Sudden Cuffs

Sudden Cuffs
\-Blake-

I stepped into Director Quinn's office, his face screaming fury before I even crossed the threshold, door clicking shut behind me soft.

His eyes burned, ready to tear into me hard. Why so angry? The coincidence of his rage flaring right after my script warning felt too pointed, like someone whispered in his ear before I arrived.

"You better start explaining all that drama you played back there!" Quinn barked, anger spilling loud.

I paused deliberate, knowing I couldn't spill the truth about tapping Sofia's phone. That stayed buried deep.

"I'm very sorry, sir," I said gentle, holding his gaze steady, my calm a shield.

"Sorry? Do you think I called you here just to hear you're sorry? Explain now!" he demanded, voice rising sharp.

I needed a story fast, one believable without naming names. "Earlier this morning, sir, I was in the restroom when I heard two guys talking.

I couldn't see their faces, but they discussed changing a script for a live show," I explained, making the lie smooth, face earnest.

Quinn's eyes narrowed, stern look digging in. "Was a name mentioned?"

"No, sir, just script change and a live broadcast show, that's all I heard," I replied quick, keeping it vague.

His scoff came fast. "McAllister, I thought you were intelligent, but you just proved me wrong. What you did today was totally unacceptable.

I would have gotten you fired, but because I respect the man who sent you here to work, I'll let this slide.

Make sure you write an apology letter to the management and submit it before today ends!" His verdict landed firm, no room for argument.

I nodded calm, agreement clear. "Thank you, sir, I will do as you said," I said, mixing sorry with a touch of excitement, masking my relief.

Stepped out his office quick, my eyes landing instant on Matilda at her desk, head down working.

She looked up sudden, our gazes locking brief, her eyes searching mine. Why didn't the script change?

I made my way back to my office, steps steady, mind churning. I was sure of what I heard on Sofia's call, but the script stayed untouched.

Relief hit me, Matilda wasn't ridiculed, but worry crept in fast. They'd strike again, smarter, harder.

Sofia or Hartman, someone played a deeper game, maybe setting me up to look foolish instead. Sat at my desk, pulled my phone out quick, texting Matilda fast.

"I will see you later in the evening. Let's talk about what happened."

Her reply came instant. "Okay, will see you immediately after work." Message locked in, I leaned back, thoughts spinning every scenario.

Did Sofia know I tapped her calls? Was the plan to make me look stupid from the start? I needed to get to the root of this, fast.

I returned to my laptop, fingers tapping keys steady, work flowing despite the storm in my head.

Managed to push through reports, mind half on Hartman's next move. Closing hours came quick, and I shut my laptop prompt, standing up smooth, ready to meet Matilda outside.

Why the rush to talk? Her win today was clean, but danger lingered close, Quinn's odd fury, all pieces of a trap not yet sprung.

I stepped out of SCN, spotting Matilda waiting calm, her smile soft, welcoming. Before I could reach her, a police car screeched up sudden, doors flying open.

Inspector Harrison stepped out, face hard, two officers trailing close, his hand pulling a warrant from his pocket sharp.

"Blake McAllister, you are under arrest and you have the right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney; anything you say here will be used against you in a court of law!"

Harrison's words hit like a storm, officers moving fast, handcuffs clicking cold on my wrists.

They dragged me toward the vehicle, Matilda rushing forward, eyes wide with panic, but officers blocked her quick, no chance to speak. I kept my face calm, gaze steady on her brief, then i let them pull me away.

★★★

\-Jaxon-

I sat in my private chamber, flipping through reports quick, when my phone buzzed loud, an unknown number flashing on the screen.

Hesitated brief, then picked up, curiosity sharp. A familiar voice came through, trembling. "Jaxon, Blake has been arrested by Inspector Harrison!" Matilda said, fear thick in her tone.

Shock hit me hard, anger rising fast. "Arrested? For what reason?" I demanded, voice sharp, edged with fury.

"No explanation from Inspector Harrison, but I'm on my way to the station now!" she said, urgency clear.

"Okay, I'll be there right now!" I replied, ending the call swift.

What's happening? Why arrest the Alpha? This smelled like a setup, something dirty brewing deep.

Mind raced, piecing together possibilities, Harrison's been sniffing too close, but on what grounds now?

Fifteen minutes later, I pulled up at the station, stepping out just as Matilda arrived, her face tight with worry.

"Matilda, you're here," I said, as she hurried toward me, steps quick.

"What's happening?" she asked, concern heavy in her eyes, voice shaky.

"I don't know, let's meet the officers in charge," I replied calm, leading her inside, both moving with purpose.

As we stepped in, Inspector Harrison approached, sly grin spreading wide, delight glinting in his eyes.

"Well, well, well. I see you both are here to save him!" His voice dripped with smugness.

My jaw tightened. "What happened, and on what grounds was he arrested?" I demanded, staring hard into his eyes, stern and unyielding.

"On the account of multiple murders and a whole lot more. He'll soon be transported to prison, so his case will hit the court," Harrison said, smile never fading.

Matilda stepped forward, voice firm. "You must be mistaken. I don't think he's responsible for whatever allegations you're throwing at him." Harrison's grin widened.

"Oh, my dear Ms. Lawson, I don't think, I know he did them, and we have evidence against him."

Evidence? My blood boiled. "What evidence? Can I see it?" I pressed, voice sharp.

"Are you his lawyer? If not, you can't see it," Harrison shot back, turning to walk away.

Matilda's voice broke through, pleading. "Please, can we just see him for a moment?" He paused, hesitated brief, then nodded.

"Come with me. Two minutes only." We followed quick to the interrogation room where Blake sat, calm as ever, Alpha composure unshaken.

Matilda rushed forward. "Blake, don't worry, we'll get you out of here." He looked at her steady, then signaled me closer with a slight nod.

We leaned in, his whisper low and urgent. "I believe he has a video of me taking care of the rogues. Someone must have sent it to him. Get to the root of it, Jaxon!" His words landed heavy, clear and calm.

Matilda and I nodded, understanding instant. Harrison's voice cut in sharp. "Your time's up. Leave now!" He ushered us out fast, door closing firm behind us.

Determination burned hot in my eyes, as I'd do anything to free my Alpha and friend from this cage.