“And can you supply us with a description of the suspect?”
“I already supplied it to that guy over there,” Finn said, pointing.
“So, why are you still here?”
“Because I wanted to make sure Ms. Pritchard was okay,” Finn replied. “She was shaken after the attack.”
“She looks fine now.”
Finn rolled his eyes, turning so he could get a better look at the melted plastic display. “This looks acidic.”
“Are you a chemist now? I thought you Hardys were more about guns and flouting law enforcement. Now you know about acid?”
“I was in the Navy,” Finn replied, chafing at the police officer’s open disdain. “I’ve seen my share of acid. We used it on naval carriers from time to time. And, if you knew who I was, why did you ask me to identify myself?”
The cop ignored the question. “Well … bully for you.”
Finn glowered at the officer for a moment, standing toe-to-toe with him before finally fixing his gaze on Emma. “Are you okay?”
“I’m great,” Emma said, her voice cold. “Can’t you tell? I’m Lance Pritchard’s daughter. That means I’ve earned everything that’s coming to me – even this.”
“No one said that, ma’am,” the officer replied. “We just have to be open to all avenues of investigation here.”
Finn reached over, grabbing Emma’s arm and tugging her toward him. “Well, why don’t you do your investigating then,” he said. “I think you’ve done just about enough here.”
The officer shot Finn a disdainful glare but left, handing Emma a business card before going. “I’ll be in touch.”
Emma forced a small smile onto her face. “Thank you.”
Once he was gone, Finn looked her up and down. She was still wearing her bikini. And, since the room was now empty, the temperature had dropped a good twenty degrees. “I don’t suppose you know where your clothes are?”
Emma waved to the table at the back of the booth. “They’re in a bag over there.”
Finn retrieved the duffel, handing it to her wordlessly. Emma pulled a pair of jeans and a T-shirt out of the bag, dressing quickly. She tugged on a pair of tennis shoes – not bothering with socks – and then turned to him. “Thank you for staying. It really wasn’t necessary.”
“Well, it’s not necessary to walk you out to your car either, but I’m going to do that, too.”
Emma opened her mouth to argue, shutting it when Finn shook his head. “That’s non-negotiable. Let’s go.”
After spending the day locked in the stifling heat, it was a relief to breathe in the fresh, night air. It was cold – bordering on frigid – but it was Emma’s coldness that was worrying Finn.
“You know, that cop was just doing his job.”
“I know all about cops doing their jobs,” Emma said. “I’m used to it.”
“I’m betting you were questioned quite a bit when your dad was arrested,” Finn said. “That had to be rough.”
“Finding out your dad has been molesting little boys? Yeah, it’s rough. He got what he deserved, though. If you think I’m one of those people who doesn’t believe in the guilt of a loved one, you’re wrong. I believed it from the beginning.”
Finn tried to meet her gaze, but she averted her eyes. “It must have been hard on you. When things like this happen, people can’t help but blame the family.”
“I know all about that, too,” Emma said, her voice bitter.
Finn felt an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch her, offer her some form of solace. He had nothing to offer her. Actually, that wasn’t quite true.
“You know, this is exactly the type of thing my brothers and I could help you with,” he said. “We could open an investigation.”
Emma finally raised her chocolate eyes. “Why would you do that?”
“Because you look like you need some help,” Finn replied honestly. “And, despite how much you seem to despise me, I want to help.”
“What makes you think I need your help?”
“You were attacked by a guy carrying a vial of acid,” Finn said. “If that’s not a plea for help, I don’t know what is.”
“And what do you want in return?”
Finn tamped down his irritation. “I don’t know, how about a thank you?”
Emma’s eyes filled with unshed tears. “Thank you.”
Finn exhaled deeply.
“I can’t accept your help,” she continued. “Thank you for offering. Thank you for trying to help with the cop. Thank you for walking me to my car. I can handle this on my own.”