“Statement for what?” I blurt, forcing another breath into my lungs. Beau and Nix both discussed with me the possibility of going to the police last week. But I said no.

Apparently, he didn’t agree.

“To press charges against your ex.”

“I-I…” My voice of caution whispers softly not to react, but it doesn’t break through my body’s need to retreat. I shake my head from side to side. “I’m not interested. I told Beau I didn’t want to press charges.” I go to step around him, but he stops my escape.

“I understand your apprehension with talking to me, Mackenzie, but I’m on your side.” I nearly scoff at him. My side? The man works in the same sheriff’s department as men who have ties to the Mayor, why would I want to talk to him?

“There are no sides for me, Detective Carter. I’m sorry you wasted your time coming here, but I have nothing to say.” I try to keep my breathing steady as I attempt to stay calm.

Cops are a no go. I found out the hard way last time.

“He put his hands on you. You should make a statement.” I stop the eye roll from forming, but can’t help the scoff this time.

“Like that’s helped in the past.” I casually take another step back. If he’s not going to let me out of the kitchen, I at least want to put some distance between us.

“I know you had a hard run, Mackenzie. I’m not excusing anyone in our department, but not all cops are crooked.” I hold his stare for a beat, and try not to read too much into his conviction. I know he personally didn’t mess me around, but the department he works in did.

“Yeah,” is all I manage to say, wishing I could be anywhere but here. The last thing I want to do today is reminisce about the time I reached out to the police for help and it was brushed under the rug.

“So, Chad hasn’t tried to contact you since you’ve been back?” Detective Carter presses on.

“No. And I’d like to keep it that way.” I take another step back, this time less casually. His eyes follow my retreat, picking up on my unease.

“No one knows I’m here.”

“And it will stay that way. As far as we’re concerned, you being here is a on a need to know basis.”

“Yeah, and what about the Mayor?” Anyone in the Mayor’s pockets can easily tell him I’m here.

“The Mayor is more concerned with trying to find his son. Seems he’s gone underground. No doubt in hiding after what he did to you.”

My heart twists as a white light almost blinds me.

“Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you?” His jaw ticks and his eyes flash with something I’ve never seen before. It’s almost crazed. Feral.

“You okay, Mackenzie? You look pale.” Jackson’s voice chases the memory away.

“Of course.” I hold his stare. In any other circumstance, I would have pulled off my lie with a smile and a quick change of the subject, but not today. Today, I tug at my shirt, and wonder if he can see right through me. With each tug, my unease grows, and I can practically see his mind racing with unasked questions.

“Is Beau around?” He doesn’t push my reaction. Instead, he pulls a chair back and takes a seat at the table, his large frame looking just as uncomfortable as I am.

“He had a callout last night. He just got back in. I think he’s in the shower.”

I force my mind to not picture Beau in the shower. Naked. Wet. His hair dripping.

Shit, it’s not working.

“I’ll just wait around for him if you don’t mind.” His eyes don’t leave mine and I force myself not to show any reaction.

“Of course, can I offer you a drink, coffee?”

He nods, giving me my answer. I move to the coffee pot and pour him a fresh cup, refilling my own too.

“Looks like you’ve settled in.” He attempts to make conversation when I hand him his coffee.

“The club has been very accommodating,” I reply, not wanting to be rude. “Cream, sugar?”

“I’m good.” He winks, bringing the mug up to his mouth.

“What the fuck you doing here, asshole?” I jump back at Jesse’s booming voice as he enters the kitchen.

“Hello to you too, brother.” Detective Carter doesn’t take his eyes off me as he greets Jesse.

“You’re brothers?” I look between the two men, taking in both of them. Where the detective has dark hair and green eyes, Jesse has blond hair and blue eyes. If I stare long enough, I might be able to see the resemblance.

A little.

“Unfortunately,” Detective Carter answers first.

“I’m the better looking one,” Jesse replies, flipping his brother off while taking himself to the coffee pot.

“You think you are.” Detective Carter takes another sip of his coffee.

“Nope, I know I am.” They keep going back and forth until Jesse stops the banter with his own question.

“What the fuck happened here?” l turn and watch him pick up the pan holding my failed omelet.

“Umm, that would be mine.” I try not to react when his horror-filled eyes come to mine.

“Jesus, Mackenzie. Beau wasn’t lying when he said you can’t make eggs.” He empties the messed-up omelet into the trash and wipes out the pan. “I think I need to step in.”

“What? It’s not too bad.”

He turns, and cocks his brow. “Woman, I wouldn’t feed my dog this.” I’m not offended by his comments. In the last week, I’ve come to learn Jesse just says it how it is. All the time.