Time to Play(55)

Malcolm picked up his phone dismissing them. They left his office, and the officer left reluctantly. Daniel handed the officer the file he’d taken from the desk. “I think this will contain everything you need to get the warrant for his arrest.”

“I doubt it will work. He’s probably sorting out a good lawyer,” the officer said. Callum couldn’t argue with the man. Malcolm was a powerful man, but he shouldn’t get away with what he’d done. The office left them to get into his car.

Daniel was running a hand down his face while Callum and Cole were trying to gain their composure.

“I’ve never known him to be like this. He must really hate you two.”

“There was a singer a couple of years back. We took her for the night, and since then, your father won’t let anything go. I think he had a thing for the woman.”

“What was her name?” Daniel asked.

Callum shook his head along with Cole. “Don’t remember. Names were not part of the get to know equation.”

“Simone is not the girl you toss aside,” Daniel said.

“We know.”

“I mean it. If you break her heart I will find a way to end you.”

Callum stared at her big brother knowing he’d do anything for Simone. Callum felt relieved knowing there was someone else out there who cared about her very deeply.

“Sorry to interrupt you gentlemen. You’re needed at the station to give a statement,” the police officer said.

“I’ve just got to collect Simone.”

“The lady who was here earlier?”

All three nodded.

“She has already been taken down to the station. She’ll be finished soon or be done by the time we get there.”

They followed the officer out of the building.





Chapter Eighteen





Simone sat in the waiting room. She’d given her statement, and the woman in charge had told her they’d do everything they could to keep John away from her. Whatever they did wouldn’t change the fact her apartment was ruined. How could she go back there knowing people had watched her? Every little thing she did would make her wonder. Shaking her head, she waited for her brother, Cole, and Callum to finish giving their statements.

She’d been ordered to wait for them. The look Cole and Callum had given her meant she kept her butt firmly placed in the seat.

A male officer handed her a cup of coffee while she waited. The coffee tasted acrid, but she smiled and continued to sip away at the liquid.

What was she going to do with her life now? She had no job, no boyfriend, and her reputation from being with Callum was probably ruined.

“Hey, princess,” Daniel said, taking the seat beside her.

“Wow, that didn’t take long.” She handed her brother the cup. Simone contained the chuckle when he winced from the taste.

“Awful. You did that on purpose.”

“Consider that payback for giving me chocolate liqueurs at Christmas.”

“Simone, you were ten, and it was funny to watch your face scrunch up.”

She chuckled at the memory. “You didn’t take long.”

“I was only in there to confirm his identity and to explain the other allegations from before. My work here is done.”

Simone sipped her drink, staring at the doors where both men were behind.

“They’re good men, Simone. A little weird with the whole sharing thing they’ve got going on but good men.” His voice sounded strained.

“Is that your way of giving your consent?”

He let out a sigh leaning forward, resting his hands on his knees. “I don’t like the thought of you with them. I think you deserve the marriage with the white picket fence and lots of kids.”

“But?”

“But I’ve seen the way they look at you. It might not be love, but they do care, Simone. Maybe what you need is caring to start off with, and love will come to them.”

“I can’t believe you’re giving me advice on how to lead my life.”

“I know,” Daniel said, laughing.

“You can’t let what happened between Mom and Dad affect you.”

“I don’t know if I can trust myself. I never want to be like them. Waiting at the door for them to come home smelling of another woman’s perfume.”

Her memories were too vivid and painful to let go.

“Not all men are like that.”

“Why haven’t you found a wife?”

“Because I haven’t been looking.” He tapped her knee as the two doors opened. “Let yourself love, Simone. Don’t wake up in years to come alone and wishing you’d taken that leap of faith.”

She nodded her head. “I’ll try.”

“Call me if you need me.”