Tangled with the Tight End (Evergreen Lake: Under the Mistletoe)

Chapter 40

forty

GAbrIEL

When I told Coach Slater I wouldn’t arrive until the next day, he was concerned but understood once I explained the situation. Norah flew down with me to Florida to provide moral support and to watch Gino while I met with my attorney and Martin Truman from Truman Security.

Because of the allegations of drugs for some of her encounters, my attorney called in the Chief of Police, who interviewed for three hours straight.

Then, he met with the other witnesses to different conversations Sloane had held about Gino’s conception. Finn and his new girlfriend, Dakota, were informative regarding the other men she slept with, specifically those she drugged.

It’s now six hours after we arrived, and a police officer is on his way to pick up Sloane for questioning. It might not turn into anything, but it’ll be another nail to hammer into her coffin when I speak with the press.

I step into the hallway and call Norah.

“Hello?” Her voice is soft and reassuring, and once again, I thank God or my lucky stars or whatever I need to thank for having her in my corner.

“Hey, baby, how’s it going?”

“Good. Gino and I played at the pool for several hours, ate lunch, and now, he’s taking a nap on the sofa. He’s been great as always, so don’t worry about us.”

Knowing that she’s taking care of my son reduces some of the day’s stress. Not that I was worried about her. Gino loves her and is always on his best behavior when she’s around. I lean my back against the white brick wall as an officer escorts a handcuffed man in cutoff shorts and no shirt past me.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She pauses for a second. “How has today gone?”

“Long,” I sigh as the minutes tick. “Baron called in the police to hear the story, and they’re bringing her in for questioning. They told me I could leave if I wanted, but I wanted to see her at the station. The fraud charge might not land, but I want her to know I’m calling her out and have no qualms about doing so. She’s not holding anything over my head.”

“Once I see her, I’m headed to the hotel.” I even filed a report back in Evergreen Lake for trespassing and voyeurism for breaking into my suite. If I could’ve convinced them she was planning a crime, I would’ve gone for robbery. I’m not playing any more games with her.

“I missed you today.”

“Did you?” My voice lowers as a smile curves up my cheeks.

“Yes, I did. I need to remember to thank Marco and Clarissa for jumping in so soon and watching the shops so I could be with you.”

“You deserve a mini vacation, and I can’t wait to introduce you to the team back in KC. Thank you for agreeing to spend these extra few days with me.” The thought of leaving her abruptly had me in knots. And when she agreed to come to Florida with me and return to KC until after the game, I couldn’t have been happier.

Three more years of this? I pull away from the wall. After the divorce hearing, I’m asking my agent for a one-year deal. I want that last bit of security for our future, but after that, I’m good. I want to retire and spend time with my family.

The door opens, and Sloane stomps into the hallway. Her eyes dart angrily around the space. The officer with her, places a hand in the middle of her back and enters the room.

“I’ve got to go, babe, she’s here.”

“Be safe. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I shove the phone into my back pocket as Truman saunters toward me in his tight black T-shirt that shows off his bulging muscles. He’s paired the outfit with matching BDUs and combat boots. It takes no imagination to see him leading a team of Navy SEALs in his past life. Now, he runs a security firm that can find dirt on anyone. He stops to stand beside me.

When she sees me, her eyes narrow into tiny slits. “You fucking bastard.” The officer follows directly behind her as she makes her way to us. “How dare you accuse me of forcing you to get me pregnant. There’s no proof.”

“I’m sorry, Ma’am.” Truman stands with his hands loose, and his knees bent as if he’s ready to strike. “But there’s plenty of evidence.” His jaw is tight. “More than enough evidence.”

“Who’re you?” Her eyes flash to him. Without makeup on, there are dark circles under her eyes. They’d caught up with her after she’d taken out her hair extensions, so her blonde tresses are limp and thin. Her clothes are sporty yoga pants and an oversized jersey. Her ex’s jersey. Not mine. Her other ex.

“I’m Martin Truman. I own Truman Security.”

“Whatever that means.” She dismisses him as irrelevant and returns her attention to me. “I’m going to sue you for defamation.”

“Try it.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I’d love to see you try it.”

“How’re you going to prove I tricked you into getting me pregnant? And why would the police even care?” The police officer grabs her upper arm. She glares at him and tugs on her arm as Truman hits play on his phone.

“What did you do?” Dakota’s voice is clear as it comes out through the speakers.

“The same thing as always. I got a whale drunk, convinced him I’d be happy to put on the condom….” Sloane laughs with a conniving tone. “With my mouth, of course. Those fools fall for that every time. And when I was on my knees, I switched the package to a tampered condom. And this time, one of those swimmers worked. Gabriel Romano is going to marry me or lose his pristine, good-boy reputation. I’m going to be Mrs. Romano, living in a beach house and spending money hand over fist.”

“Gabriel Romano?”

“Yes. I know it was him because I tested for ovulation that morning. And then I had the flu for five days and didn’t go out. Remember?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Did you use the Rohypnol?”

“No…. Not this time. I didn’t have any with me.” Sloane laughs again. “But I managed to hook me a whale without it.” Her voice trails off as Truman shuts off the device.

“That’s bullshit. Those charges won’t stick.” She lurches toward me with her fist raised, and Truman steps to the side as she breaks free from the officer’s grip. “Fucking asshole.” Her palm hits my face with a resounding smack as she hits me with her full weight, knocking me off balance.

Truman and the officer grab her from either side.

I grin as my last deed is complete. “Let’s add assault to the list. And you have charges in Colorado pending for breaking and entering, trespassing, and–”

“Fuck you.” She thrashes against them as she attempts to get away.

“Ma’am.” The officer gives her a stern warning, which she blatantly ignores by elbowing him in the gut and stomping on his foot. The room erupts as officers come from all directions until she’s restrained and unable to move. “You’re under arrest for assaulting a law enforcement officer. You have the right to remain silent….” He hitches her upright and shoves her toward a holding cell.

I turn toward Truman. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He slings his arm around my shoulders. “All in a good day’s work. Let’s get out of here.”

“You’re on.”