Distortion Control (A Makayla Rose Mystery Book 3) by Audrey Claire

in an official capacity, Sheriff, as Spencer Norwood’s attorney.”
    I winced at his decision to call Pete sheriff. Pete was acting as the sheriff for the time being, but calling him by the title reminded me of Spencer’s vulnerable position, and I didn’t like it.
    “What about her?” Pete asked.
    Paul glanced at me. I tried to look useful. How one does that was beyond me, but I attempted to anyway. Neither man appeared fooled by it. “She’s with me,” Paul grunted. “I need to ask him questions with her there to cross-reference the stories. I’m working to get him released, so you understand I want the process as simple and short as possible.”
    Pete didn’t appear to comprehend at all, but as I held my breath for approval, he at last gave his consent.
    While Paul requested information on Spencer’s case, I glanced around the station. The officers that were present met my gaze briefly, and then slid away. These were the same men that I had brought donuts to on several occasions when I visited the station to see Spencer. I had a feeling they were feeling guilty and maybe they weren’t sure what to think.
    I pulled my phone from my purse and selected text messaging. I wanted to see if I had heard anything from Ash. After firing off a message to him saying I was at the station and that I was with Paul, I waited for his response. Several minutes passed, and I heard nothing. Where was he? He was the one that set up this appointment. I had thought that he would join us, but I was wrong.
    “Are you ready, Makayla?”
    I looked to where Paul stood at the door leading to the back of the station and pulled in a deep breath before blowing it out.
    Paul and I entered the area where Spencer was being held. Spencer was stretched out on the floor doing push-ups without a shirt. At any other time I might’ve enjoyed the view, however, I waited for him to look up.
    Paul tapped a pen against the bars to capture Spencer’s attention. I was pretty sure Spencer already knew we were there. After all, the noise of unlocking the steel doors reverberated around the small area.
    Spencer pushed out five more push-ups before he rose to his feet and brushed his hands off. His silver gaze met Paul’s, and a muscle ticked in his jaw. “Why are you here?”
    Paul smiled, a triumphant glint in his eye. “You know why. I’m the one that’s going to get you freed, and you’re going to owe me.”
    “No, I don’t think so.” Spencer looked at me. “Why is he here, Makayla? You didn’t hire him to be my attorney, did you? You should know better than that.”
    “Don’t be a baby,” Paul said before I could answer. “I said I’m here to represent you. I will, and I don’t have to like you to do a good job.”
    “Really? Because I don’t think you could do a good job either way.”
    “Stop!” I positioned myself between the two men holding my hands up and then pointed a finger at Spencer. “You don’t have much of a choice, and you, Paul, already told me you need to work. So, boys, I suggest you get over the attitudes and let’s work together.”
    Both men appeared to have eaten something sour. I would laugh if this wasn’t such a serious situation.
    “Makayla,” Spencer enunciated, “I don’t trust him.”
    “Well the feeling is mutual, isn’t it?” Paul shot back. “You got me. Money talks. Your brother—”
    “Whoa,” Spencer interrupted, “what does my brother have to do with this?”
    Spencer’s question answered mine as to whether he knew Ash was in town. “Your brother, Ash, hired Paul.”
    Spencer’s eyes narrowed. He approached the bars and gripped them until his fingers turned white. “I thought I told you before we parted the last time, Makayla, I didn’t want my family to know.”
    “Well, sorry, Spencer. I wasn’t the one that told him. I think Pete contacted your hometown during his investigation, and somehow Ash learned you’re in trouble. I for one think it’s a good thing that your