Lone Witness

by Rachel Dylan

  She wasn’t going to ask what he meant by that. The less she knew, the better.

  He reached across the table and grabbed her hands. “We don’t have a problem, do we, Ash?”

  “Why would you even ask that?” She took a deep breath to remain calm. She’d already told him not to put his hands on her, but she refused to let him know that he scared her.

  Juan glanced over his shoulder and then back at her. “I have enemies lurking around every corner. A rival gang is taking credit for Ricky being in jail. I need him out, or some of my men may consider defecting. This is so much bigger than just my brother’s freedom. It impacts my entire business.”

  Of course. She should’ve known all along that Juan’s primary concern was his own business empire, not the well-being and safety of his little brother. But she held her tongue on that issue. “I realize that you’re in a complicated situation and that you have your business to be concerned about.” People didn’t realize how wealthy and powerful gang leaders really were.

  “You’re not going to call Ricky to the stand, are you?”

  She couldn’t hold back her laugh. “Are you really trying to tick me off, Juan? I’m not a first-year attorney, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, right out of law school. I know how to be a defense attorney. That’s why you pay me. If we’re done here, why don’t you let me do my job?”

  “Should I attend the trial?” he asked.

  “My gut reaction is no. We don’t need to remind the jury about Ricky’s association with you. The gang connection can only hurt him. We’re going to go hard on the misidentification argument. Let the state push the gang card. I’ll be working against that.”

  He pushed back his chair. “Then if we’re done here, I’ll walk you out.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  She stood up and walked away, glancing over her shoulder before she pushed through the main door. Juan still sat at the table. He gave her a wink that sent a chill down her spine.

  Chapter

  Fifteen

  The next afternoon, Sophie decided to talk to Keith about SIB. If only for a minute, to take her mind off her witness testimony.

  “Keith, I wanted to update you on a few things.” Sophie held the cell phone against her ear. It wasn’t her phone but a burner phone provided by Cooper. He had said it was too dangerous to keep her phone on because it could be tracked. “Shelton’s attorney filed a motion for suppression of his personal laptop, and the judge granted it. It appears the initial search warrant only covered his work devices, not personal electronics.”

  “You don’t need the personal device to make your case.”

  “No, but I don’t understand why someone there would have written the search warrant that way. Do you know who worked on the initial draft?”

  “Yeah. Harrison did it. We were understaffed in White Collar at the time, which is one of the reasons I transferred you over. He offered to pinch-hit until you could start.”

  Wonderful. The thought crossed her mind as to whether Harrison had done that on purpose, knowing he wouldn’t be the attorney to see the case through. But she hoped he wouldn’t stoop to that level. “The other thing I wanted to let you know about was that there’s weird stuff turning up in the documents. It turns out that Shelton had additional personal accounts at SIB that I was not aware of. It hadn’t come up before, but I have documentation given to us through SIB that shows he does have these other accounts.”

  “And what’s the significance of that?”

  “The various accounts contain multiple cash deposits over time, all under ten thousand dollars.”

  “Hmm. What’s your theory? Are you thinking that Shelton was laundering money?”

  “I’m not sure. I think he was engaged in something even deeper than what we previously thought, but I haven’t put all the pieces together yet. Someone was paying him real money or using him to funnel money, and I don’t know why.”

  “Sophie, I think you’re wasting your time chasing shadows.”

  Keith’s voice had turned stern, and she thought it better to let it go for now. “I understand your concern.”

  “All right. Where are you on witness prep for the Wade trial?”

  “I’ve worked with Patrick the past few days, and the prep is ongoing.”

  “We’re a week out. Take as much time as you need to prepare. Your cases will still be waiting for you.”

  “Believe me, I’m taking the preparation seriously.”

  “You’ll be representing the entire office. Everyone will know you’re a Fulton County district attorney. I just want to make sure you put your best foot forward. How you perform will reflect on all of us, including me.”

  No pressure or anything. She suddenly felt a bit nauseated. “Remember, sir, it’s not like I asked for this. The entire chain of events was far beyond my control.”

  “Oh, I know that.” His voice softened. “I just want to make sure you take all the time you need to get your head on straight and be the star witness I know you can be. Wade’s conviction would be big for us. Even though Patrick is from Dekalb County, we’re all on the same team here—fighting for justice.”

  “Of course.” There was a piece of her that wondered if Keith was right. Should she take a break from the Shelton case this last week before trial?

  “If you need anything, just call,” he said, wrapping up the conversation.

  “Thanks, Keith.” She ended the call as Cooper walked into the room.

  “How’s it going?” he asked.

  “I was just providing Keith with an update on the Shelton case. He shot me down. I think I need to bring him a more concrete theory. He also told me that for this last stretch, I should put all of my effort into the Wade trial.”

  “And how do you feel about that?”

  That was a good question. “I’m conflicted. In a way, I totally see his point, but I also worry that I may go a bit crazy if I’m thinking about my testimony 24-7. I’ll talk to Patrick when he gets here.”

  “And he’ll be here any minute. Noah called about half an hour ago.” Cooper took a seat next to her. “Things seem to be really intense between you and Patrick lately. Is everything okay there?”

  Intense was an understatement. Their latest session had gone totally off the rails. Patrick had raised his voice at her when she didn’t directly answer his question and instead tried to hedge. That was not a good legal strategy, and she knew it, but it was harder to be a witness than she had imagined.

  Patrick’s vocal frustration had obviously gotten Cooper’s attention. He looked ready to pounce. All she had to do was say the word. “Patrick’s under a lot of pressure to win this case, and I’m under the same type of pressure to perform.”

  “If he gives you any trouble, just let me know.”

  Just as she suspected. Cooper was protective of her even when it came to Patrick. “I’m not worried about Patrick. He’s just trying to do his job and get the result we all want and need. I can take tough preparation sessions, because let me tell you, there’s no way that Ashley’s going to hold back.”

  “Well, I’ll be here if you change your mind.”

  Cooper ran so hot and cold it was beginning to drive her crazy. In one instant he was pushing her away, and then in another moment he was rushing to be her protector. That told her that he might have convinced himself to stay away from her, but it wasn’t really what he wanted.

  The problem was that she was still completely conflicted about what she wanted. She feared opening up her heart only to get it crushed. Because as much as she wanted to believe that Cooper would change, there was a piece of her that told her banking on that was a terrible idea. Especially on something that meant so much.

  Sophie walked into the kitchen and got set up at the table, then waited for Patrick to join her. It wasn’t long before he rushed into the kitchen.

  “Sorry I’m late,” he said. “You know how it is.”

  “All too well.”

  Today he
wore a black suit and red striped tie. Patrick should’ve been the type of guy she was attracted to—very driven, smart, not to mention tall, dark, and handsome. But she wasn’t into him at all. He could’ve been a good diversion to get her mind off of Cooper, but the spark wasn’t there.

  “Ready to get down to it?”

  “Yes.”

  He met her eyes. “I should also apologize for getting heated yesterday. That’s not the most productive way to deal with a witness, and I lost my cool.”

  He had gotten agitated with her yesterday, but the pressure was mounting. The trial was about to start. “No need to apologize. Maybe I needed a good kick to get me going. You were covering a sensitive topic about my mother and her death and the counseling. It’s hard to relive that. But I’m glad you prepped me on it, and today is a new day. I’m ready to go.”

  Patrick cross-examined her for the next two hours straight. When he finally leaned back in his seat, she let out a breath.

  “Well?” she asked. “How did I do?”

  He smiled. “Much better. If you keep this up, I have no concern about you being able to go toe-to-toe with Ashley.”

  “Good. It may sound crazy, but I’ve been rehearsing questions in my mind.”

  “I actually think we’re in a great place, and I don’t want you to overdo it and become rehearsed or lapse back into the legal mindset. I think we’ll be fine with just doing one more session before your testimony.”

  “Whatever you think is best.” She was going to let him drive this train, since it was his case.

  “There is one more thing I want you to think about.”

  “What?”

  “What you should wear.”

  Had she heard him correctly? What did her clothes have to do with anything? “Excuse me?”

  “I know it sounds silly, but your appearance could reinforce the idea in the jury’s mind that you’re a prosecutor.”

  “That can be a positive, can’t it?”

  “Yes. But they’re already going to be hit over the head with that so many times. I was wondering if you’d be open to dressing more casually. Not totally casual, but also not a suit. To reinforce the story that you’re just a young working professional who ended up in a dangerous situation. Maybe a nice top and slacks. Something that makes you seem approachable, to soften you up.”

  Ouch. Did she really come across that way? “You don’t think I’m approachable?”

  “Your normal power suit thing gives off a different vibe. Perfect if you’re the one prosecuting the case, but I really want the jury to be able to envision you as one of them. Remember our theme—you’re just a woman getting a snack after a long day at work.”

  She hadn’t even thought about this. But then again, her mind had been on other things lately. “I’m sure I’ve got something suitable to wear.”

  “Perfect.” He put his hand on top of hers. “I don’t want you to worry.”

  She let out a breath. “Easier said than done.” She noticed Cooper standing in the foyer, but he walked away when she made eye contact.

  Patrick squeezed her hand. “You’re ready, Sophie. Don’t psych yourself out.”

  “Thanks.” She could only pray that she would be ready when the day came.

  Cooper wished he had his punching bag, because right now he needed to let off some steam. In his opinion, Patrick Hunt was getting way too cozy with Sophie. The problem was that he had no right to think that, especially given everything he’d told her. Heck, his confession may have pushed her right into that prosecutor’s arms.

  His gut reactions were visceral and real. That told him he had building feelings for her even if his head told him it was the worst idea on the planet. The bigger issue was how he was going to handle it. Was he strong enough to keep his distance and maintain a cool air of professionalism?

  He didn’t know the answer to that.

  Lord, how have I gotten myself into this situation? You know how I feel about my father and what that means for my future. It’s just not my path, and I’ve come to terms with that. I don’t want to drag Sophie into my world of problems. A past that is almost unspeakable.

  He’d had this conversation with God often. But right now it seemed like it was more important. Because there had never been a woman who interested him like Sophie. Yes, he’d dated in the past, but it was easy to keep his distance and not get too serious. And lately, he’d thrown all his time and effort into his business. Then Sophie came into his life.

  Sophie walked into the living room. “I saw you lurking around the kitchen earlier.”

  “Was just checking on things, but it seemed Patrick had everything under control.” He couldn’t quite keep all the sarcasm out of his voice.

  She raised an eyebrow. “If I didn’t know better, I would think you were jealous of him.”

  He shook his head. “No. I just think it’s odd that he’s so touchy-feely with you.”

  She sat down beside him. “He’s trying to be reassuring.” She grabbed his hand. “Just like I’m trying to do right now. Reassure you.”

  Only her touch didn’t reassure him about anything. It scared the living daylights out of him. He knew he needed to pull away from her, but he couldn’t do it. He wanted to see how this played out. “There are different kinds of touches, Sophie, and it’s hard for me to think that Patrick hasn’t developed a thing for you.”

  “You’re wrong. I can tell when a guy is interested in me. He’s focusing on me because of my role, not because of any romantic interest. And even if he did like me, I don’t have any feelings for him.”

  “That’s your business if you do.”

  She reached out with her other hand and placed it on his cheek. “Cooper, what’s going on here between us?”

  The simple touch of her hand made him crazy. “I’ve been completely honest with you about my situation. I haven’t tried to hide the fact that there’s a spark between us. A huge spark. But I’ve explained why it’s a bad idea to explore it any further.”

  “And you think it’s right for you to make that decision unilaterally without my input?”

  “I’m doing it to protect you from getting hurt.”

  She dropped her hand from his cheek. “I already have one man in my life who thinks he always knows what’s best for me. I don’t need a second one.”

  “See, we’re already arguing over this. It’s not worth it. I don’t want to hurt you. That would be the worst scenario of all.”

  “Then don’t hurt me, Cooper,” she said softly. She squeezed his hand.

  As she looked up at him with her big blue eyes, he leaned down toward her. He could imagine kissing her right now. But where would that leave them?

  She started to lean into him, and he knew he had to move back. Break away from the situation.

  He stood up from the couch and placed his hands in his pockets. “I’m going to go call the guys and check in.”

  Sophie didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to. Yes, he was running away, but it was for the best. For both of them.

  Tad walked into the tall Midtown office tower that was the headquarters for SIB. The building was everything you would expect from a swanky bank. He couldn’t even imagine what Whitney’s office was going to look like.

  She’d called and asked for a face-to-face meeting at her office, and of course he’d cleared his schedule. The two cheating-spouse cases took a back burner, because this was his primary assignment. There was a lot riding on this case.

  He approached the receptionist in the main lobby. The pretty young brunette looked up at him and smiled. “How can I help you, sir?”

  “I have an appointment with Ms. Bowman.” Since he was coming into the bank today, he’d decided to look his best. He’d chosen his dark suit and a conservative tie to match. If he wanted to get more work from SIB, he needed to look like someone who could work for the bank—not someone off the street.

  “And your name?”

  “Tad Grisham.”

  Th
e receptionist quickly typed something on her keyboard. “Yes, I see that in Ms. Bowman’s schedule. You’ll need to take the elevator up to the twenty-fourth floor. There will be another receptionist there who will be expecting you.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  He went to the elevator bay and proceeded to the twenty-fourth floor. When he exited, his breath caught. If he thought the main lobby was nice, then this floor was on a different level. Everything about it screamed money, from the plush furniture to the high-end artwork hanging on the walls.

  Another woman, a bit older than the one in the lobby, greeted him. “Ms. Bowman is ready for you, Mr. Grisham. I’ll take you to her office. Can I provide you with any coffee or water?”

  “Coffee would be great.” Heck, he planned to take advantage of getting pampered. He could certainly get used to this.

  “How do you like it?”

  “Cream and sugar.”

  “Wonderful. I’ll bring it in to you.”

  “Do I hear Tad?” Whitney walked out of her office to greet him with a hearty handshake—or as hearty as a hundred-pound woman could offer. “Please come in and take a seat.”

  He did as she requested and sat down in a large navy armchair. He imagined the chair cost a pretty penny—just like everything else in her office. Her large window showcased the Atlanta skyline and puffy white clouds. “What’s on your mind?”

  “You’ve been doing great work so far. Doing everything I’ve asked of you, and I appreciate how discreet you’ve been. I’m sure you can appreciate that in a relationship like ours, it takes time to build trust.”

  He had an idea where she might be going with this. “I’m glad you’re happy with my services. I strive to do the best job I can for you and the company.”

  A sly smile spread across her frosty pink lips. “I think it’s time we had a heart-to-heart.”

  “Please go ahead.” He’d been waiting for the juicy information on SIB since the day he was hired.

  “I have sources telling me that Sophie Dawson is expanding her investigation in the Shelton case.”

  “Expanding how?”

  “She’s starting to look into possible money-laundering activities undertaken by Shelton.”