one night during this shit storm, and he was thankful Justice had taken on her case.
“Thank you, brother,” Justin said to Justice. “I really appreciate you handling all of this for us.”
“Not a problem. Chloe held up well last night when she filed the police report. She’s strong, and she has a lot of support,” Justice reassured him. “They got Rogers in custody, and we’ve already checked him out. He’s got no priors. The bastard looks squeaky clean.”
“No fucking way,” Justin insisted. “He knew exactly how to handle her, and the looks he gave me? The vibes he gave off? There’s no way this was his first time.”
Preacher crossed his arms and said, “Agreed. She’s worked there a long time, and from what Chloe said, your engagement set him off. He snapped. He might be able to keep that shit under wraps, but my bet is he’s got a well-hidden trail of victims.”
“I said he looks squeaky clean,” Justice clarified. “We are continuing to check him out, and the police are investigating on all fronts. They’ll talk to people at LOCAL to see if anyone there noticed any inappropriate behavior or saw or heard anything the day of the attack. They’ll talk to the person she ran into on her way out of the building, too. I’ve told Chloe that if she has any thoughts on that, she should let me and the police know.” He glanced at Preacher, and Justin recognized the look of a man who already knew what was about to be said. Justice shifted his attention back to Justin and said, “Chloe’s been through a great deal of trauma. Not just the attack, but all this with you. Don’t be surprised if her moods swing.”
“Yeah, I get it.” Justin knew how much worse he’d made the situation for Chloe, and he was determined to take care of her and make this right. He only hoped she could forgive him. “What about that interview with her HR department today? Does she have to go?”
“In light of his arrest, I would imagine HR will have a very different view of the situation,” Justice said confidently. “I’m hoping to arrange a virtual meeting and will call you later this morning with details.”
“What does all of this mean for Chloe? That job is her life, man. What can I do to fix the shit I caused?”
“Alan didn’t file formal charges with the police against Chloe, which tells them, and us, that he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. As far as what you can do? If Chloe were my daughter, I’d want you to be there for her, focused on what she needs.” Justice was a single father to an adorable three-year-old girl, Patience. “I know you’re angry at the shit that guy pulled, but she doesn’t need to see or feel that anger. It’s just a cruel reminder of all that’s happened. She needs you to be her rock, to help her realize none of this is her fault and to get her back on her feet.”
“Okay. Thanks, man.”
Justice held Justin’s stare and said, “Maverick, I need you to keep your nose clean these next few weeks. I don’t want so much as a speeding ticket on your record. Got it?”
“Yes, sir. Nothing like spending a night behind bars to give a man time to think about his actions.”
Justice shook his hand and tugged him in for a manly slap on the back. “I’ve got your back, brother. Always.” He looked at Preacher and said, “That goes to you, too, old man.”
“Appreciate that.” Preacher gave him the same handshake/pat on the back.
Justice walked away, and Justin and Preacher headed for Preacher’s truck.
“The guys have been calling all morning checking on you.”
Justin stopped by the tailgate of the truck and said, “I know I fucked up, Dad, and I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t fuck up. You did what we taught you to do. You protected the woman you love, no matter what the price.” He cocked a half smile and said, “Should you have done it with one punch instead of several? Probably. But love is a powerful force, son. Much too powerful to be outdone by reason.”
“I hate that I disappointed you and Mom.”
Preacher shook his head and said, “We didn’t raise pansies, Maverick, and we didn’t raise assholes. You didn’t attack a man unprovoked. He provoked you with those smug looks you told us about last night, and with the attack on the woman you love. Remember, son, this