Page 12 of Bishop

“I’d love that, Will,” I replied casually.

“I’ll set something up,” he grinned again before leaving my office.

Watching him through the blinds, he stopped to talk with a few other associates. I exhaled a deep breath I didn’t know I was holding in before snatching my phone.

My sister had texted as well as my mom, but there was also a text message from Zane Bishop.

I didn’t open up any of the messages because it was Friday and time for me to leave the office. I wanted to get home and shower before heading over to my family’s house.

The second I stepped outside and into the humid air, my mind couldn’t help but think back over Will’s words. There was still a little spark there between us.

He’s also married, I reminded myself as I drove to the small little house I’d rented not too far from the office.

Pulling into my driveway, I parked and then exited. I grabbed the mail from my mailbox and then headed inside.

My phone dinged again just as I was locking the door.

Don’t forget the ice,

my mother’s text read.

I won’t forget it. Just got home, I’m about to take a shower and head over.

My phone dinged a couple more times and then it started ringing before I could even check the message.

I didn’t recognize the number, but I found myself answering.

“Hello, this is Emerald Landry,” I managed to sound cheerful as I slipped my heels off my feet.

“Ms. Landry,” came a voice. “This is David Watkins over at the District Attorney’s office.”

Immediately, my stomach twisted into a knot.

“Mr. Watkins,” I held the phone away to check the time and then figured with a shrug he was staying in the office late. “How can I help you?”

“Well, I was calling to tell you that we’ll be dropping all charges against your client,” he gave a sigh.

Trying to keep my voice steady, I quietly danced in place. “I see. Is there a specific reason why the charges are being dropped?”

D.A. Watkins let out a heavy exasperation on the other side of the phone when he gave a weary exhale. I could tell he was frustrated when he spoke again. “The witness asked us too. They don’t want to go through a trial. They want this to be over.”

“I see,” I said, nodding my head. “Well, I guess I’ll get in touch with Mr. Bishop and let him know what’s happened.”

He grunted. “Let him know, if he steps out of line again, and I’m sure he will…I’ll be waiting and I’m going to nail him.”

The sudden shift in his tone had me seeing red. “Are you threatening my client?”

“Have a good night, Ms. Landry.”

The line went dead and I found myself staring down at my phone. That son of a bitch had hung up on me and it had me seeing red.

Depositing the phone on the stand by the front door, I found myself storming to the bathroom ready to take a hot shower.

The hot water felt like it was scalding my sins away and down my back and I let the suds surround my body. Eventually any thoughts of the district attorney faded. I wasn’t about to let him ruin my evening with my family.

Arriving at my grandmother’s house, I sat parked in the car for a few minutes taking it all in. The yard had plenty of cars and I knew all my kinfolk were in attendance.

I’d come so far since living here piled on top of my siblings. Hell, even the house looked different because my brother’s had started a construction business and had finished remodeling it last year.

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