Page 161 of Shared By the Highest Bidder

When it’s done, I hate to tell him the obvious.

“You know that’s DNA evidence.”

“I really don’t give a fuck.”

I trust he knows the laws. The porter let me in. I let him in. We’re not trespassing.

Ford kisses me, showing his tender side. Something that may bother Michael more. That he cares about me.

Breathing heavily, Ford pulls his pants up with a smile on his face.

After clicking the video off, he says, sternly, “Call Emery and tell him you’re going home. I want you to take a warm bath. Then call Ash to give you some aftercare. I would, but I’m going to Rikers to destroy your ex.”

THIRTY-THREE

FORD

Isit in the holding cell and wait for this piece of shit.

Michael Kinsey comes in, looking more wrecked than last time. I just smile, my head resting lazily in my hands that still smell like Bernadette.

“Glad you find this amusing,” Kinsey grinds out.

“You wanted me. Did someone not mention that I’m a heartless prick?”

Only that’s not true. My heart is beating more than it ever has for BernadetteandAsh.

“My investigator found evidence of some irregularities involving detective procedure and handling of evidence.” I don’t tell Kinsey that one of hisfriendswas a planted informant.

That’s my wild card to keep for an emergency. This is enough to feed Kinsey’s hope.

“That’s great.” He lights up.

“Where are Bernadette’s designs?”

“I told you, I’m not handing them over until I’m out.”

“Sorry. I don’t trust you.”

“I don’t trustyou.”

“I went to fucking Harvard.” I get to my feet, sending the chair behind me flying. “I’m an officer of the court. I’m signed on to this case. If I fuck you over, you can complain to the bar. If that’s not good enough for you, then get yourself another fucking lawyer.Good luck finding one as good as me.”

“Get the dismissal and before I leave, I’ll tell you.” He sticks to his guns.

Fucking stockbrokers are good at both bluffing and smelling a bluff a mile away.

“Why do you hate her so much?” I ask him, pulling the chair back, exhausted from the fury racing through me.

“I didn’t hate her.” He lowers his head. “I... I was hooked on that stuff and going broke. I saw an opportunity to make an easy score from her. I fucked up.”

“Stealing her property and trying to blackmail her is where you fucked up.”

Another crime I will tip off to Sterling to prosecute in addition to the drugs. I just have to sever my relationship with him first.

Kinsey isn’t getting out of here.

“How is she?” he asks in a sorrowful low, pathetic voice.

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