Chapter 20 #2
That allowed them to meticulously plan the event, the very moment when they carried out whatever repulsive deed they’d determined was necessary in their lives.
What Jacob was doing was classic. Lying in wait.
Providing a scare for the world around him to see.
That placed everyone on edge and pushed them into performing careless behaviors.
That’s when he’d strike.
What could I say to squelch her fears about the person sitting next to her, the one offering her protection?
She didn’t know me any better than she did the bastard who’d derailed her life.
The only thing I could do was tell her the truths as I’d believed them for years.
“I wish I could agree with you, but I’ve had a number of years to realize that’s just not the case.
In many cases, the bad guys win. There’s much more at stake than you realize.
I’ve always believed in the law, Valentina.
Even though you know little about me, I do believe that’s something you’ve come to realize.
You could say I have my mother and father to blame. That’s a compliment in my mind.”
She shifted in her seat, but I could tell by the way she was wringing her hands she was listening.
“My dad was a sergeant in the army and if there’s anything he taught me that had remained with me, driving both me personally and my career, is that if you followed the letter of the law, truth would always be by your side.
Unfortunately, my father was wrong. Do you know how many times I’ve seen criminals walk free either because an attorney didn’t do their job or a witness was bullied?
To steal again. Or rape another woman. To take children off the streets for human trafficking or to kill them just because they needed their addictive fix for the day.
Monsters no longer kill simply out of necessity or anger.
Many do so for the sheer joy of being able to get away with their crimes.
I cannot and will no longer be a part of a system that all but forgets about those considered innocent. ”
With no idea what effect my words would have on her, I remained quiet as I navigated the streets, thinking about both my words and the warning Camille had issued.
She wasn’t wrong, just like the beautiful woman sitting beside me wasn’t.
Yet neither knew that every experience had ripped away at the very armor Camille had always accused me of locking down around myself.
I was a different man.
So be it.
“Is that what happened with Camille? Is that why she walks that razor thin line of caring about you and hating you?” Her question was more apropos than she could realize.
“It’s complicated.”
“Isn’t life?” She tilted her head, searching my face as if believing she could find the answers when I was a master of hiding my emotion.
More uncomfortable than before, I twisted my hand on the steering wheel.
“You’re right. She was working a case where there was no doubt the criminal was guilty.
He ended up in my courtroom. The prosecuting attorney made a huge mistake that required me to throw out the evidence.
I couldn’t make any other decision. The perpetrator was found not guilty. She never forgave me.”
Women had an uncanny ability to see through bullshit. I had a feeling that’s exactly what Valentina was doing with me, but she let it go.
“A juror in the trial was killed. I saw that on the news. The Undertaker is planning on killing all of us. Isn’t he?”
The tension within me was mounting. “Maybe. I’m sorry you had to find out.”
“As I told you before, I am much stronger than you give me credit for. Please do me one favor and don’t lie to me. That’s all I ask. Was it the Undertaker?”
“The case is still under investigation.” At least that wasn’t a lie. “However, if you want my gut answer, I’d say yes.”
“He won’t stop.”
Sighing, I knew anything I said would unnerve her. “I believe he’s interested in retaliation, but he’s also sending a message. What that is I don’t know yet. However, there are potentially some people involved with the Delgado Cartel who are on the take.”
“Meaning corrupt.”
When I nodded, she took a deep breath.
“Understood. What are you going to do with Mr. Jones? Are you going to put him behind bars or kill him?” Her question wasn’t timid nor was it filled with fear.
Instead, the continued defiance reminded me that there were still good people in this world.
In truth, her question shocked the shit out of me.
“I’m going to ensure he faces the consequences for what he’s done by the letter of the law.” That’s what the man even six months before would say. The one glancing in the rearview mirror to ensure we weren’t being followed likely would say something else entirely.
While I couldn’t tell if she was disappointed or relieved by my answer, she was thoughtful as to offering her insight into the man I’d become. “What if the law fails us again?”
Us.
The single word was more powerful than almost any others could be.
“I’ll face that when and if it occurs.”
With a heavy sigh, she returned to silence where she remained for several minutes.
“Were you in love?”
The question came from so far left I had to process the words. “What?”
“Camille. It’s obvious you two were close before this… case in court. I emphasize were because I could see from the minute she walked in the door she wasn’t happy. Call it woman’s intuition, but I don’t think her strong feelings are all about you needing to perform your duties.”
“What did she say?”
“Essentially that you would break my heart. I assume you broke hers.”
“Not in the way you’re thinking.” My thoughts drifted to one of the worst days of my life. Perhaps in some ways the worst.
Valentina shifted so she could stare at me instead of inanimate objects. “What way? You weren’t a couple?”
The laugh sounded bitter even for me. “No. We flirted. We toyed with the idea a dozen years ago, but we realized becoming involved, even if only for a night would destroy our friendship.”
She thought about what I was saying. “This case did so for you.”
“Yes. Not by my choice, but I respected her decision.”
“Until you just had to call in a favor. Why would you do that?”
“Because I knew I could trust her with Bella and she would be the only person you’d feel free leaving your daughter with.”
The air in the car was heavy. “Maybe you’re right. Have you tried explaining what you had to do to her? The truth?”
“I wish it was that simple. Somewhere inside she knows I had no choice. The truth is that while she and others believe judges have the power in their hands to ensure justice is served, often our hands are tied. There are times that nothing can be done no matter how guilty the person or what a decision from a judge could mean. Even though Camille was well aware of how the system worked, when a decision was forced, there was no one else in her eyes to blame but the man in the cloak.” I headed off the interstate, checking the rearview mirror once again.
She knew exactly what I was doing, shifting again and looking behind her at the traffic. “You think we’re being followed. Don’t you?”
“No, I don’t, but I can’t allow that to happen.”
“Now you’re scaring me.”
“I’ll be honest with you. You should be. That’s why I’m here and will be here as long as you need.”
“Why? You have your life to live. I’m just some girl who walked into your courtroom because she took a shortcut to her car on a rainy night.”
Camille’s obvious pep talk had gotten to her. Instead of being angry with her, I needed to face her question head on. Was I just trying to right a wrong from years before? I hadn’t been able to save my sister and I hadn’t managed to take away Camille’s pain.
The ache in my heart increased with every passing second.
Valentina’s question also burned in my mind as I slowed, making another turn and slowing down.
What struck me was that for the first time in years, I’d allowed myself to feel anything again other than anger.
That had everything to do with Valentina and nothing to do with the past. “First of all, you’re not just some girl.
And maybe the truth is that I am living perhaps for the first time in years.
I know. Strange timing. Right? Well, I can tell you that often I suck with appropriate timing. ”
My admittance seemed to shock her and I was rewarded with a smile. “I’ll accept your answer and right now, your timing is perfect. So where are you taking me?”
I sensed she wanted to lighten the conversation and I was relieved.
“Well, you see. I have this favorite pizza joint. When I moved here a thousand years ago, Sal’s Pizza became my favorite place.
See that building over there?” I pointed across the street and in searching for which building I’d mentioned, she moved closer.
Close enough her incredible perfume painted my nostrils, filling me with another strong sense of desire.
So strong my balls were aching.
“The building with the strange bluish tint?”
I laughed easily this time. “That’s because of all the neon lights.
Back then the area wasn’t considered on the fringes of South Beach.
I was able to get an apartment for cheap.
On the corner was a little convenience store that had everything I needed.
Peanut butter and sardines. Everything a growing boy needs to eat. ”
There was nothing so soulful as the lilt of her laugh. “Isn’t that part of a Jimmy Buffett song?”
“Hey. Everybody has a cousin in Miami.” When I shot out a line from one of my favorite pieces from the entertainer, she placed her hand on my leg as I’d done with her a few minutes earlier.
I’ll be damned if my dick wasn’t at full attention. If she kept it up, I’d never be able to survive the night.
“And the pizza?” she cooed as soon as I was successful in finding a spot in the crowded parking lot.
“A treat. That was back when I was a newly minted attorney. When I won a case, I allowed myself two slices of pepperoni and extra cheese pizza. Dripping with sauce and grease. That and two beers and I thought I was king for a day. Then I’d play cards all night with a couple buddies of mine.”
Valentine unfastened her seatbelt and crowded even closer. Now she shocked me when she gripped my arm, kissing my cheek. “The same buddies you play poker with now?”
Forced to take a deep breath so I didn’t ravage her in the car, I allowed a single growl. “The same ones.” I hadn’t really realized how long the five of us had been friends. How things changed.
And not necessarily for the better.
“I’ll need to meet these special men one day. Just to see how many Jimmy Buffett songs they know. Call it a test.”
“Let me guess. You think you can win.” At least her mood had brightened. Then again, so had mine. She had a way of bringing sunshine even when the clouds threatened to consume the brightest sky.
She pressed her index finger into my arm, twirling it as she peered up at me. I could swear she had the same lust in her eyes that I felt deep in my loins. “I win at everything. Just test me.”
“Hmmm… Challenge accepted. Just be careful what you ask for, little lady. I play to win.”
“We shall see.” Her voice singsong, she blew me a kiss before easing out onto the pavement.
I had to adjust my cock to prevent my zipper from pinching my skin. What in the hell was I going to do with her?
Her laughter lingered long after she shut the door, waiting for me to join her.
A vibrant vision drifted back and forth in my dangerous mind, every image filthy as sin.
This girl was trouble through and through.
And I was all for it.