(Evelina's POV—Police Station, Continuing)
The silence that followed was exquisite.
A silence made of fear, broken pride, and the sound of careers dying.
The chief's lips parted, but no sound came out. His badge gleamed under the harsh fluorescent lights—a pathetic shield against the man who could end him with a snap of his fingers.
I watched him tremble.
And I…?
I simply blinked.
Because honestly—Theo offering a death menu was not on my bingo card for today.
Some officers were visibly shaking. One actually stepped backward until he hit a desk and nearly toppled over it. Another began silently praying.
Wonderful.
Exactly the kind of chaos I adore.
Theo kept his arm loosely draped over my shoulders, a gesture I had not approved, requested, nor encouraged—AND YET apparently we were doing this now.
The chief swallowed—loudly—and attempted something like a response. "M-Mr. Vinter… please… there must be some misunderstanding—"
Theo's smile did not reach his eyes.
