Chapter Twenty–Six
The two detectives were preparing to launch into another round of verbal abuse when the interrogation room door opened. Anna Morrison stepped inside, her designer outfit and confident bearing immediately shifting the power dynamics in the room.
“Mrs. Morrison,” the older detective said respectfully, standing up immediately. “Thank you for coming down to the station.”
Anna’s cold gaze swept over Pervis, taking in his handcuffed position at the metal table. “Has he confessed yet?”
“He’s being stubborn,” the younger detective replied. “Keeps demanding a lawyer like he thinks he has rights.”
Anna moved closer to the table, her heels clicking against the concrete floor. “Pervis, I’m prepared to be reasonable about this situation.”
“Are you?” Pervis asked quietly.
“If you admit what you did–confess to stealing from me–I’m willing to drop the charges,” Anna stated. “I’ll tell the prosecutors I don’t want to pursue this matter further.”
The older detective frowned. “Mrs. Morrison, are you sure? This man committed a serious crime against you.”
“I’m aware,” Anna replied coldly. “But I’m also aware that if Pervis is convicted of theft, his wealthy sponsor will never want to keep company with a convicted criminal. Especially not a pretty boy with a record.”
Pervis’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Tell me something, Anna. How exactly do you know I’m the one who stole from you?”
“What kind of question is that?” Anna snapped.
“A simple one,” Pervis continued calmly. “Did Noah tell you I took those items?”
Anna’s face flushed slightly. “This has nothing to do with Noah!”
“Doesn’t it?” Pervis pressed. “You weren’t at home when I came to collect my documents. The only person who was there–besides your mother–was Noah. So how would you know what happened in your villa?”
“You’re deflecting,” Anna accused. “Trying to shift blame like you always do.”
“I’m asking a legitimate question.”
“And you’re jealous, as always!” Anna’s voice rose. “This is exactly why our marriage failed! You could never accept that Noah and I have a perfectly innocent relationship!”
“Innocent,” Pervis repeated flatly.
“Yes, innocent!” Anna insisted. “He’s my best friend’s younger brother! I’ve known him since he was a teenager! There’s nothing inappropriate about caring for someone like family!”
“So caring for him required constant attention, money, and allowing him to live in our home?” Pervis asked.
“He needed support!” Anna shouted. “And you made scenes about it constantly! This whole situation- accusing you of theft–is simply me teaching you a lesson about your behavior!”
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Pervis leaned back in his chair as much as the handcuffs would allow. “Where’s your evidence, Anna?”
“My evidence?” Anna laughed harshly. “Items are missing from my safe. You were at my house recently. That’s all the evidence I need.”
“That’s circumstantial at best,” Pervis pointed out.
“You had access to my safe!” Anna countered. “You knew the combination! And now valuable jewelry and cash are gone!”
“Other people had access to that house too,” Pervis said calmly.
“Like who?” Anna demanded. “My mother? Noah? They would never steal from me!”
“Wouldn’t they?”
Anna’s eyes flashed with fury. “How dare you imply that Noah would steal from me! He’s the only honest person in this entire mess!”
Pervis had no desire to continue arguing in circles with her. “I have only one demand. Check the surveillance footage from your villa.”
The two detectives exchanged uncomfortable glances.
“The surveillance footage?” the younger detective scoffed. “That’s not necessary. We have Mrs. Morrison’s testimony.”
“And I’m requesting you verify that testimony with actual evidence,” Pervis stated firmly.
“Listen here, you parasite,” the older detective snarled, leaning across the table. “We don’t need to waste time watching hours of footage when we already know you’re guilty!”
“Yeah,” the younger detective added mockingly. “What do you think we’re going to see? A video of someone else magically appearing and stealing Mrs. Morrison’s jewelry? Stop wasting everyone’s time and confess!”
Before Pervis could respond, the interrogation room door burst open with enough force to slam against the wall.
A man in a police chief’s uniform strode in, his face red with fury. Without warning, he swung his hand in a vicious slap that connected with the younger detective’s face, sending him staggering backward.
“Chief!” the older detective gasped,
“You incompetent fool!” the chief roared. “Do you have any idea who you’re interrogating?”
The younger detective held his reddening cheek, his eyes wide with shock. “Sir, I don’t understand—”
“Of course you don’t understand!” the chief snapped. “Because you’re too busy running your mouth to do your job properly!”
He turned to Pervis, and his entire demeanor changed. The rage evaporated, replaced by an expression of deep respect tinged with nervousness.
“Mr. Tyler,” he said carefully, “I sincerely apologize for this treatment. I was not informed of your… identity.”
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Anna frowned, confusion evident on her face. “His identity? Chief, what are you talking about? Pervis isn’t anyone special. He’s just my husband.”
The chief’s eye twitched slightly at her dismissive tone.
“And I’m the complainant in this case,” Anna continued imperiously. “You don’t need to be so deferential to a theft suspect just because he was married to me.”
The police chief actually rolled his eyes–a gesture so unprofessional and telling that Anna’s mouth fell open in shock.
“How dare you-” she started.
“Mrs. Morrison,” the chief interrupted, his voice strained, “perhaps you should reconsider your accusations.”
“Reconsider?” Anna’s face flushed with anger. “Are you insulting me? I came here in good faith to help resolve this matter, and now you’re treating me with disrespect!”
Before the chief could respond, the door opened again, and a commanding presence filled the room.
Aria Coleman stepped inside, her expression absolutely frigid. She was dressed in an immaculate business suit that probably cost more than the entire police station’s monthly budget, and her eyes swept across the scene with evident displeasure.
Her gaze locked onto Anna with the precision of a laser sight.
“Are you the one who accused Pervis of theft?” Aria asked, her voice cold enough to cause frostbite.
Anna straightened, her earlier anger giving her false courage. “Yes, I am. And I have every right to—”
“You have evidence, I presume?” Aria interrupted smoothly.
“Of course I have evidence!” Anna snapped. “Items are missing from my home, and Pervis was there! It’s obvious what happened!”
“Is it?” Aria asked mildly.
“Yes!” Anna insisted. “And I don’t appreciate you coming here to defend a thief! What kind of woman sides with a criminal over his victim?”
Aria’s smile was like a blade–beautiful, sharp, and dangerous. “A woman who knows the difference between evidence and assumption.”
“This isn’t an assumption!” Anna protested. “My jewelry and cash are gone!”
“And you’ve verified this how?” Aria asked. “With security footage? Forensic evidence? Witness testimony?”
Chapter Twenty Seven
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
