Chapter 3

Lilian brushed the blood from her lip and shouted about injustice.

"That's a lie!" Alora snapped back, trying to look like the victim.

"I had this medieval chalice reserved way before. I was just being nice, letting them have a look. Next thing I know, they're claiming it's theirs. They even pretended to be my husband's wife, saying they're from the Stewart family in Riverton City."

The tall cop surveyed the mess from the scuffle and pointed straight at us, no questions asked.

"Out here in the open, in Riverton City, trying to snatch Ms. Alora's medieval chalice and causing a scene–it's obviously your fault!

"Who in Riverton City doesn't know the Collins family? You messed with the wife of Mr. Collins, and that's like a slap to the Collins family's face!"

The other cop, shorter in stature, was already whipping out handcuffs, ready to slap them on.

"Tonight, you're going to jail to learn your lesson!

"And lest you forget: for the ruckus you caused, plus Ms. Alora's medical bills and the trauma you caused her, you're footing the bill.

"Now, kneel and apologize to Ms. Alora! Maybe then we can talk about lightening your sentence!"

"What are you saying?" I laughed, but it was a laugh filled with fury. "She's the one who tried to steal and then started a fight in public, and you're misusing your authority?

"When did the Riverton City cops start doing the dirty work for crooks?!"

The short cop's face twisted in anger, and his stun baton crackled ominously.

"You're asking for it!

"Ms. Alora was nice enough to show you the medieval chalice, and this is how you thank her? By attacking people? Seriously, you guys have no appreciation for kindness!"

Lilian stepped in front of me, putting herself between me and danger, and let out a mocking laugh: "Let's see if your backward sense of justice is stronger than the actual law."

"This is outrageous!" The towering cop whipped out a pair of handcuffs and lunged at me. "You're about to find out what happens in Riverton City to those who cross the Collins family!"

I dodged to the side, and he went ballistic, yanking out a stun baton and thrusting it at my stomach. "Ingrate!"

The shock zapped through me, and I let out a muffled groan, dropping to my knees, my teeth chattering from the pain.

"Nancy!" Lilian was by my side in a heartbeat, holding me up, then turned to glare at the cop. "You think you can just attack Ms. Yates?!"

"The Yates family?" The cop sneered and pulled out his stun baton again, "Here in Riverton City, the Collins rule the skies!" He pressed the stun baton hard against Lilian's shoulder.

"Ugh..." Lilian shook with pain but kept a firm grip on my hand. "You're nothing but pawns of the Collins family... And you'll regret this..."

"Regret?" The cop tilted Lilian's chin up with his baton. "Save your talk of regret for the prison guards once you're behind bars!"

He turned to Alora with a sycophantic smile. "Mrs. Collins, shall we send them off now? I can promise to pair them with the meanest cellmates for a little 'education'..."

Alora, casually playing with the medieval chalice, leaned back triumphantly with her legs crossed.

"Take your time. Let's give them a little reminder of who runs this place first," she said with a smirk.

The cops did not need to be told twice. They grabbed me and Lilian, their hands flying at our faces like they were swatting flies.

"That'll teach you to talk back!"

The taller cop turned to Alora, his face all sweet and slimy.

"Mrs. Collins, I heard your little boy's first birthday is coming up. Where's the party at? My partner and I will make sure to bring a gift he'll never forget."

The shorter one was quick to suck up, too. "Mrs. Collins, you'll see, the present we've got will be a hit with the kiddo.

"And who knows, maybe Mr. Collins will put in a good word for us with the big shots, help us climb the ladder a bit."

Alora twirled a strand of her hair and giggled. "Everything's being taken care of. I'll be sure to mention you to my husband."

Eric has a kid?

That bombshell left me reeling.