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“She’s not going to be a problem to you unless, of course, she decides to file a complaint, and I hate to say it, boys, but based on what I see here, you could end up suspended without pay pending an investigation.”
I don't quite understand the dynamic here. It sounds like Henry thinks these cops messed up, but it could be a part of the ruse. The part where I'm supposed to see Henry as my hero.
Dickhead cop movesover to me. “Turn around.” His voice is low and menacing. It causes me to remind myself to carry my pepper spray with me when I leave the building tonight. He releases the cuffs, leaning against me, his mouth at my ear. “You’ll suck my dick before we’re done with you.”
He says it low enough that I know no one else hears. I do my best not to react, but inside, I can’t lie, his words send a chill down to my very core.
When he backs away, I turn and rub my wrists.
“Should I call Mr. Thompson?” Carla asks, her gaze sending death threats to the cops.
“Yes.”
She goes to pick up the phone, but cop two snatches it from her and pushes her down into her chair.
“What the fuck?” Henry barks.
“We’re conducting an investigation. No calls.”
“You don’t have to be an asshole about it.” Henry shakes his head. “As soon as we’re finished, you can call Mr. Thompson. I assume that’s your lawyer.”
I nod. “When will you be finished, as it appears there’s no warrant and I’ve yet to hear any probable cause? Unless you’ve outlawed restaurants and clubs.”
Henry’s jaw tightens.
As if things couldn’t get worse, his partner, Detective Hartley, strides in, his gaze taking in the scene.
His face hardens as Henry’s had. "What's going on here?"
One of the officers explains the call and their search.
“Wait… you don’t have a warrant?”
The officers shift uncomfortably, exchanging glances. I can’t figure this out. Do these officers work for Rinella and not with Henry and Hartley? Is there someone else using these jokers to come after us? Do Henry and Detective Hartley really not know what’s going on? Or is this an elaborate con?
"We'll handle this from here," Detective Hartley says firmly to the other officers. "And I suggest you all brush up on proper procedure before your next raid." Then he turns to Henry. “Maybe you can smooth things over here. I’ll escort them out and see what I can find out about the call.”
Henry nods. “Sounds good.”
The officers file out with Detective Hartley, their earlier bravado deflated, but not completely gone. I can see the elevator from where I stand, and dickhead blows me a kiss as the doors shut.
I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. The anger is like a hot coal in my chest, but I have to keep it together. Now isn't the time to lose control. But make no mistake, someone is going to pay for this.
Henry turns to address my employees who’ve gathered outside the office area. "Everything is fine. You can head back to work.”
My staff looks at me. I nod, letting them know it’s okay to return to work.
Henry turns back to me, his expression softening. "Ms. D'Amato, allow me to escort you out. I'm sure you could use some fresh air after this ordeal."
Nope. I’m not falling for his good guy persona. “I have work to do. Work that will be behind now that I have to clean up this mess.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Carla says, giving Henry the stink eye.
“Call someone to help,” I say to her, knowing I need to talk to Henry. He’s not going to leave until he questions me about whatever the hell they just pulled. I walk into my office, fisting my hands to keep them from shaking. I don’t want Henry to perceive my rage as fear.
I don’t turn toward him until the door clicks shut. Mustering all my inner ice queen, I turn to him.
“I guess you’re feeling pretty smug about now, knowing you’ve got me by the short hairs.” Henry’s expression is dark. Like he’s pissed at me.
