Chapter 8: Police Interrogation
353 Words
The police station smelled like coffee and fear.
Evan held my hand the whole way in.
“Just tell the truth,” he whispered. “I’m right here.”
Detective Carter looked at us over his glasses. “CEO Cross. And Mrs. Cross.”
“Ms. Rose,” I corrected. “We’re not... legally married yet.”
Evan squeezed my hand harder.
“The warehouse fire was arson,” the detective said. “Accelerant found. 2 million in damages.”
Evan’s face didn’t change. “Who would do this?”
“That’s what we’re asking you.” The detective slid a photo across the table. Me. Running into the fire.
“Quite the stunt, Mrs. Cross. Or should I say, Ms. Rose?”
I felt sick. “I was saving someone.”
“So I’ve heard.” He leaned back. “And you two got married 24 hours before Evan became CEO. Convenient timing.”
“Are you accusing my wife?” Evan’s voice was low. Dangerous.
“I’m doing my job,” Carter said. “The board is already saying this marriage is fake. For money.”
My face burned. It was true.
Evan stood up. “We’re done here. Unless you’re charging her.”
“No charges. Yet.” Carter smiled. “But I’ll be watching both of you.”
Outside, the rain was falling.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I messed this up for you.”
Evan stopped walking. Turned me to face him.
“You didn’t. Victoria did.”
“Victoria?”
“The fire, the leaks to the press. She wants me out.” He brushed rain off my cheek. “And she’ll use you to do it.”
“Why are you protecting me?” I whispered. “The contract—”
“Forget the contract,” he said. “For 28 days, you’re mine to protect. Understand?”
I nodded.
His phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:
`She’s not safe with you. End it now. -V`
Evan deleted it. But I saw.
The Accidental CEO had enemies.
And now, so did I.
- Writer
