THE DETECTIVE

71

The instant he left the room, closing the door behind him, Vanessa turned to Alaric. “Why didn’t you tell me there was a possibility I could face charges?”

He shrugged. “If I had, would you have come?"

She didn’t even have to think. “Of course not.”

“That’s why. I figured you’d have a much better chance if you came to them, with me vouching for you, than if they’d come out and arrested you.”

“You have a point,” she said slowly. “And while I understand their reasoning, don’t they have to have some sort of proof that I did something wrong?”

Alaric lifted one shoulder. “Don’t panic, okay? Let’s just wait and see what Bobby comes back with.”

A moment later, the door swung open and Bobby Brown returned. Vanessa's heart sank at the serious expression on the other man’s face. This couldn’t be good.

“We’re willing to consider your request,” Bobby said carefully.

Alaric snorted. “Come on. You know you don’t have enough to charge her. From what I understand, we've got a ton of valuable informat