Two Years Later

by Jones, Lisa Renee

  I cup her head and pull her lips to mine. “Are you telling me you thought you were going to lose me over Debbie?”

  “No. Not really.”

  I pull back. “Not really?”

  “I had fleeting moments that I felt those things. They were so very fleeting, but I think it’s natural in such a situation. The point isn’t about us, but rather that Dana’s afraid of losing everything. I get that because of my fresh feelings over Debbie. Let’s not decide Dana’s guilt, based on her confused, emotional state of mind. She might just really need what I did. For the man she loves to tell her he’s innocent.”

  “You needed to hear me say it?”

  “I didn’t think I did, but when I looked in your eyes and you assured me you were, I knew you were. It’s like I could breathe again. We’re denying Dana that chance and for good reason. We have to. I mean, if Reginald is guilty, for all we know he could turn dangerous and suicidal. I’m just saying, we believed in Dana. You believed in her and I don’t think you should stop now. That will affect how you defend her. Stand by your client and win with your client.”

  I digest those words and they feel as right as everything with Cat always feels. This woman understands me in ways no other human ever has or could. She is truly my partner in this life, and she’s right. If Dana felt Reginald could be that for her, she’s going to resist losing him. “The questions is,” I say, “what will she do to protect him? She was ready to turn on him only days ago. She’s erratic and all over the board.”

  “My mother stayed with my father even when he cheated. The fear of being alone is powerful.”

  I cup her face. “That will never be us. You know that, right?”

  “I know that, Reese Summer. We’re going to grow old together. We’re going to have babies together.”

  I pull back and look at her. “Babies? You’re thinking about babies?”

  “We’ve talked about it.”

  “Yes,” I say. “We have. We should talk about it again.”

  “You still want babies, right?”

  I kiss her. “I want everything with you, Cat,” I assure her, but now she’s got me thinking. She’s been sick. She’s different right now. Did my wife just tell me she’s pregnant? Surely not. She wouldn’t tell me here and now, but if she is or if she’s just got the idea on her mind, I want her to know I’m all in.

  There’s a knock on the door and I quickly kiss her again. “Just to be clear, Cat,” I promise. “Everything means everything,” I say before I’m forced to leave this conversation for later.

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  Cat

  Lauren doesn’t stay for the afternoon in court, but I’m feeling pretty good about the cigar in my purse that she gave me for Reese. I settle into my seat, waiting for the courtroom to come to order. After Reese and I had our little talk about babies and everything, he might have a little idea I’m pregnant, but he’ll have to wait for the birthday surprise and I know it will be a really special day. Especially when Reese reclaims his spot in the courtroom and winks at me. There are a few murmurs in response that tell me we most likely got the attention of the press but I’m not complaining. Mr. Hotness winked at me, and I’m the lucky girl in the room.

  The rest of the morning, the prosecution seems to stay on safe territory. They call non-consequential witnesses and fill up time. Come lunchtime, I reluctantly allow Savage to walk me to the food truck. “How long do you think it will be necessary to have you by my side?”

  Savage holds his heart. “You wound me. I thought I was too good to let go of.”

  I laugh and Reese steps to my side, wrapping his arm around me, and eyeing Savage. “I’ll take it from here.”

  Right at that moment, Reginald steps in front of us. “I didn’t do it,” he says. “I didn’t fucking do it.”

  Savage steps between us. “You need to back away, man.”

  “I just want to talk. Please, Reese! Please, just talk to me.”

  Reese looks down at me. “Stay away from him and with me or Savage at all times.” He then refocuses on the two men and calls out. “Savage, I’ll talk to him.”

  Savage pulls Reginald in front of him and holds his arms. “As long as Reginald here doesn’t mind being friendly with me while you do,” he says, towering over Reginald and Reginald is not a small guy.

  Reginald doesn’t even seem to notice. “I didn’t do it. Tell me what I need to do to prove I didn’t do it.”

  “Tell the truth on the stand,” Reese says. “Martha didn’t and that didn’t go well for her.”

  “Can you be my attorney?”

  “That’s a conflict of interest.” Reese says.

  “You think I’m guilty.”

  “It wouldn’t matter either way,” Reese replies. “It’s a conflict of interest.”

  “I’ll protect her. Put me on the stand, and I’ll protect her.”

  “I intend to,” Reese says. “When it’s our turn which could be a long way off.”

  “What if I get Martha to confess? I’ll confront her. I’ll record her.”

  “We could make that work,” Savage says.

  “Talk to Savage, Reginald,” Reese replies. “But don’t talk to Dana. You’re going to make her look guilty.”

  “Because I look guilty?” he demands.

  “Because she looks guilty,” Reese says. “She’s the one who was charged. Don’t give anyone a chance to question her. As long as there’s no evidence against you, they won’t charge you to just charge.” He eyes Savage. “We’re going back.”

  Savage nods and Reese wraps his arm around my shoulders and turns me back toward the courthouse. “First thought?”

  “I hope he doesn’t get an attorney. That could work against us.”

  “Agreed,” I say.

  “Maybe he’ll deliver us Martha and save himself and Dana.”

  “Desperate people do desperate things,” I remind him. “This feels volatile to me. It feels like a problem.”

  “That’s why he’s with Savage and on another note: Your brother texted me. Debbie is on an airplane and I talked to Royce. Wilson is stable. I think for now though, we’ll keep Walker in place through the rest of the trial.”

  “Because of Reginald?”

  “Because I want you safe.”

  We head back into the courthouse and I think about the baby in my belly and decide not to argue. I’m not taking any chances with our child and maybe on some level Reese senses that he needs to protect more than me. He needs to protect his child.

  ***

  The afternoon is slow. The prosecution calls a number of police officers who are so uneventful that Reese allows Elsa to cross-examine them. It’s four o’clock when Savage enters the courtroom and delivers a note to Reese. Reese reads the note and nods to Savage. “Judge, can we approach please?”

  The judge motions him forward and he and Milton are quickly in front of him. Both are clearly arguing before the judge bangs his gavel. “Counselors, in my office. Court is adjourned until eight am tomorrow.”

  Savage is waiting on me at the end of the aisle, and we don’t speak until we’re outside. “What’s going on?” I ask as soon as we’re out of the cluster of people.

  “The police raided Martha and Reginald’s apartments an hour ago,” he says. “Things are heating up.”

  “That’s doesn’t mean they won’t find a way to connect Dana,” I say, hurrying toward Reese’s private hallway.

  “An insider told Royce to expect an arrest,” Savage tells me as we turn down the hallway.

  “One arrest?”

  “One.”

  “Which one?”

  “He wouldn’t say more,” Savage says, “but after dealing with Reginald this afternoon I vote for Martha.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “He was willing to be recorded setting her up,” he says. “If he had something to hide he wouldn’t be that stupid. Well, not likely. I’ve
met some really fucking stupid people.”

  “What’s the plan on that anyway?” I ask.

  “Reginald is with our team, but Martha is MIA. No one has seen her since she left court.”

  “Dana’s in freak out mode,” Richard says, rushing toward us. “She’s afraid Reginald is being arrested.”

  “Isn’t that adorable,” Savage says dryly. “I just love when a woman on trial worries about her money-grubbing boyfriend.”

  “I thought you thought he was innocent,” I say.

  “Of murder,” Savage says, “but I know men, and that man is in love with money, not the woman with the money.”

  I don’t get time to ask where this assessment comes from. Reese exits to the hallway and we all wait eagerly to hear the news. “Well?”

  “Milton tried to blow off the warrants as unimportant, but the judge wasn’t convinced,” he says. “We’re meeting him in chambers for an update before court tomorrow morning.”

  Dana appears at the conference room door. “Well?”

  Reese turns to look at her. “Warrants were issued for Martha and Reginald’s apartments which are currently being searched. Time to get to that hotel room and wait out any news. No conversations with Reginald. Don’t break that promise.”

  Dana hugs herself. “I want this to be over.”

  “Even if there’s an arrest and your case is dismissed,” Reese says, “it’s not over until the killer is proven guilty. That means you need to trust cautiously and protect yourself.”

  “That’s not easy to do with someone you love,” Dana says, shoving her blonde hair from her face, her blue eyes bloodshot, as if she’s fighting tears.

  “Good news,” Savage says. “That’s why you have us right now.” He wiggles an eyebrow. “And beyond our reasonable charges, we don’t want your money.”

  “But Reginald does?” Dana asks.

  “That’s between you and him, ma’am,” he says. “But we can talk about it over a ten-dollar deal night pizza, if you like.”

  “Go have pizza,” Reese says. “And try not to overthink what comes next. It’s going to happen no matter what.”

  “You really think my case will be dismissed?” Dana asks, sounding hopeful now.

  “Unless there’s evidence in Martha or Reginald’s apartments to convict you,” Reese says. “Then yes, I do.”

  Her eyes go wide. “What if one of them sets me up?”

  “The only one that could set you up is Reginald,” I say. “He came to us today and swore he’d protect you. We’ll know soon if he meant those words.”

  “You have to wait this out,” Reese says. “There’s no way to take the hard part of that out of the equation.”

  “Sure there is,” Savage says. “Ten-dollar pizza and cheap wine, the likes of which a rich Princess like you doesn’t understand.” He motions her forward.

  Dana stares at Reese a moment. “You’ll call if you hear anything tonight?”

  “I will,” he promises.

  She gives a sharp nod and joins Savage who eyes Reese. “I’ll have one of my men get you two home.”

  Reese nods and looks at Richard and Elsa. “Go eat pizza and drink cheap wine. Our job here is done for now.”

  They say they’re goodbyes and Reese pulls me to him. “How about ten-dollar pizza and cheap wine for us, too?”

  “No olives and no wine—I have to write my column—but I’m all in for the pizza,”

  His lips quirk and he studies me. “No olives and no wine. Deal.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders and we start walking. “If I guess the birthday present do I get it early?”

  CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

  Cat

  I’m saved from Reese’s birthday inquiry when one of Savage’s men joins us, but I am fairly certain that my need to feel Reese out on the topic of babies has blown my surprise. He knows. Or he suspects. I don’t want to tell him. Not until his birthday. It’s only two weeks. I’ll let him wonder until then. He has to wait. We head out to the SUV waiting on us and despite a swarm of press that tries to get to Reese, we’re on the road without any real trouble. On the ride home, Cole calls Reese to talk about the developments with Debbie and the call is over by the time we’re at our apartment door.

  We walk in the door with a sense of relief between us. The Debbie situation is all but behind us and so is this trial. For Dana, I’m not sure the problem is gone. Reginald may or may not be guilty, and her case being dismissed doesn’t answer that question. “Pizza, no olives?” Reese asks as we walk into the bedroom and I kick off my heels.

  I glance over at him, as he shrugs out of his jacket, that perfect chest of his stretching with the action. I wonder if pregnancy makes you want your man more because I’m not lacking in the want my man scenario despite my sickness. “No olives,” I say. “I think it will be a while before I venture down that path again.” I head into the closet via the bathroom and strip off my dress.

  Reese appears in the doorway, and he’s now wearing sweats and a snug tee. “No wine, right?” he asks, and he’s looking at my stomach.

  I point at my boobs. “They’re right here, in case you didn’t notice.”

  His eyes meet mine. “Cat—”

  The doorbell rings. “Damn it,” he murmurs, grabbing me and pulling me to him. “I’ll finish that sentence when we’re alone.” He kisses me and heads out of the closet.

  Damn it is right. He’s going to make me tell him because if he asks me directly, I won’t lie even if it is to save his surprise.

  ***

  Reese

  My wife is pregnant. I know it. I feel it and my excitement is dashed when I reach for the front door to open it and pause with a thought. She’s been nursing this news, while Debbie was claiming that I cheated on her. I press my hands to the door. “Damn it,” I whisper. No wonder she hasn’t told me. I need to think about this. Where does that put her head right now? Do I push her to tell me?

  The doorbell rings again and I grimace but push off the door. “Who is it?”

  “Royce,” comes the deep reply.

  I open the door. “I hope this is good news.”

  “It’s not bad news,” he says.

  “What’s happening?” Cat asks from behind me.

  I back up and allow Royce to enter, my gaze sweeping over my wife, who’s in baggy sweats and a T-shirt and still looks sexy as hell. Pregnant. With my child. I can’t even get my head around this really happening for us. I really don’t want to get my head around the timing.

  “Let’s go to the kitchen,” I say, motioning him forward, and joining Cat, but I don’t let her follow him.

  I pull her to me. “Cat,” I whisper.

  “What?”

  “I’m so fucking sorry about Debbie. I hate you had to go through this.”

  “It’s not your fault.” Her hand settles on my face. “Why are you saying this right now?”

  “It just hit me walking down the stairs, how shitty this really has to be for you right now.”

  “It’s over and it was bad for both of us. This isn’t your fault, Reese.”

  I rest my forehead against her. “I know, but that almost makes it worse. I couldn’t protect you from this.” I kiss her temple. “Come on. Let’s talk to Royce.” I take her hand and lead her into the kitchen.

  Royce is helping himself to a bottle of water from the fridge. “Thanks,” he says, shutting the door and holding it up. He takes a big swig and sets the bottle on the counter while Cat and I take up the spots at the island across from him. “They’re arresting Martha,” he announces. “They think she not only did the crime, they believe she acted alone, though they aren’t prepared to fully rule out Reginald’s involvement.”

  My phone rings in my pocket and I pull it out, glancing at the caller ID and the unknown number. “I have no idea who this is.” I answer, “Reese Summer.”

  “It’s Milton. We’re dismissing the case in the morning, but if I find
a connection to her, I will recharge her.” He disconnects.

  I slip my phone back in my pocket. “They’re dismissing the charges,” I say. “Reserving the right to recharge if they find new evidence.”

  “You don’t look pleased,” Royce comments.

  “An acquittal means your client can’t be recharged,” I say. “This doesn’t.”

  “It’s still a good thing,” Cat says. “They have a weak case that you exposed in court. They really would have to have something big to recharge.”

  “My source is good,” Royce says. “Martha did it. They found gun residue and DNA. That said, Dana needs to proceed cautiously with Reginald until he’s officially cleared. He could plant evidence on her.”

  “Does that mean that you think he’s involved?” I ask.

  “I don’t,” he says. “But we can’t know for sure. Martha linked them. We have to be sure that link is broken before we call him innocent.”

  “I need to go talk to Dana,” I say. “Which means I need to change.”

  “I’ll give you a ride,” Royce says. “I can share my concerns if you think it helps.”

  “Cat’s the one that gets through to her,” I say, eyeing her. “But you have a deadline, right?”

  “I really do,” she says, “but if you need me once you’re there, call me and I’ll come over.” She frowns. “I’ll just ride with you. I can sit in the hotel lobby and write, and then if you really need me I’ll be there.”

  “You sure?” I ask, concerned that she’s pushing herself, on top of all the stress. I don’t want to lose this baby or her. “You’ve been really sick.”

  “I’m good. I feel okay right now.”

  I eye Royce. “Give us ten minutes to change again.”

  He nods. “I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  I give him a wave and Cat and I head to the bedroom. Once we’re there, she steps in front of me. “What was that down there?”