Page 37 of The One for Forever

Christian nods in the barest acknowledgment. “You need a bodyguard because of that bullshit with Amber’s rabid fans? Bunch of psychopaths. You’re right. We do need to talk. I’ve got fifteen minutes.” He barrels straight for the elevator.

Okay then.

I have to hurry to catch up. Rex follows a couple of steps behind, and I can almost feel the annoyance rolling off of him in waves. I cast an apologetic glance over my shoulder. But he’s wearing a professionally distant expression, all muscly and intimidating in his suit. Playing the silent bodyguard role to a T.

I shouldn’t enjoy that as much as I do.

Christian leads us into a private elevator that seems to be reserved for him. He pushes back his French cuff to check his watch. “What’s happening with the trial preparations?” he barks. Like I work for him. I don’t. As a deputy district attorney, I represent the People as a whole, not the victim or victim’s family.

But from what I’ve seen, this is what Christian Hayworth is like all the time. He has a tendency to bark orders like he’s used to them being followed. DA Marchetti was not a fan of that. But then Christian can do a one-eighty and turn on the charm. He’s a good-looking man in his early fifties, fit and well-dressed, and he doesn’t want anyone to forget it.

He’s a lot.

But what hedoesn’tseem like is a man who’s torn up over the death of his father. West Oaks PD thought that was suspicious until they confirmed that Christian was in London at some film festival when Thompson was murdered. Christian flew home immediately after he got word.

Does that mean he’s hiding something? Does Christian have more evidence against Amber, but he’s holding it back because it’s sensitive, or because he could be implicated somehow? It’s hard to imagine Christian Hayworth being afraid of anything or anyone, but I guess it’s possible.

Unfortunately, I can’t come right out and ask him if he’s my secret witness. I can’t risk giving away the source’s existence.

“Preparations are moving forward,” I say, keeping it as vague as possible. “But I had some additional questions for you.”

I go over a few things about Amber and her relationship with his father. This is ground we’ve covered before, but I pay close attention to his answers, trying to assess if there might be anything extra that he’s hinting at. Any clue that he’s holding back evidence. Yet he gives little away.

We reach the coffee kiosk on the first floor of the building, and the barista hands Christian an iced latte as soon as he walks up. I’m guessing it’s his daily order. I order two drip coffees, handing one to Rex, who gives me a wink and a small smile. Ignoring those stupid flutters in my belly, I turn back to Christian.

“Have you ever suspected that Amber had an accomplice?”

His eyebrows shoot toward the ceiling. “An accomplice? Have you discovered evidence of that?”

“Not specifically.” I haven’t seen anything to suggest that Amber had an accomplice. Everything the detectives found points to Amber as the sole assailant. She snuck into the home she shared with Thompson, hit him over the head with that marble sculpture, and tossed around their belongings to make it look like a burglar had done it.

But I’m pushing some buttons, hoping that I hit the right one that’ll open Christian up.

“I’m just trying to anticipate anything that we might have missed. That’s why we’re going back over all the evidence.” I take a sip of coffee. “If anyone did help Amber in some way, or knows more information that they’re afraid to share, the DA would consider an immunity deal.”

Christian laughs, but his eyes are shrewd. “Now you’re worrying me. Do you think your case is weak? Because I’ve offered District Attorney Marchetti the services of my lawyers.”

“Not at all. Just being thorough.”

“Thoroughness is an admirable quality.” His smile turns as dazzling as a toothpaste commercial. “Why don’t we set up adinner? I’d be happy to devote an evening to you to discuss the trial. For the sake of thoroughness.”

“Do lines like that usually work for you, Mr. Hayworth?”

“Usually, yes.”

“Please take a step back from Miss Ainsley,” comes a deep voice behind me, laced with warning. I can’t see Rex, yet I just know he’s looming over my shoulder.

Christian chuckles like we’re sharing an inside joke. “Your bodyguard is getting testy. He’s acting like you’re the heir to the throne or something.”

“Just don’t call me princess,” I quip.

“I’ve probably got a joke somewhere about what else I could call you, but I have the feeling your bodyguard wouldn’t see the humor.” Christian smirks at Rex, but he also puts a few feet of distance back between us. “I’m willing to help the prosecution however I can. That’s all I meant.”

“Which is appreciated. We don’t want surprises at trial. If anyone did hold back evidence, and the DA found out, I have no doubt she would prosecute.”

“Understandable. What I want is that gold digger Amber Printz nailed to the wall.” He says that like being a gold digger is her worst crime. Not murder. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Is Thompson’s former assistant in the office? Kendall Simms? I had a few items I needed to review with her as well.”

---