Runaway Bride. Barbara Hannay

annoying, self-righteous confidence. ‘I’d like you both to step out of the car. This is a stolen vehicle.’

      ‘Stolen?’ Bella cried. ‘That’s impossible. It’s a hire car.’

      She felt Damon’s hand close over hers, squeezing her fingers gently but firmly. ‘Just do what he says,’ he murmured softly. ‘I’m sure we can sort this out.’

      The policeman nodded. ‘You’ll have to come back to the station with me.’

      Bella choked on a gasp. This couldn’t be happening. It was a nightmare. She couldn’t breathe.

      But she was also as angry as she was scared. She hated the policeman’s tone. Chin high, she challenged him. ‘Can’t we just follow you?’

      ‘No, Miss Shaw. I’ll arrange a tow truck for this car.’

      ‘Surely you’re not arresting us?’ asked Damon.

      The young policemen almost smiled. ‘If you like, I can arrest you right here on suspicion, or you can come to the station to answer some questions.’

      No! This couldn’t be happening!

      Horrified, Bella turned to Damon. His lovely grey eyes were dark with sympathy and a deeper, unreadable emotion. She expected him to say something, to do something, to become the risk-taking hero she knew he could be. But he simply gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head and then an equally faint shrug.

      To her dismay, she knew exactly what he was telling her.

      We have no choice. Come on. Let’s co-operate.