Page 3 of Heist

She rested a hand on his shoulder and Patrick felt his heart rate begin to slow. “I’m sorry, Patrick. But he still has state charges to face. We don’t know the outcome of that yet.”

“You’re right. I just wasn’t expecting that. There were no whispers about a plea deal. I thought that was the sort of thing they kept families in the loop on.”

“Mr. Sutton, Miss Sutton, can I have a moment of your time?” A reporter from inside the courtroom approached them, notebook in hand.

Holly backed away and shook her head. “We’re not talking to reporters today.”

“You haven’t given a single interview since the arrest. Why is that?” the reporter asked anyway.

“We’re asking the public to respect our privacy at this time.”

Patrick was grateful then for his sister’s experience as a spokesperson, because he would have gone off on the journalist had he been alone.

“I’ll call a car,” he said, looking for something to do.

“Dale is right around the corner,” Holly said when the reporter backed off.

Patrick quirked an eyebrow up. “So, Elijah does know you’re here?”

Holly grinned. “I’m sure he does now since Dale is a snitch, but when I saw how much press was here, I messaged and asked him to wait around the corner. Figured Elijah wouldn’t be so upset when my face appears all over the news later. We all know Dale is some sort of superhero disguised as a driver.”

Patrick just shook his head. “You’re ridiculous. Well, call him then and let’s get through the swarm of vultures out there.”

When Dale arrived, Patrick tucked Holly under his arm and together they pushed their way through the mob of reporters.

“Why did you storm out of the court room today?”

“Were you involved in your father’s business?”

“Holly, if he’s out in time, will your father walk you down the aisle?”

At the mention of her upcoming nuptials, Holly gave a bright smile and said, “Actually, I’m quite capable of walking myself down the aisle, but I might let Patrick here escort me.”

By then, they were at the car and Patrick shoved Holly inside and climbed in after her.

“Drive, Dale,” he ordered as reporters continued to try and shove their microphones at the now moving vehicle.

“I have Mr. Barrett on the phone for you, Miss Holly,” Dale said grimly, passing her his cell phone.

“Uh-Oh,” Patrick said in a singsong voice. “Somebody’s in trouble.”

Holly smacked him but took the phone. She winced as she listened to her fiancé. “I know. I’m sorry, Sir,” she said, sounding appropriately contrite, as Dale navigated the heavy L.A. traffic.

Patrick was grateful he couldn’t hear his best friend scolding Holly for disobeying him and going to the trial. He didn’t blame Elijah for being protective. Someone in his father’s organization had kidnapped and tried to kill her four months ago, and police still weren’t sure if Nicholas had ordered it or not.

Holly’s voice grew soft. “Yes, Sir, I know. I love you. I’ll be back to the office soon.”

“So, how much trouble are you in?” Patrick asked when she returned the phone to Dale

Her grin was instant. “Enough that I’m sure I’ll have a sore ass at work tomorrow.”

Patrick made a gagging sound. “Forget I asked.”

Holly punched his arm. “When are you going to find a subbie girl of your own? I never see you with anyone more than once at the club, and you’re always on dates with someone new when you’re in California.”

Patrick shrugged. “I like my life the way it is. Completely uncomplicated. And I just finished training a sub for the house subs program at Solitaire. Doesn’t that count for something?”

Holly snorted. “That was completely platonic since she wasn’t looking for sex out of her experience. Definitely doesn’t count.”

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