of your share, not mine.”
Nik’s smile was radiant. “That’s all I needed to hear.” The door dinged. She dashed off as soon as the space between the doors was wide enough to accommodate her trim body.
I looked up at my guy’s face. “I like her.”
Ryker smiled. “Me too. Let’s get to the DA’s office. I still want to watch a sappy movie with you sometime before midnight hits.”
Chapter 16 – Ryker
“Is there anything else you need from us?” I asked DA Jerrod Wright.
He looked at the mountain of paperwork on his desk. A slight frown marred the skin between his brows. “Got any extra time you can lend me? I think a full month would do it.”
I shook my head. Far too familiar with the pressure of deadlines. “Even if I did, I’m not sure I’d just give it away.”
Wright looked up. Smiled. “I wouldn’t blame you.” He shook his head. “No. With the copy of the recording and everything else we’re finding on the drives from the bunker, this case will likely never see an actual criminal courtroom. If you decide to file criminal charges against the hospital, let me know.”
He looked at Willow. “Are you okay to give your statement now?” He very carefully kept his gaze on her.
She nodded. “I’m not sure how much more I can tell you about before. I’ve done quite a bit to push it from my mind. Most of the salient information is going to be in the copies from Nico.”
Wright stuck a finger up in the air. “Hold on. I’ve got those here.” He flipped through stacks of paper. He held up a snazzy blue folder. “Those Amatuccis sure like to be memorable.” He undid the binding and pulled a stack of papers out that were close to half an inch thick.
I blew a silent whistle. “How the hell did that much information get lost in the police department?”
Wright’s face shut down. “I can’t discuss that right now, but I would like to offer you my sincerest apologies, Willow. The New Trenadie Police Department is top notch. Unfortunately, we’ve become a bit lazy and some truly awful apples made their way into ranks they did not deserve. There is an internal investigation out now. If you would like to press charges against any of the officers who handled any of your case files, please reach out to me.” His smile was a little crooked. “I would ask that you do that later, of course.”
Willow chuckled. “Of course. I’d like to see the girls and women returned to their homes. My issues with select police officers are unimportant in the grand scheme of things.”
Wright smiled warmly. “You’re a good woman.” He flicked the packet again. “And from what I can tell, strong as hell. I need you to read through these, sign them again if they are still accurate to the best of your knowledge. We’ll get to that after this latest statement, if that works for you.” He raised his eyebrows.
Willow nodded. “Of course. Where do you want me to start?”
“The latest incident is the only one we have incomplete—and frankly biased—records on. If you could start there, we’ll move and jump around as needed.” Wright set a small recording device on his desk. He read some information into it before he gestured to Willow. “In your own words, please describe what happened.”
Willow cleared her throat. “Well, I was kidnapped off the street after Ryker and I had an argument.”
**
I slid the newly opened bottle of water to my girl. I was so damn proud, my heart felt like it was on the verge of bursting from my chest and having a parade to sing her praises. She’d done it. Again.
Lived through the horror of reexperiencing the nightmares. She’d only faltered a couple of times as she told her story. But she’d taken some deep breaths and pushed through it.
She’d kept her hand in mine the whole time. Allowed me to be her anchor to reality. I’d relished the responsibility, taken immense joy in being her foundation.
I chuckled to myself. I, the man who wouldn’t allow any of my previous subs to use my first name, was almost as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning that my woman turned to me for emotional ballast. My how times have changed.
How Willow has changed me.
“Mr. Penn?” Wright said.
I quickly sorted through my short term memory. “No, I have nothing else to add.” I squeezed Willow’s hand. “You have my full statement, including