Page 59 of Heist

ChapterSixteen

Shit, Shit, Shit.Austin paced her office as she tried Patrick’s number for a third time. Pulling up the warrant database, she finally saw one with Patrick’s name on it. They had probably already served it and that’s why he wasn’t answering. She had no way of knowing which precinct they’d taken him to though, so she just had to wait for his call.

It came twenty minutes later. “I’m so sorry,” she blurted when she accepted the call. “I’ve been keeping an eye on things and thought I would have time to warn you.”

When she was done gushing, Patrick said. “It’s fine. I’m at the Midtown North precinct. How soon can you get here?”

“I’m already walking to the elevator. Just remember to keep your mouth shut until I get there. I know you’re a smart guy but even the most innocent statement can mess us up here and we want a clean shot at bail.”

Patrick chuckled. “Austin, I’ve got this. I promise I heard you the last twelve times you told me to keep my mouth shut.”

Austin winced. “Sorry. I just really don’t want you to have to spend the night in a holding cell.”

“I would prefer not to have to do that as well. I have faith in you, and I promise I’m heeding your warnings. Now shut up and get here.”

Austin giggled. “Yes, Sir.” Why the fuck was she giggling? He was in jail. She shook her head, disgusted with herself.

When she was in the back of a car, she began making calls to get him into court for a hearing as quickly as possible and managed to get him on the docket that afternoon. Luck of the draw gave her a judge she liked.

By the time she walked into the precinct, she was poised and ready to work. Patrick’s processing had finished by the time she arrived, so they took her straight to him. They’d taken his tie, belt, and loose items in his pockets, so he looked a bit disheveled. Austin made a mental note to get him a tie and belt for court.

“We’ve got a hearing in two hours and it’s in front of a judge who likes to release people on their own recognizances. Just go along with me in court and we’ll have you out of here before the ink is dry on your intake paperwork.

Patrick nodded. “I definitely like the sound of that, Miss Yates. What do we do now?”

“Now, we sit here and discuss your case, so you don’t have to go back to your holding cell right away.”

Patrick lifted one corner of his mouth. “I’m sure we can find plenty to talk about then.”

They rehashed everything they knew about the disappearance of the diamonds, and Austin walked him through what the bail hearing would be like. Patrick couldn’t help but flirt periodically, causing Austin to scowl.

When they had exhausted their time and the guard came to walk him back to the holding cell, Austin promised to be waiting for him in half an hour when it was time to go to the courthouse. There, she would have his tie and belt waiting for him. She would track him down a comb too. He seemed incapable of keeping his fingers out of his hair. Not that she blamed him. Being locked up was scary for anyone, even a billionaire investor like Patrick—maybe especially for a billionaire investor like Patrick.

At the courthouse, she waited in the holding room for Patrick to be brought to her. They were alone, but she resisted the urge to press her lips to his just in case surveillance cameras were watching. When he was tucked in and buttoned up, she handed him a comb.

“That bad?” he asked as he ran the comb through his messy hair.

She smiled. “Just want you to look your best for the judge. It can make a difference.”

Patrick nodded and returned the comb. As their fingers connected, she let her hand linger on his for a moment before pulling away. God, she hoped the judge would be on their side today.

Since she’d rallied a hearing so quickly, the DA trying the case was unable to be there, so they sent a rookie. It was just a bond hearing.

The case was read into the record. The rookie from the DA’s office asked for a quarter of a million for bail. That would be easy for Patrick to come up with, but Austin was going to make sure he didn’t have to.

“Your honor, the defense would like to ask the court to release Mr. Sutton on his own recognizance. He has no prior record and has ties to not only this community but California as well where he runs a successful company. The evidence the state has is circumstantial at best and my client should not have to remain behind bars or pay an outrageous sum of money while the DA’s office builds their case.”

The judge was quiet for a moment while he studied the file. “Is your client prepared to stay in the state of New York, Miss Yates?”

“Your honor, my client has business here and in California, as well as Colorado, but he is willing to surrender his passport and supply a list of his residences in the states where he has business. Again, my client should not have to suffer while the DA tries to build a case against him.”

“You’ve made your point about that, Miss Yates. Does the prosecution have any objection to this?”

The rookie fumbled with his paperwork while Austin tapped a pen against the defense table.

“Um. The DA’s office stands by our bail request your honor.”

The judge shook his head at the unprepared attorney.

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