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I thought it, and now I can’t take the words back, at least from myself. No one else has to know.
I love him.
I love the man who helped to kill my friends.
Fucking useless,I can’t even fall in love right.
The shouting continues, so I hurry out of the bath, drying off quickly, and head downstairs. After all, this was my family to protect too now, right?
By the time I make it downstairs, Kaleb holds Daniel against the wall while Michael talks to him quietly. His hushed tones don’t carry over to where I stand on the stairs, but it’s clear to everyone that his words are not working.
Christopher is arguing with Officer Cooper by the door, so I head over to Daniel to see what is wrong. Maybe they didn’t believe my story.
Before I can reach them, someone grabs my arm. Their grip is tight and painful. Another officer pulls me to the door.
“No!” I try to shake him off.
My shout gets everyone’s attention, and all hell breaks loose.
Daniel rips away from his brothers, running toward me.
“Freeze, asshole,” Officer Copper yells, drawing his weapon.
“No!” I scream when Daniel grabs an ornament off the mantel. They’ll kill him.
Pulling with everything I have, I rip myself away from the officer and run to Daniel. His arms wrap around me tight, like I might disappear.
“You heard my son. Charlie’s not going anywhere. She’s a Cromwell now. I’ll have your fucking job for this.”
My heart swells at Christopher’s words.
“I have an order signed by a judge that says she’s coming with me,” Cooper says smugly.
Daniel tries to move around me, and fear grips me at what could happen.
“Anyone who tries to stop me will be arrested or shot and not in that order.” Cooper’s arrogant tone only serves to rile everyone more.
“Please, Daniel, don’t. I won’t ever see you again if you kill them,” I plead in a hushed tone.
He blinks down at me.
“They’ll lock you up.”
“I want to speak to McCallister right now,” Michael demands.
“He’s away. Had to rush out of town for a family emergency,” the other officer explains.
“Where are you taking her?” Helen asks.
“Somewhere tomorrow that’s not your business, somewhere I can speak to her away from you and your boys. This is a witness protection order,” Cooper gloats.
“And tonight, it’s already eight in the evening?” Christopher tuts.
Clearly not used to being questioned, Cooper snaps, “I’ll find somewhere.”
Christopher accepts the challenge. “I want to see that order. I’m calling the judge right now.”
“Call whoever you want, but Charlie comes with me right now, or you’re all coming to lock up, and then no one’s calling anyone.”