I snorted. “It’s how you get away with anything.”
The bell over the door jingled, and Officer Smith poked his head in. “Is it all right if I use your restroom? That coffee you gave me was a little too good.”
I motioned him in. “Of course. It’s right down the hall.”
He disappeared, and I started to head back to the counter, but the bell tinkled again. I turned to greet the newcomer—and felt all the blood drain from my face.
“Hello, Tara,” the man said.
He was at least ten years older than me, his dark brown hair silver at the temples now, but I’d never forget his face. His photo had been printed beneath byline after byline. Ones that questioned whether the cops had found the right person. Ones that called my mental state into question. And worst of all, those that called me a manipulative liar who was jealous of my sister’s happiness.
“Get out,” I croaked.
Oren Randal just grinned. “That’s not any way to greet an old friend, is it?”
Images flashed in my mind. Him shouting horrible questions at me as I ran from the courthouse to a waiting police cruiser. Him waiting outside my office, my home. Never giving me a moment’s peace. Telling everyone who would listen where I lived, worked, and spent any time.
My breaths came faster as my body remembered the feeling of constantly looking over my shoulder. Of never feeling safe.
“Get out, or I will tase your ass and get you thrown in jail,” I growled.
Oren’s eyes flashed. “Wouldn’t be the first time you tried to ruin a man’s life, would it?”
Roan’s imposing figure appeared behind Oren. I hadn’t even heard him come in.
“Back away from her before I rip your spine out through your nose.”
35
ROAN
My hands fisted so tightly I wouldn’t have been surprised if I broke a knuckle. The reporter’s words swirled in my head, making spots dance in front of my eyes. “Wouldn’t be the first time you tried to ruin a man’s life, would it?”
The guy’s head jerked in my direction, and he paled. It was a smart reaction. There was enough fury running through me to snap his neck in a single breath.
But then he made a dumb move. He ignored that flight response and went for false bravado, straightening his shoulders and trying to appear taller. He wasn’t successful.
“I was having a conversation with the woman. It’s still a free country, isn’t it?”
“Sure. You’re free to make your choices, just like I’m free to snap your arm in three places before I break your nose,” I snarled.
The man’s jaw dropped. “You all heard that. He threatened me. I’m going to have you arrested.”
Jonesy began to whistle. “The only thing I heard was you intimidating a woman who asked you to leave her establishment.”
The reporter’s face turned beet red. “I have a right to ask my questions.”
I prowled toward him. The rage swirling inside me was a living, breathing thing. A monster hungry for blood. “You don’t have any rights. And you sure as hell don’t have the right to terrorize an innocent woman with your fucked-up ideas.”
He stumbled back a step, then another. “It’s the truth. I’ve spent more time reporting on this case than you’ll ever know. I’ve spent time interviewing the accused. You should listen to what John has to say. He—”
I shoved the man’s chest hard. “If I wanted to listen to bullshit, I’d follow you to the damned toilet.”
Anger flashed in the reporter’s eyes. “Careful who you ally yourself with. She’ll take you down, too. Spin lies about you and ruin your life. She’s a bitch, just like the rest of them—”
I struck before I had a chance to temper my response, my fist connecting with the man’s nose, the punch ending in a satisfying crunch.
He crumpled to the floor in a heap, curling in on himself and cupping his face. “You broke my goddamned nose!” he howled. But his voice was all wrong.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway, and Officer Smith appeared. He frantically searched the room. “Oh, shit.”
I glared in his direction. “Where the hell were you? You were supposed to be watching the door.”
Aspen stepped into my space. There wasn’t even a hint of fear in her beautiful green eyes. She pressed a hand to my chest. “It’s not his fault.”
“The hell it’s not. He was supposed to be watching for assholes like this one.”
“I-I had to use the restroom. I’m sorry,” Officer Smith stammered.