Total pages in book: 183
Estimated words: 174715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 874(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 874(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Lance Miller stands behind the prosecutor’s table and surprises me by waving me forward.
“The Feds called the DA,” he says. “My boss knows he fucked up now, but he’s not going to admit that. He will, however, let me do my job now.”
“That’s good to hear,” I say. “But that isn’t going to shut down my legal action. Another woman is dead because your boss didn’t act.”
“I know that,” he says grimly. “I absolutely know that.”
“Are you able to speak about the FBI investigation today?”
“On a limited basis. For the safety of you and your wife, we’re allowed to do so, but in the judge’s chambers. If I can convince the judge to hear you speak, are you in?”
“Hell yeah,” I say, “but we both know that’s unlikely.”
“The circumstances are out of the ordinary. If nothing else, I’m going to try to get you in chambers.”
I nod and sit back down, and it’s not long until we’re on our feet for the judge’s entry. Lance gets right to it and asks for a chamber meeting. A few minutes later, I’m called into chambers as well. Everything is smooth and fast. Roger is sent for a mental evaluation that may only buy us a few days before he’s free, but his attorney has been told about the investigation. Roger will now know that the killer is not our client. His attention should shift away from our team. Away from my wife.
I exit the courtroom, text Cat and Reese, and then dial Royce Walker. “Where are we on an arrest?”
“The suspect is still in North Carolina and they’re comparing evidence between our cases and theirs today. They have eyes on him twenty-four-seven and they expect an arrest this week. I’ll keep you posted.”
I disconnect the line and I know that I need to call Lori with the good news, but I can’t seem to make the call. I text her instead: Roger is being held. Arrest pending in North Carolina. More when I get there.
More.
That’s the problem. There’s more to come and I’m not sure what that more is, but it’s a knot in my chest that I want to punch away. This isn’t over yet. That’s what my gut is telling me. I look down at my pink tie, the tie that Lori came home with after I insisted she spend money. She bought nothing for herself that day. She can’t accept the freedom of just being secure and safe. I can’t tell her I believe she is when I don’t. Not yet.
When I tell Lori she’s safe, that she finally has her fairy tale ending, I want her to know that I mean it. That it’s real. And I can’t tell her that yet, but as I start walking and motion Smith forward, I vow that I will. And soon. Once I tell her our world is right and perfect again, I’ll live my life making sure it stays that way.
Chapter sixty-six
Lori
The next morning Cole and I wake to the news that an arrest has been made in North Carolina, a man arrested for the murders our client was accused of committing, and of course, the press is everywhere. We’re fully dressed in the kitchen, me in a suit with a cream-colored blouse, Cole in a navy suit with a white shirt, and coffee cups in our hands when he finally reaches our client. “You’re vindicated, man,” he says. “You’re free in all ways.” He listens a minute. “We need to do a press conference and you’ll have offers thrown your direction. We have a partnering firm Maxwell, Maxwell, and Maxwell, that can manage them for you and ensure you are well taken care of.” Maxwell, Maxwell, and Maxwell being Cat’s brothers, who handle corporate and contract law.
Once Cole disconnects, I sigh. “This is all pretty surreal.”
“Yes. Yes, it is. And we did this together.”
“And that,” I say. “Is pretty special.”
“Yes, it is, sweetheart. We’re a good team.”
Warmth fills me as he strokes my cheek, and it stays with me on the ride to the office that includes my mother calling me, excited about the case, and the arrest. I love that she has followed it. I love that she is in this with us. And of course, there is a call from Cat. “I can’t believe it’s over. It’s surreal.”
“I said the same thing.”
We chat a few minutes and right before we get to the building, she whispers, “Any other good news?” she asks, obviously talking about my period.
“No,” I say. “None. And you know shopping won’t be easy right now.”
“I’ll grab a test. I can’t get it to you today, but we’re bound to end up together at our place or yours to celebrate. I’ll have it ready.”
“Thank you, Cat.” I disconnect, and Cole gives me a curious look, but before I feel I must explain we are at the rear of the building, and it’s time to exit.