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If they’d done their research, they’d have known about that and could have used that against me, but they didn’t. They took the order to find me and, at a guess, take me in for my own safety, which, of course, would end with me being delivered back into the arms of the man I ran from.

I sigh as they ask me dozens more questions before repeating them over and over until I feel like my head is going to explode.

“Enough!” Lane eventually yells. “Your conduct has me wanting to lodge a formal complaint with the FBI for the handling of this case. If it’s left up to you to investigate, I can easily predict that James Taylor will walk free. My client is done here, and so are you. If you ever need to ask her some ridiculous questions again, call me first.” He leaves a card on the table before standing and indicating that I should do the same.

“I have⁠—”

“Harassed a victim who was shunned when she initially reported what he was doing. And now you want to use her, at best, as a scapegoat. Or, at worst, as bait. And I refuse. My client has been through enough.”

I move when he indicates for me to, and Lucy follows, leaning against my leg as we make our way to the door. Lane opens it and walks through, leaving me to follow. At first, I’m surprised he didn’t insist I pass through first. He seems like that type of guy, but then I realize it’s a power play. He wants to walk into the room, drawing all eyes to the huge, pissed-off man so they might feel his wrath and duck for cover.

Seriously, this guy is impossible not to like. I’ve never met a lawyer like him before, not that I’ve met many. I’m just grateful he’s on my side.

When I get back out into the reception area, I’m half expecting Smith and Jacks to hop out and drag me to a cell. But when I spot Powers moving toward me, all those thoughts fly out of my head. Before I know what I’m doing, I’m running to him, colliding with his body hard enough to knock some of the wind out of myself.

“You came.” I know he said he would, but I couldn’t afford to hope.

“Nothing on this earth would have stopped me from getting to you.”

I look up at him and feel something warm move through me. Before I can say anything, Lane calls my name. When I turn, I see the agents have gone, and the chief of police is standing next to him.

“G forwarded the chief of police here a copy of the clubhouse footage of your arrest.”

The chief looks red-faced, and I can’t tell if it’s due to embarrassment or anger. I keep my mouth shut so I don’t make it worse.

“You are free to go. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience.”

I feel my eye twitch at the word inconvenience.

“I appreciate the apology, sir, but a man I’ve been hiding from now knows where to find me, thanks to someone here. Now everyone I know is in danger. Residents of your town may lose their lives because of this. I’m not sure you realize the severity of who you’re dealing with. Oh, and while we’re at it, might I suggest you check the cameras from the room adjoining the interrogation room I was in. I noticed the red light of a recording device, but I’m not sure that either of your officers did. Might want to find it before they do, though.”

He stares at me, stunned for a second before he swallows, nods, and hurries away, leaving both Powers and Lane radiating with anger.

“What—”

“Not here,” another voice pipes up. I look over Powers’s shoulder and spot Nathan, who walks over with a smile on his face. He nudges Powers out of the way to give me a hug. “It’s good to see you, gorgeous.”

“Nathan,” Powers warns, but Nathan shrugs him off.

“This isn’t the place for private conversations. Let’s head out. The air in here is giving me a headache.”

I smile and walk to the door, which Nathan rushes to pull open. Lucy stays at my side as I walk out and take a deep breath. Nathan was right. The air in there is enough to make anyone want to smack their head against a wall.

Powers’s hand presses against my lower back as he moves with me, scanning the area before nudging me aside so Lane can follow us out.

“Now explain that comment, missy,” Lane says, folding his arms over his chest.

I look at him and then at Powers and see what Nathan saw that I missed: raw rage. If I spill now, they’ll storm inside and tear the arms off the officers. That’s the last thing I want.

“Can we do it back at the clubhouse? I really just want to get out of here.”

I’m not sure either of them is buying my excuse, but they don’t push it.

“Fine. I’ll meet you there. I need to talk to Havoc anyway,” Lane says before heading toward a sexy black Jag.

“Nathan?” Powers asks.

“I’m of more use back at ELM, but I wouldn’t mind a ride since I got dropped off. I’m assuming you brought the truck because of the dog?”