Page 13 of Tequila Tuesdays

“Suck up,” I muttered.

He ignored me. I could smell his masculine, spicy scent. It annoyed me that I liked it.

“You said you’re a DCFS worker?” he asked her.

Wendy nodded but seemed mesmerized by his dimple.

“I bet you have some interesting stories. I used to be a detective before I became an investigator. I’ve worked with a lot of social workers over the years.”

He still held Wendy’s hand, or she held his—it was hard to tell.

“You said Harley’s an attorney, and she’s here today as the juvenile court public defender?”

Wendy seemed to shake herself and finally let go of Damien’s hand. “She’s a criminal defense attorney. And she does a little adult public defender work too. Her clients seem to love her. I don’t know why though.”

She leaned into Damien like she was telling him a secret. “Harley can be a little abrasive sometimes.”

Damien’s eyes widened. “Really? I never would’ve guessed.”

Wendy kept flapping her big mouth. “But some attorneys see it as a challenge. She doesn’t date.Ever.”

Wendy finally noticed I’d crossed my arms and was tapping my foot. I glared at the two of them.

“I’m standing right here.” I turned to Damien. “If you want to know something, askme,nosy.”

He grinned unrepentantly. “That doesn’t seem to work, Legs.” He looked back at Wendy. “I see what you mean now about her being abrasive sometimes. What else does she do?”

I rolled my eyes and kept tapping my foot.

Wendy wasn’t intimidated at all. “She’s one of the adult felony drug court public defenders in Judge Hansen’s court. Oh, and she helps with the Addicts to Athletes program in the Coachella Valley. She’s the volleyball coach.”

Damien raised his eyebrows and turned slowly to me. “Huh. Mystery solved. Everything makes sense now.” He folded his arms and studied me.

I shifted uncomfortably. “It isn’t a big deal. I like sports and I’ve had experience with addicts. It was a natural fit. What areyoudoing here?”

Wendy cut in. “I wish I could stay and watch Harley squirm, but I have a family team meeting.” Wendy pointed at me. “You’re going to tell me everything the next time I see you.”

“Don’t hold your breath. See you Thursday.”

“Everything,” she mouthed. Then she waved and strolled off.

I turned to him. “Why are you here? Is it anyone I know?”

My gut tightened. Bad luck seemed to follow the people I knew.

He lost his grin. “Laurel’s dad assaulted her stepmom and little brothers yesterday. Laurel’s flying them in from New York, and I’m dropping off some paperwork regarding a protective order.”

Worry flooded me. “Oh God, are you kidding me? Are they okay?” I made a mental note to call her later today and see how I could help.

Damien rubbed his neck. “I think so. She’s doing what she can to protect them.”

“She’ll be putting herself in his crosshairs. I’d do the same thing, but she needs to be careful.” I grabbed his arm without thinking. “Her poor little brothers.”

Some people didn’t understand or care about the long-term impact on a person’s mental and emotional health when they experienced domestic violence as a child.

“We’re putting in live surveillance cameras, and we’ll monitor them. Sebastian plans to keep an eye on her.” He stared down at me and abruptly changed the subject. “You’re a mystery, Harley, but I got a few clues today.”

I didn’t know where he was going with this. “I’m an open book, Andreasen.”

---