Lincoln emerged from who knew where with a collapsed kennel under each arm. He looked between me and the unleashed dogs and gave his version of a smile.
“Pepper makes it look easy.” Somehow he snapped, and Muffy sat.
I easily looped him. Then Millie was more accommodating.
“Can I walk her?” Eric held out his hand, and I dropped the leash into it.
Lincoln held up the doors for us before he locked up. The elevator opened when I stepped close to it. Whoa. I thought there was a button.
“You’re not driving,” I said as I stepped inside. Muffy pawed at me, and I looked at him uncertainly.
“He wants a treat.” Lincoln pressed the button for the basement garage level. "You put a leash on him. Apparently, that requires a treat.”
“Good thing we’ve got a whole jar in the van.” I patted his head. “You’ll have to wait until we get down there.”
“I’m beginning to prefer the back.” Lincoln's gaze was intense.
It warmed me and made me shiver at the same time. “Are you learning to give up control?”
He smirked. “Not likely.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Lexie
“I hope you haven't been waiting long.”
I rushed down the sidewalk to the front of the building that housed our commercial kitchen.
Mrs. Shepard clutched the strap of her bag, looking as if she’d prefer to be anywhere else. She took in my heels and dress, and there was judgment I didn't like in her expression. Almost as if I were too fancy.
“Where's Eric?” Her tone was sharp as the question echoed into the evening air.
I pointed behind me. “Around back. We have to park back there. Actually, I’m not sure I have a key to this door." I motioned to the one behind her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think to tell you to meet us at the back door.”
She motioned toward the street.
A dark blue sedan was running at the curb in a no-parking zone. Did she have a partner?
A man in dark trousers and a blazer emerged from the driver’s side. The gold shield attached to his hip flashed as he rounded the car.
“Should we go inside?” My voice held a slight quaver.
“Yes. Lead the way, please.” Mrs. Shepherd sounded less irritated, which I hoped was a good sign. She didn't introduce me to the man, who also said nothing.
“I'm Lexie Logan.” I retraced the path I’d just taken, and she fell in step beside me. “Did Mrs. Thompson retire?”
“I’ve taken over this case from her.”
The man’s presence loomed behind us as we turned to walk down the side of the building.
A shrill bark pierced the sky, and then my brother’s special laugh. He was so happy to see the dogs . . . especially Millie.
Lincoln had done that.
I hadn’t had time to properly thank him. Or tell him hello. But I would when this interview was over.
They came into view. Eric crouched next to Millie, who was on her back, and rubbed her belly. Muffy pawed at Lincoln’s thigh, still wanting a treat. I supposed that one was for getting out of the van.
Mrs. Shepherd stopped short of them.
Eric waved despite I was with two strangers. I waved back.
“Maybe we should’ve spoken privately first,” she said.
Most of the people we’d dealt with from the department had been good at handling the interviews. They'd been trained not to upset Eric, to make it routine.
My palms grew damp. Lincoln’s hawklike stare was on us. I appreciated his support, but it wasn’t enough to keep my nerves at bay.
"We can do that. There’s a small office inside. Or we could take a walk,” I babbled.
“A complaint has been filed against you.”
I swayed on my feet. “A . . . complaint?” I sounded as if I'd never heard the word.
“Yes. Which means we do an immediate impromptu welfare check.”
“Of course," I said in a rush. “But I haven't done anything wrong.”
“Formal charges have also been filed.” She glanced to the man, whose gun bulged against his jacket.
“I don't understand.” I looked back and forth between them helplessly.
“We have to take Eric into state custody.”
I leaned against another car parked in the alley. “No,” I whispered. “You can't do that.”
The world spun. No. No. No. This couldn't be happening. What would happen to Eric? He'd be terrified. Who would file charges against me?
The man stepped forward. “Lexie Logan, turn around and place your hands behind your back. You're under arrest for assault and battery of Donnie Logan.”
Lexie and Lincoln are in the fight of their lives for each other and everything they’ve built. Find out if they’re strong enough to conquer all . . . or if this time they both FALL for good.
One-click FALL now!
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Also by Grahame Claire
PATHS TO LOVE SERIES
It’s Not Over
Three Dates
Righting Our Wrongs
Heartbreaker
Dangerous Redemption
Thick As Thieves
FREE SERIES
Free Me
Trust Me
Defend Me
SHAKEN SERIES
Crash & Burn Duet
Crash
Burn
Rise & Fall Duet
Rise
Fall
Bend & Break Duet
Bend
Break
WRITTEN WITH CLAUDIA BURGOA
Holiday With You
About the Author
Grahame Claire is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.
A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result . . . Grahame Claire.
Soulmates. Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share.
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Rise: Rise & Fall Duet Book 1 (Shaken 3) Page 17
