Page 51 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Dude…” I groan. “You’re fucking weird.”

He shrugs. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

I take a seat in front of him. “I have a big favor to ask.”

“Daddy couldn’t help?” He smirks, already knowing about my relationship with my father. It wasn’t something I could keep secret years ago when I assisted him in the department. Instead of talking shit, I keep my comments to myself about that, but he sure knows how to press my buttons, as most do.

“No. I don’t want him involved in my business,” I reply curtly.

This causes Jerad to let out a hearty laugh. “Your businessisyour father’s business, Holt. You already know this. Why do you think you’re here in the big DA’s office doing bitch work?”

I should’ve known he’d give me a hard time. Although I don’t see him that often, this is typical. “You done yet?” I arch a brow, seemingly bored with his antics.

“Eh. I could probably keep going.” He chuckles. “But I’ll spare you. What’s going on? Must be serious if you need my help.”

I sit on the edge of my seat. “You still have access to run in-depth off-record background checks, right? Or can easily get them?”

“Yes,” he draws out, eyeing me curiously.

“I’m concerned my friend is dating a dangerous man, and I need to get some info about him. Can you help?”

He pops an eyebrow. “Might cost ya.”

“Oh, shut the hell up.” I stand, ready to walk out because I won’t beg.

“Sit. You know I don’t like all those dramatics. What is with the Holt family always making a damn scene?”

I sit back down, relieved since I didn’t have a plan B.

“You better remember me when you’re sitting on your father’s throne, okay? What’s the dickhead’s name?” Jerad asks.

The last question causes me to laugh. “Weston Westbrook.”

He narrows his eyes. “Is he a fuckin’ cartoon?”

I snort. “He looks as ridiculous as his name sounds too. Has one of those haircuts I had when I was five.”

Jerad grins. “You must have a thing for this girl.”

I can’t deny it. “I’m worried about her. She’s showing all the signs of abuse, and the way this guy acts…I can’t place it. He has that overbearing narcissist vibe to him, and I swear he’s manipulating her emotionally. I’m seeing the signs: avoidance, seclusion, denial, and excusing the behavior. The last time I saw her, she looked terrible. Stressed, worried, upset. The woman who stood in front of me wasn’t the woman I’ve known for years, and I’m concerned about what he’s capable of doing. What he’s already done.”

Jerad lets out a calm breath. “I’ll take care of it. He’s from Sacramento?”

“Honestly, I don’t know much about him other than he lives here and has a correctional officer job or something.”

“Did you search the system for him? See if he’s really a correctional officer? He’d work for the state, and we’d have records on file.”

My eyes go wide. “No. I didn’t even think about it.”

Jerad shakes his head. “And you want to investigate crime scenes.”

“I want to do forensics. It’s different,” I remind him, nearly jumping out of my seat to go back to my desk to search for Weston’s name in the public directory.

“I’ll keep you updated with what I find. Also, don’t tell anyone. I don’t want to risk anything by helping you stalk this guy. Got it?”

I nod. “I owe you big time. Thank you.”

“Should have something for you by tomorrow, maybe earlier,” he tells me as I make my way out of the room.

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