Hook (Brutal Chains MC #1)

Chapter 20

Twenty

Bea

“No stop!” I scream again and push against the guys with all my might. Semi and Torch hold me back but I can’t understand why they are. Hook doesn’t deserve this.

All he did was try to save me.

"Let him go!" I plead, my voice cracking with desperation. The police officers continue to wrestle Hook to the ground, their faces stern and unforgiving. I look around frantically, searching for any sign of support from the rest of the BCMC. But their expressions are blank, almost indifferent. Semi and Torch's grips on my arms tighten as I struggle harder.

"Please," I beg, tears streaming down my face. "He was just trying to protect me!"

The cop closest to Hook glances up at me, his eyes cold. "Ma'am, this man is a known criminal. Step back and let us do our job."

I shake my head violently, my hair whipping around my face. "No, you don't understand! He's changed. He saved my life!"

Hook's eyes meet mine from where he's pinned to the asphalt. Despite the officer's knee digging into his back, his gaze is soft, reassuring. "It's okay, Bea," he calls out. "As long as you're safe, that's all that matters."

My heart constricts painfully in my chest. How can he be so calm when they're about to take him away? I scan the area again, desperately hoping to see Brick's towering figure appear around the corner. But the street remains empty save for us and the police.

"Hook!" I cry out as they haul him to his feet. "I won't let them do this to you. I'll find a way to fix this, I promise!"

He manages a small smile as they lead him toward the cruiser. "Don't worry about me, Bea. Just take care of yourself."

The car door opens with a foreboding creak. I watch, helpless, as they guide Hook's head down and into the backseat. The sound of the door slamming shut echoes through the night air like a gunshot.

As the cruiser's engine roars to life, I feel something inside me shatter. The fight drains from my body, and I slump in Semi and Torch's grasp.

I feel defeated, that is until I see Brick running up. He’s got a laptop in his hand.

“What is he doing?” I turn to ask Semi.

He smiles and shakes his head. “He’s being smarter than all of our dumb asses.”

“What?” I question but instead of waiting for Semi to answer I walk a little closer to Brick who is trying to reason with the police officer.

“I’m the one who called you. I sent you the first two interactions between these men and Lenox. You can see from both his face, her face and from the video that Lenox isn’t the aggressor. It’s self-defense. Just let me show you.”

I hold my breath as Brick shows them a bright as day surveillance tape equipped with audio of Lance threatening to kill me and Hook.

There’s no denying it.

The officers huddle around Brick's laptop, their faces illuminated by the screen's glow. I watch anxiously, my heart pounding in my chest as they review the footage. Surely, they'll see the truth now. Surely, they'll let Hook go.

But to my dismay, the lead officer shakes his head and closes the laptop. "I appreciate you bringing this to our attention," he says to Brick, his voice firm but not unkind. "However, we still need to take him in for questioning. This doesn't change the fact that he has a prior record."

"No," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the rumble of the engine as the cruiser pulls away. "This can't be happening."

Semi places a comforting hand on my shoulder, but I shrug it off, too numb to accept the gesture. I watch the taillights disappear around the corner, taking Hook with them.

As the other officers begin to disperse, I notice one man lingering behind. He's older than the others, with salt-and-pepper hair and a weathered face that speaks of years on the force. He approaches Brick, his keen eyes taking in the BCMC members gathered around.

"Detective Reeves," he introduces himself, extending a hand to Brick. "I'd like to discuss this situation further if you don't mind."

For the next hour, we stand in the tow yard, the detective peppering Brick with questions about the video, about Hook's involvement with the club, about the events leading up to tonight. I listen intently, hanging onto every word, praying that somehow this will make a difference.

As the night wears on, the street grows quiet. The neon signs of nearby businesses flicker and dim, and a cool breeze carries the scent of rain. I wrap my arms around myself, shivering not just from the cold but from the fear of what might happen to Hook.

Finally, Detective Reeves nods, closing his notebook. "I'll see what I can do," he says, his tone noncommittal but not unkind. "No promises, but I'll review everything and speak with the arresting officers."

As he walks away, I feel a glimmer of hope, fragile as a soap bubble. I turn to Brick, my eyes pleading. "Do you think...?" I can't even finish the sentence.

Brick's expression is guarded, but I see a flicker of optimism in his eyes. "We've done all we can for now. Let's head back to the clubhouse and wait."

I don’t get even a wink of sleep though everyone tells me I need to. I don’t care if I’m hurting. Hook is hurting worse and he’s all alone.

Just as the sun begins to rise again I hear the sound of a car pulling up. I whip my head around to look at the survelliance camera. Before I can process what I’m seeing all the guys are on their feet roaring with happiness.

“Yes! That’s what I’m talking about Hook!”

It’s the detective’s car. I watch in slow motion as Hook slowly gets out the car. No handcuffs. Nothing.

He’s home.

He’s back.

I don’t wait for anyone else. I run with all the energy I have left inside of me out of the clubhouse house, through the courtyard and straight toward Hook.

“Miss me already?”

I throw myself into Hook's arms, nearly knocking him off balance. He catches me, his strong arms wrapping around me tightly. I bury my face in his chest, inhaling his familiar scent mixed with the sterile smell of the police station.

"You have no idea," I mumble into his shirt, my voice muffled by the fabric. I pull back just enough to look up at him, drinking in the sight of his face. There are dark circles under his eyes and his face is bruised up , but he's here. He's real. He's free.

Hook's lips curve into a tired smile as he brushes a strand of hair from my face. "I'm sorry I worried you, Bea," he says softly. His eyes flick to the group of BCMC members now gathered around us, and his smile widens. "Thanks for having my back, guys."

Brick steps forward, clapping Hook on the shoulder. "Always, brother. But let's get you inside. You look like you could use a drink and about twelve hours of sleep."

As we make our way back to the clubhouse, I keep my arm wrapped firmly around Hook's waist, afraid that if I let go, he might disappear again. The guys crowd around us, peppering Hook with questions about what happened at the station.

"Detective Reeves really came through," Hook explains as we settle into the main room. Someone presses a cold beer into his hand, and he takes a long swig before continuing. "He reviewed the footage and spoke to the DA. They're not pressing charges, but..."

He trails off, his expression growing serious. I feel my heart rate pick up, sensing there's more to the story. "But what?" I prompt gently.

Hook sighs, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "They want me to testify against Lance."

Semi is the first to break the silence. "So what are you gonna do, man?"

I squeeze his hand, trying to convey all the support and love I feel for him in that simple gesture. "Whatever you decide," I say firmly, "we'll face it together."

“Looks like you really did trade one convict in for another. Nothing is ever going to take me away from you Bea.”

“I know. Lock me up and throw away the key.” I joke with him but he leans in and nuzzles my ear.

“I’m going to hold you to it, sweetheart.”