Page 64 of Tequila Tuesdays

Shanda leaned into me. “Detective? I thought you said he works for you.”

“He’s aformerdetective, and he works for himself now,” I whispered back.

Damien shook his head. “I haven’t been a detective for a while. It’s great to see you. How’s your family?”

“Good. Sammie’s in college now.”

Trevor looked at the two men greeting each other like old friends, then turned and stomped out of the courtroom.

Evan shook his head when Trevor was out of earshot. “Harley, I’m sorry he keeps bothering you. It’s not appropriate, and I plan to talk with him. You’ve become a challenge to some of the single men around here, and he’s competitive.”

My face flamed a little.

Damien glared at Evan. “It needs to stop. And she’s mine.”

I blinked at Damien in surprise, and my insides fluttered.

Evan grinned and hit him on the shoulder. “You were always smart.” He turned to me. “Harley, I’ll look for those drug test results. See you later.”

We followed him out, and Shanda let out a long breath. “I’ve been dreading that for so long.”

I turned to her. “Please don’t miss the next hearing. Do you have a working cell phone or an email you can access? I’ll need to talk to you before then.”

Shanda looked a little sheepish. “I get your emails and texts.”

I stopped and stared at her. “Why didn’t you respond?”

“Because I wasn’t planning to come to court today.”

“Well, that was a shitty plan. If you don’t stay in touch with me, I’ll have to withdraw from your case, and we’re so close to resolving it.”

“I know. I’ll respond from now on. But please don’t tell anyone where I am.” Her gaze darted out over the parking lot. “I don’t think Jason’s done with me yet.”

Chapter 21

IwatchedShandaclimbonto the bus and scan the pass I’d given her. “She looks so young and alone.”

Damien took my hand. “When I found her at the assisted living center, she was talking with a few of the residents and staff members there. I think she’s okay, at least for now.” He walked me to my car as we talked. “What’s going on with that younger prosecutor?”

I avoided his eyes. “Absolutely nothing.”

“Don’t bullshit me, Harley. I know you’re not interested, but he hasn’t quit. Now what’s going on?”

“He doesn’t like rejection, and he’s an asshole. I’ve got it handled.”

He studied my face carefully. “Does that happen to you a lot?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Why are you avoiding my question?” he persisted.

I nibbled on my lip and looked away.

He took hold of my chin and turned my face back to his. “Evan’s comments reminded me of what your coworker, Wendy, said a while back about you being a challenge. Has dating you turned into some kind of a competition?”

My eyes widened in surprise and dismay. He was sharp, and I realized he didn’t miss much. I’d have to remember that.

“Tell me,” he persisted.

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