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I look around, but there is no where to go. Behind the dumpster is a tall fence that I couldn’t climb over if my life depended on it—which it might. Trying may get me hurt. Or worse—killed.

My only other option is to play stupid.

“That’s me,” I say as I turn around with a forced smile. “Can I help you with something?”

The man, who is definitely the one from inside the store a couple of hours ago, lifts up a badge. It looks just like Forge’s and Pierce’s. So this man is a cop too.

“Detective Xavier.” He takes a few steps closer to me.

Too close. Because now he’s closer to the door than I am, meaning if I try to make a run for it, he’ll get me before I’m inside.

I’m trapped.

I try to stay calm though. Panicking and running last time did me no good.

“How can I help you, Detective?”

Maybe he doesn’t know I know who he is. Maybe this is just part of the process… maybe he hasn’t been caught yet and has no idea that the Rangers are onto him. Ranger Stephen did say it would take some time.

“I need to ask you some questions about the murder of Theodore Gendron.”

“I’ve already been questioned by the police,” I say.

“We have more questions,” he says, taking another step.

“I can meet you at the station when I’m done with work.”

“That won’t do, Miss Forester. I need you to come with me now.”

“I-I can’t. I, uh… I’m working and I don’t want to lose my job.”

Well, there goes my bravado.

“I’ll make sure to speak with Trinity. We’re good friends.”

Liar.

Everything coming out of this man’s mouth is a lie. Except maybe for his name.

I’m out of options though. I don’t know what else to say to get him to back off, and all he’s doing is moving closer to me.

“Okay, I just need to get my coat—”

“You need to come with me now.” His gaze darkens, and this time he’s close enough to lunge for me. His nails scrape my arm, but I yank it back quickly enough that he doesn’t grab me. I dodge to my left, trying to run around him. We’re in a small alley way, and there isn’t much room. I get past him, but I’m too far from the door. Going towards it will put me in his path, so I run for the street.

He catches me before I’m close enough. His hand comes around my throat and he squeezes tight. I can’t breathe and immediately my head feels like it’s going to pop.

All I can think is how stupid I am for not screaming sooner. I was so focused on getting out of his way that I didn’t even think of screaming.

“Running is a bad fucking idea,” he growls in my ear.

I lift my leg and kick him in the shin as hard as I can.

He growls, loosening his grip and I leap forward, but he grabs onto my shirt, the material ripping as he pulls me back. I open my mouth to scream—why didn’t I scream before?—but he slaps a hand over it before anything comes out. I try to bite him, but something hard comes crashing down on my head and everything goes black.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Pierce