Can't Compete

twenty three

SHE AMBLED INTO the police station with her head held high, knowing there were eyes on her. It was the trenches, hence why the policemen were all shocked to see Ella down here.

"I'd like to talk to your commanding officer," she said to the lady at the front desk.

The lady quickly got up from her seat and opened the door for Ella to come in. Ella followed as she walked down the hallways and into a room, where there were two white men in the room. One leaning against the table talking to another standing.

"Ella Ashleigh is here to speak to you, sir." The lady informed.

The man sitting down on the table nodded. He waved off the male standing and lady, as they both walked out the door.

"Captain Moorebank. What can I do for you today, Ms Ashleigh?" he clasped his hands together.

"You arrested Cap."

"Cap?" he looked up at her confused, then clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth. "Raphael Graham?"

That's his name?

"Yes."

Captain Moorebank pursed his lips together. "I'm afraid Mr Graham does not have bail posted."

"And why is that?"

"Because we had a warrant for his arrest under the murder of seven individuals. So far,"

Ella crossed her arms. "So far?"

"Yes, it seems this criminal you have aquatinted yourself with has at least seven bodies. We're trying to book him for fifteen,"

"Do you have evidence?"

"We're working on it," the man drawled.

"Captain..."

"Moorebank," he finished with a tight smile.

She cleared her throat. "Right. How much do you want to let him go?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Unlike the people uptown, you can't bribe me."

"It's not bribing. I'm asking how much his bond is,"

"And I just said he doesn't get any bail or bonds,"

Ella took a step forward, exerting her dominance. "There are other ways I could go with this and get him out of that holding cell, yet I suggested the option that is most beneficial for you.

"I could call the head of New York police department and they can deal with you, all while releasing Cap, or we can eventually settle this in court with a judge and top lawyers, where we will win. There was also the option of writing you a two-point-five million dollar check, in which all you have to do is open up his cell."

He scowled. "You would be letting this hitman run around New York and wonder why crime rates rise,"

"I don't wonder, I know they are rising."

"Then why are you helping him?!"

Ella straightened her posture and fixed her small shoulder purse on her shoulder. "This is your last chance to decide what route I will take,"