Passion in Secret. Catherine Spencer

down to the station and making a statement. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

      The patrolman rolled his eyes wearily. “That’s what they all say.”

      “Maybe they all do, but in my case, Officer,” she told him, staring him down with as much dignity as she could drum up, considering one eye was swollen half-shut, “it happens to be the truth.”

      Jake touched his finger lightly to her cheek. “All it’ll take is a phone call to my lawyer to have things postponed until morning, Sally. You’ve been through enough for one night.”

      And she’d have done it all again if, at the end of it all, he looked at her as if she held his heart in her hands, and cushioned her next to him, prepared to defend her to the death, if need be. It made her wonder if she was hurt more than she realized, had even suffered minor brain damage, that she was so ready to forget the terrible price she’d paid for loving Jake in the past.

      Steeling herself not to weaken, she said, “I’d rather get it over with, if you don’t mind.”

      He shrugged. “Wait here, then, while I collect your coat, and we’ll be on our way.” He tipped a glance at the police officer. “Is it okay if I drive us in my own vehicle, or are you going to insist we get carted off in the paddy wagon?”