Page 27 of Rascal

I frowned. “Keep digging. Don’t leave anything unturned.”

“Will do.”

I leaned back in my chair and sent Chance a text. It was the coward’s way out, but that was fine by me.

Chapter Six.

Hallie

King had just left to fetch a new cell charger as he’d broken his when the hotel door opened. I was lying on the bed on my front, as my back was too painful to sit up.

“What did you forget?” I called over my shoulder.

“Nothing,” a voice growled out, and I was yanked off the bed and slammed against a wall. I yelped in sheer agony as the action was repeated. An angry, snarling face was shoved into mine as I gasped for breath through the pain rolling through me.

“Listen up, cunt, this is your only warning. Stay the fuck away from Rascal, or you’ll disappear for good. Pack your shit and get the hell out of our town,” the guy continued. I recognised him. Bear, VP of Hellfire MC.

“Go screw yourself,” I hissed. The hand around my throat tightened, and I was slammed against the wall again.

“You don’t strike me as dumb. Not with the games you’re playing. Now, I know you’re clever. You wouldn’t keep getting away with shit if you weren’t. Heed our warning. If you don’t, you and buddy boy will disappear for good. We’ll bury you, and they’ll never find your body,” Bear snarled.

“You’ll pay for this.”

“You really aren’t grasping this.” Bear’s grip tightened further, and I scrabbled at my throat as he began cutting off my airflow. My head snapped back, and I hit the wall and saw stars. Bear let me go, and I collapsed to the ground. His face pushed into mine.

“Last warning,” he growled and turned around.

I glanced up through teary eyes, seeing several men. I took note of each one. They’d pay.

Noticing Hawthorne approaching my room, I yelled. “I’m not talking to him; he’s with them. I want a cop who isn’t related to Hellfire MC. No doubt that asshole’s here to cover for them.”

King stood by me and hulked out. His gaze was deadly as he focused on Emilio Hawthorne. “Get the fuck out,” King rumbled.

“I’m here to investigate—”

“You’re here to cover up for Hellfire MC. That ain’t happening. I’ve called the State Attorney General. He’s sending some people over,” Harry stated.

“Look, I’ve had a call about an assault…” Hawthorne said, worry on his face.

“Yeah, and you’ve come to threaten me as they did. Don’t bother. I had the entire thing on film, and Harry’s made lots of copies. You won’t be able to lose this evidence,” King snarled.

“Six men to threaten one woman is criminal. No doubt the Attorney General will agree.”

“Look, let me take your statement,” Hawthorne stated, alarmed.

“Detective Emilio Hawthorne?” a man asked.

“Yes?”

“Lieutenant Jonas Richards, Internal Affairs. I’d like you to accompany me to your station, please,” he replied.

Hawthorne looked shocked. “What?”

“We’ve received some very serious complaints against you. You need to accompany me back to the station,” Lieutenant Richards stated.

Slowly, Hawthorne turned and began walking off. Lieutenant Richards faced me. “Miss Milton, we are incredibly sorry for your injuries. I understand someone is on their way to interview you. I will ensure that Detective Hawthorne understands he’s to stay away from you.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant Richards,” I replied.