“No.” I shake my head. “It’s not your fault, we’ve been over this. The only people responsible for this are the ones who committed the crime.”

He stands and walks to the kitchen window, staring out into the night. “You’re right, Livy, and he will pay for what he did to you.”

The cold conviction in his tone makes me nervous. Getting up, I move next to him and put my hand on his shoulder. “Yes, he will, but by the law not by anything or anyone else.”

He looks down at me; his hard expression easing just before he gives me a nod, but it’s not enough to settle my nerves. “Promise me, Pap.”

“I promise.”

A breath of relief escapes me at his confirmation. I know he would never break a promise to me. He pulls me in his arms, hugging me tight, almost as if he needs to hold me. My arms wrap around his waist and my head on his chest. “Everything will be all right. We just need to stick together and we’ll get through this.”

His arms squeeze me tighter. “Damn right they will because we’re Bradshaws, and everybody ’round here knows we don’t go down without a fight.” I giggle against him. Pap has always been somewhat of a badass. Or at least he thinks he is. But I know what a teddy bear he is on the inside. “I love you, Livy,” he says a little softer, melting my heart.

“I love you, too.”

CHAPTER 13

Grayson

The last twenty-four hours have been nothing short of hell. Well, except for that little taste of heaven I found on those perfect, sweet lips. For that brief moment Liv washed away all of the anger and hostility I had brewing inside. After the lineup I needed it more than ever. We both did. I needed to reassure her that no matter what happens next I’m here for her.

Seeing her like that, so vulnerable and scared, it fucking undid me. Never in my life have I felt so helpless. I just wanted to take it all away for her. The fear. The anxiety.

The nightmares.

She’d awakened a part of me that only sought to protect her. And that was something I would do at any cost.

When I arrive at the station I head straight for my desk, stopping short when I hear Larson’s voice coming from Dixon’s office. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but I can tell by the heated tone of their voices something is up.

All conversation ceases when I step inside. Dixon looks downright livid. Henderson doesn’t look any better and Larson is attempting to shoot me a threatening glare, but the fucker should know by now he doesn’t intimidate me.

I’ll wipe the floor with his sorry ass.

I have no idea what Liv ever saw in the douche bag.

“What’s goin’ on?” I ask, pulling my eyes back to Dixon.

Judging by his angry expression I have a feeling I’m not going to like it. “They’re offering West a deal,” he says.

His words punch me straight in the gut. “What do you mean they’re offering him a deal?”

Henderson pipes up. “In exchange for a guilty plea and the names of the other men involved, he’ll serve fifteen years instead of life without parole.”

“Fifteen fucking years, that’s it? He raped her and left her for dead, and in fifteen years he will be back on the streets?”

“We want those other men, Taylor. This is the only way we can prosecute everyone involved.”

“I’ll find them. I’ll catch them. You don’t need to make any deals.”

“Well, I don’t think that’s going to be possible,” Henderson says, with a quick glance to Dixon. That’s when I notice the other occupant in the room.

“Grayson, this is Agent Luke Spencer with Internal Affairs,” Dixon says.

The agent extends his hand, but I ignore his polite gesture. I’m so pissed right now I would probably break it if I squeezed it. “I know who you are. You investigated Prichard’s case.”

“That’s right,” he says, his hand retreating to lift the file sitting on the edge of Dixon’s desk. “Why don’t you have a seat, Mr. Taylor.”

Uncertainty knots in my stomach like a twisted vine of dread. “I think I’ll stand.” There’s too much adrenaline pumping through my veins to sit. “Tell me what’s going on.”

Agent Spencer closes the door then walks back around to face me, the file still gripped firmly in his hand. I look to Dixon for answers but his face says it all.

This is not good.

“You’re being relieved of duty, Deputy, pending an investigation.”

I rear back in complete shock. “Relieved of duty? On what grounds?”

“Because you’re a fucking hothead,” Larson mumbles.

I tense, pinning him with an angry glare. “That’s your only one, Larson. Keep your fucking mouth shut, or next time I’ll be shutting it for you.”

Agent Spencer clears his throat, pulling my attention back to him. “You’re being relieved for use of excessive force while apprehending Reginald West.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Afraid not. We take these matters very seriously.”

“Did you not read my report? The guy resisted arrest and not only assaulted me first but also assaulted another officer with a fucking bat.”

“I understand that, which is why this is not being taken lightly and we need to investigate further. Considering the circumstances involving the previous allegations against Officer Prichard, and your close involvement with Miss Bradshaw, we feel it’s best for you to be relieved of duty until we can conclude our investigation.”

I can’t fucking believe this. Looking at Dixon for backup, I can tell this isn’t something he’s pleased with either. “It’s out of my hands, son. I’ve tried everything, but I have no choice.”

“This is bullshit,” I tell Spencer.

“Hostility will get you nowhere.”

“Hostile? You think I’m hostile? That bastard brutally raped and attempted to kill a woman I care about, and you think I’m hostile?” I drag my fingers frantically through my hair, anger consuming the rational part of me. With Reggie being offered a deal and now this, my control is nonexistent.

Larson mumbles something else behind me, but I can’t make out the words. The blood pounding in my ears makes it impossible. Without a second thought I spin in place and shove him against the closed door. I want to wrap my fingers around his skinny neck, but somehow I refrain. “I warned you, asshole, shut your fucking mouth.”

He grits his teeth, lifting his chin. “You have no one to blame for any of this but yourself, Taylor. You should know the rules by now.” He taunts, clearly enjoying the position I’m in. “Guess you’re not as honorable as your ol’ man, like everyone likes to think.”

My restraint cracks, and I lunge forward. “You son of a bitch!”

A pair of hands pull me back just before I can reach the bastard. “Easy, Deputy Taylor,” Spencer warns.

I point at Larson, fury surging through my veins. “How dare you bring my dad into this, you piece of shit.”

“He’s right.” Dixon stands, coming to my defense. “You’re out of line, Larson. Out of my office now.”

Henderson stands as well, not looking too pleased with the asshole himself. “Let’s go.”

With a final glare in my direction, Larson storms out after him. My breathing is harsh and unforgiving.

“Let’s get back to the matter at hand,” Agent Spencer says, releasing me. “I’m sorry to have to do this, Deputy Taylor, but as of today you are relieved of duty with pay until further notice. I need to collect your badge and your weapon now, please.”

Silence descends in the room like a cloud of black smoke. “I can’t believe this,” I mumble. I can’t believe I’m about to lose the one thing that matters most to me. “For how long?” I ask.

“Until the review board says otherwise. We have to handle this delicately after what happened with Deputy Prichard.”

“This isn’t even the same fucking thing. Why am I being compared to him?”

“I’m sorry,” he says with sincere regret.