Page 26 of Taming Tesla

“You little minx,” Conner says, grinning at Janine from ear to ear. “I’m kissing you when this is all over, right on the mouth.”

“Oh, well—I mean...” The poor woman blushed, reaching up to touch her hair. “That won’t be necessary.”

“What does this have to do with you?” I say, looking at Sara, who up until this point, has said nothing. “Where do you fit into this?”

“I’ve been working at my father’s firm for the last few months, just until a teaching job comes through,” Sara says, offering an explanation. “Once yesterday’s incident died down, Janine listened to the recording she made with Cari’s phone and brought it to me. I met with my father this morning to pass the recording on to him.”

“The authorities have been contacted, and I assure you James Templeton and Lisa Parish will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Jackson says, pushing himself away from the table. “I’d like to offer you both a formal apology on behalf of the firm and reassurance that any and all lawsuits against your clients have been dropped.” He offers me a smile as I stand and we shake hands again. “I hope that in light of our cooperation, we can expect the same from you.”

“We’ll see,” Con says from his seat. “There’s still the matter of the security tapes to contend with.” Across the table, Sara looks like she’s going to throw up.

“There’s no need for a subpoena,” Jackson says, completely oblivious to his daughter’s reaction. “We have nothing to hide. You’ll have your tapes by the end of today.”

“I’ll have their authenticity verified by an expert, willing to testify in court.” Again, Con’s looking at Jackson, but he’s talking to Sara.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Jackson says, visibly impressed by Con’s pitbull routine. “If you don’t mind me asking, what firm do you work for, son?”

“Gilroy Auto Repair,” Con says, finally standing with a laugh. “And I’m still not your son.”

Jackson clears his throat. “Well, if you’re ever looking to change that, come see me.”

Conner laughs, shaking his head. “Don’t count on it,” he says, rounding the table, attention focused on Jackson’s secretary and making good on his promise. “Come ‘ere, Janine, give me some sugar.”

---