[Well, if it's a punchy cop with a gorilla-esque lack of self control you want to talk to...]

[A little of the old defensiveness rises, though it can't get much purchase.]

She could've known where Emily was. I couldn't just let her walk away. You know how this scum is. They don't have any shame. You give them one inch, you try to be the good guy and play nice, and they take you for a ride.

There wasn't time to go by the book.

[He rubs his face. He knows how much it all sounds like excuses.]

Hell, you sound like Jayden.

[except less of an asshole.]