Chapter 11: The Arrest
379 Words
The lobby went silent.
Two police officers. Victoria. And Evan.
“CEO Cross,” the officer said. “We need you to come with us. You’re a person of interest in the arson investigation.”
Evan didn’t flinch. “Am I being charged?”
“Not yet. We just need a statement.”
Victoria smiled. “Cooperating is best, Evan. For the company.”
Evan looked at me. “Stay here. Call my lawyer.”
I shook my head. “I’m coming with you.”
“No,” he said firmly. “Stay. Safe.”
They put cuffs on him. Not tight, but enough.
My heart broke watching him walk out. The Accidental CEO. In handcuffs.
Victoria turned to me. “See? This is what happens when you get involved with him.”
“Shut up,” I said. “You did this.”
“Prove it,” she whispered.
I spent the next 6 hours in his office, alone. Calling his lawyer. Watching the news.
`Cross Enterprises CEO Arrested.`
My phone rang. Unknown number.
“Leave him now, or next time it won’t be just a fire,” a voice said. Then hung up.
I was shaking.
At 9pm the door opened. Evan. No cuffs. Tired.
“They let me go,” he said. “No evidence.”
I ran to him and hugged him before I could think.
“I was so scared,” I whispered into his suit.
“I know,” he said, holding me tight. “I’m sorry you saw that.”
He pulled back. “The video you got. The one of the hoodie? It’s the only lead we have.”
“Victoria sent it,” I said. “To scare me.”
“Then we use it,” Evan said. “To catch her.”
He looked at me, serious. “Heaven, this is getting dangerous. You can still walk away. Take the money. 27 days left.”
I thought about the text. The threats. The fire.
Then I looked at him.
“I’m not leaving,” I said. “Not until we find out who’s really trying to destroy you.”
Evan’s eyes softened. “Stubborn.”
“Accidental,” I corrected.
For the first time in days, he actually smiled.
- Writer
