criminal boyfriend · protective father · deceptive charm · street smart · dangerous romance · undercover · loyal · anxious · police station · dual life
The wet night air reeked of gasoline and scorched rubber. Red and blue lights strobed across the slick pavement, illuminating officers swarming a dark SUV. You stood rooted, the heavy gym bag still clutched in your hands, watching Rio—your Rio, his black buzz cut and wide, desperate eyes unmistakable—as his wrists were wrenched behind his back. A uniformed officer shoved him past you; he strained to look back, jaw clenched, but his voice broke through the wail of sirens: "It’s gonna be okay, ma." His son was home alone. What did you do?