Next to him Taylor jerked slightly at his words. He hadn’t told her what Wyatt had said, but it was true. If at any time Roman thought Taylor needed legal representation, he was supposed to call Wyatt’s guy in case she didn’t have an attorney of her own. And Roman doubted she could call the law firm who represented Powers Group because of the conflict of interest.
The detective’s jaw tightened, but he simply nodded. “I’m aware of the situation.” His expression softened a fraction as he turned back to Taylor. “We’ve reviewed the statement you made with the Vegas PD and we’re sorry for your ordeal. Do you need medical attention before we head to the station?”
Taylor shook her head. “No, I’m okay. I just want to take care of all this now.”
As soon as she’d spoken, one of the men in suits came forward, a broad-shouldered, stocky Hispanic man, his laser-like focus on Taylor.
Roman instantly tensed, taking a small step forward out of instinct even though it was clear the police knew who these men were or they wouldn’t have been allowed on the tarmac.
“As agreed, she’ll be riding there under our protection,” the Hispanic man spoke as he nodded at Taylor.
Must be Benjamin Escobar. Wyatt had told Roman the man would be here.
The detective nodded and Roman could tell he wasn’t a fan of the situation. But he guessed Durnin’s higher-ups wanted this situation handled with kid gloves. A young, innocent woman had been shot then forced to go on the run because she’d been terrified the man who’d killed her boss would come after her—after the police had missed key evidence in the elevator.
“We’ll be right behind you,” the detective said before nodding at the two men in uniform and heading for the idling Explorer.
“I’m sorry about Hugh, Taylor,” Escobar said as he motioned toward one of the SUVs. He sounded sincere, but the man was hard to read. If Roman had to guess, however, the guy had definite military training. It was in his bearing and vigilant posture. “The police are going to catch that fucker Neal.”
“Thanks, Benjamin. I heard that you told the police I wasn’t involved even before I came forward.”
The man lifted his shoulders. “I knew you didn’t do it. You loved him too much.”
To Roman’s surprise, Taylor started crying. Tears streamed down her cheeks and Escobar stared at her in horror, as if the sight of her tears was too much to handle. Roman understood the feeling.
“Sorry, just nice that someone actually believed me,” she murmured, her voice watery as she leaned into Roman’s outstretched arm.
Escobar didn’t respond, just cleared his throat and looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the display of emotion.
Roman tugged her close, needing to comfort her as they reached one of the SUVs. The passenger door opened and when a blond man got out, Taylor immediately froze.
All of Roman’s senses went on alert. Without thinking, he stepped in front of her and went to reach for a weapon that wasn’t there. Because he traveled so much with Wyatt, he and all security personnel who worked for the billionaire were able to carry in multiple states. But this wasn’t an official work thing so he’d kept his weapon packed and unloaded. Unarmed or not, he’d take this guy down if he posed a threat to Taylor.
Escobar let out a short sigh. “Taylor, I know your concerns with Simpson and they’re unfounded. He was at the—”
“Taylor, I’m not working for or with Neal,” the man said heatedly, but not with anger. Just concern. “I was at the police station yesterday waiting for my girlfriend to get off work. She’s a dispatcher. We live together and her car is in the shop. I just didn’t want her to have to catch a ride home.” The guy had blond hair, but it wasn’t the man who’d shot at Roman outside Vadim’s house. Even though most of the guy’s face had been obscured, he had a slightly smaller build and his voice was different. Didn’t mean Roman was completely removing the guy from his radar.
“He’s telling the truth, Taylor. He was with me most of yesterday at the office.” It seemed as if Escobar wanted to say more, maybe really defend the guy, but didn’t.
Taylor sidestepped Roman, but still hovered a little behind him. “Okay,” she said, not much conviction in her voice.
They didn’t have time for this and Roman didn’t want Taylor around a man who clearly made her uncomfortable. “We need to get to the station and she’s not riding with him.” Roman knew he was being rude, but didn’t care.
Seemingly unsurprised, Escobar nodded. “No problem. We’ll take the other SUV.”