Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Does the detective really think I beat a woman to death? “I would’ve let him search my house.”
“And the firm,” Cage finishes.
I rub my temple. “Oh.” It’s rare to obtain a search warrant for a law firm because of privilege. “I’m sure they’ll limit the warrant to just my office.”
“I know. I’m already having your paralegal take out all sensitive files.”
I wince. “Joseph, you’re not supposed to do that.”
“A warrant hasn’t been issued yet.”
Very good point. There’s a reason he’s the managing partner of the firm. “I guess I’ll head in to the police station now.” My voice trembles.
“Hey. It’s going to be okay,” Cage says softly. “We’re the best law firm in the state, and you’re innocent. Keep that in mind.”
I swallow over a lump in my throat and notice that my hands are shaking. “I will.”
“You don’t sound good. I’ll pick you up so I’m with you the entire time.”
Hope filters through me. I really don’t want to be alone, and I doubt I can get ahold of Alexei right now. “Are you sure? I could just meet you there.”
“It doesn’t sound like you should drive.” The ding of an elevator button comes through the line. “I like that the detective called you. I don’t know if that means that he just thinks you’re in over your head or if perhaps he believes you to be innocent. Either way, he’s working with us.” Cage sounds both thoughtful and relieved.
Okay. This will be all right. I repeat the mantra in my head. “Thank you, Joseph.”
“Of course. I’m in the car and will be there in fifteen minutes. I promise we’ll get you bailed out as soon as possible. The firm will pay for any bail you need.”
Relief flows through me. “Thank you.”
“Of course. I know you didn’t do this.” He clicks off.
Standing, I take off my suit and pull on a pair of jeans, socks, sneakers, and a lightweight sweater. If I’m going to jail, I’m going to be comfortable. I then dash off a note to my boarders with instructions for the next couple of days, just in case. Finally, I hear a car pull up outside. I open my door and jog down the stairs of my outside entrance while texting Alexei with an update of what’s happening. I know he’s busy, but I’m sure he’ll see the texts when he can.
Cage’s town car waits at my curb. The two men from Alexei’s organization move toward me from the front porch, and I wave a hand. “It’s okay. I have to surrender myself at the police station, and then I’ll be back home.”
The back door of the car opens, and Joseph Cage leans out. “Is everything all right?” He looks at the two guys. They’re both built like trucks and are obviously armed.
“My bodyguards,” I say.
The first one shakes his head. “You’re not supposed to leave.”
He’s a youngish guy named Olaf, and a couple of my boarders have been sneaking him pancakes. His partner is a couple years older and looks like he could punch through a wall with his head.
“I don’t have a choice. Either I go in or the police come and get me,” I say.
They look at each other, obviously not wanting to mess with the police.
Olaf rests his hand on his gun. “Most of our, um, organization is in the middle of a, well, negotiation right now.”
What? I read between the lines. Alexei and his few followers are meeting and hopefully not shooting with the rest of the mob? Great. “I’m going in. I’ll deal with Alexei later.”
“We’ll follow you,” Olaf says.
“Fine by me.” I hurry to the car and slip into the back seat along with Joseph. I shut the door. “I can’t believe I’m being arrested.”
Cage is pale in the dim light of the vehicle. “It’s all right. We’ll use the back door, and hopefully nobody will see you. The firm doesn’t want the news media to pick up on this.”
“I agree,” I say. “I’m really sorry about this.”
He swallows loudly. “It’s not your fault. Jaqueline assigned the case to you. I would’ve passed on the whole thing.”
“You don’t care about redeeming the firm’s reputation?”
Cage looks down at his jeans. “Not even remotely. I did at first, but believe me, this has not been worth it.”
“I know.” I feel like I should apologize again, but really not much of this is my fault. I look through the back window to see the two Russian men following us in a lifted, light-beige truck. The truck’s a surprise. I’m accustomed to these guys all driving around in black town cars. In fact, the truck is a nice change of pace. I always figured when it comes to the mob, they all drive black cars. It’s good that they have some choice in their vehicles. I have no problem focusing my brain on whimsical thoughts or unimportant details while ignoring danger. It makes me feel more in control.