll listen to Charlie and me when we say Wilson doesn’t intend a friendly chat.”

“Yeah, yeah, you were right, and I was wrong. I can’t believe that man,” Shelley agreed as they headed outside. Drew led Shelley over to an SUV with blacked-out windows. He lifted her up, and she settled down.

No sooner had he driven off than Shelley turned to him.

“No distractions or rescues now, Drew. How do you know Mary?”

Damn! Drew had forgotten all about that in his haste to reach Shelley. Now Drew was trapped with no escape. Did he lie or tell some sort of partial truth? Inside him, Waste woke and crowed at his predicament. Sodding Sin!