CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX #3
“I apologize for the obvious question, but it’s important to establish context. Miss Petrov, who testified before you, told us about the Russians. What do you know about them?”
“They’re the new rulers of the streets. Spreading terror and drugs to bored rich kids.”
“Your Honor!” Will intervened. “My colleague keeps trying to smear the victim’s name.”
“I’m just providing context, Your Honor. Trying to show that there were many more suspects who weren’t even considered because they decided my client was guilty without a trial.”
“Proceed.”
“Would the Russians be capable of killing someone?”
Betty laughed.
“Are you kidding me? They’re capable of anything.”
“In your investigations, did you come across Quentin?”
“Yes.”
“And what was the context?”
“His parents’ company has been under investigation for tax evasion, money laundering, and involvement in drug trafficking.”
“Really? Funny, I don’t remember hearing about that.”
“Because it’s being heavily suppressed. That’s why I was reassigned to your client’s case.”
“So besides covering up the crisis at Darwin Pharmaceuticals, they also found a scapegoat to redirect attention.”
Quinn stood up, but before he could speak, I cut him off.
“Withdrawn. I’m satisfied.”
Fisherman stared at Quinn.
“Does the prosecution wish to question the witness?”
“May I approach, Your Honor?”
He nodded, and we approached.
“The prosecution needs a recess.”
“I don’t want to drag this case out any longer than necessary.” Fisherman was fed up with us. “Why do you need a recess?”
“We need to share our evidence and witnesses if we want a fair trial.” Quinn stared at me. “No tricks or last-minute surprises.”
“You started it, Quinn.”
“Enough. How much time do you think you need?” the judge asked us.
“A few hours.”
“You have thirty minutes.” He banged the gavel and announced a quick recess, dismissing the jurors to the jury room.
I went to Célie and told her to present the details to Quinn.
“And what are you going to do in the meantime?” Célie asked me.
“I need to talk to my client,” I responded as formally as possible, though only one thing was running through my mind.
I opened the car door and Dante got into the passenger seat. I slammed it shut and got in on the driver’s side.
“What are we doing here, Helena?” I started the car and the music I’d been listening to on the way there began blasting.
“You should have told me about Claire and that damn message.”
“I didn’t remember that shit when we talked earlier. And I didn’t expect Claire to testify against me.”
“I think deep down she just wanted your attention.”
“How did you know?” Dante stared at me. “That I rejected her.”
“I’m a woman.” I returned his gaze. “And I recognize the pain of rejection when I see it.”
“Hard to believe you’d know anything about that.” Dante looked me up and down.
“That’s because I’m very good.”
“I saw that.”
His expression changed, as did his tone.
“And felt it.”
“Dante.”
“What are we doing here, Helena? And don’t tell me it’s about Claire because we both know it’s not.”
Dante leaned toward me.
“We wouldn’t have privacy at the courthouse.”
“Or you just wanted a chance to show me you’re turned on too.”
Dante ran his fingers along my thigh.
“I’m focused on my work, Dante. That’s all.”
His finger stopped an inch from my center.
“So when you put your hand on my cock and felt it throb, you didn’t lick your lips?”
“Is everything sexual to you?”
“When it comes to you? Feels more like a curse.”
“I’m your curse?”
“You’re my fucking curse, Helena.”
Dante stopped thinking. His body invaded mine and I responded by giving him what he wanted. The urgency I felt. The longing for his kisses and his dangerous taste.
I climbed onto his lap and surprisingly my sporty Jaguar seemed much more spacious than it actually was.
“What if someone sees us?”
I managed to say between kisses.
Dante pulled back slightly to look at me.
“That’s the fun part, isn’t it?”
A wicked smile on his lips was all I needed to let him continue. He buried his face in my breasts. His hands slipped under my clothes. Squeezed my ass. His teeth grazed my skin while “Hot and Cold” by Scorpions blasted through the car.
I was so completely his that I no longer knew where I ended and we began. And then he was taking me to paradise again, with a return ticket to Earth tucked in his pocket.
We finished sweaty, and my car reeked of dirty sex. Dante breathed deeply with his eyes closed, as if downloading his own consciousness.
“You have five minutes to recover,”
I declared, fixing my hair and tossing the key into his lap.
“Keep the key with you.”
“What if everything goes wrong and I get arrested?”
he asked suddenly, his expression a mix of exhaustion and worry.
“You won’t.”
“I still hope you’ll keep your promise. Don’t dirty your hands to pull me out of the mud.”
“You have the best.”
I leaned over him and pressed my lips to his.
“Give me some credit.”
“I love you, Helena.”
“Shut up.”
I got out of the car and straightened my suit. I made sure no one was watching before walking back to the courthouse. I had many reasons to lose this case, but only one reason to win it. I needed to tell him that I loved him too.