Page 25 of Innocent Intent

Cassidy Evans.

“District Attorney’s office. How can I help you?”

“This is Detective Davis. Badge number 6112. I’m calling to check on a warrant I requested.”

“When was the request placed?”

Davis ground his back teeth. It had only been a few hours since he’d signed off on the affidavit. He was new and couldn’t call in favors, so he typically had to wait his turn. “This morning.”

“Well, Detective, we’re a little backed up. DA Greene has been in back-to-back meetings since this morning. It’s not likely she’s gotten around to it.”

“Yeah, see, I’m at a bit of a standstill here. I really could use a little help getting that on her desk.”

“Detective Davis, was it?”

“Yeah, and before you shoot me down, just know I would forever be in your debt with anything you could do to help.”

“I’m sure. Why don’t you head on over, and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Yeah, sure, I can do that. On my way now.”

“Fine, but no promises. Like I said—”

“You’re behind. Got it. Again, I appreciate you even trying.”

Davis ended the call, grabbed his cell phone and keys, and headed out of the office, only to be stopped by one of his colleagues.

“You in a hurry, Davis?”

“Yeah, I am. Excuse me.”

“Look, I get it. You’re new, a loner, and not looking to make friends with any of us.” Irritation flooded Davis’s expression when Detective Braxton Reese refused to get out of his way. Davis would have to reiterate the point the other detectives didn’t seem to understand. They needed to let him be.

“Then, if you get it, why the hell are you still in my way?”

“Because you might not need friends, but allies come in handy.” Reese lifted the phone and quickly made a call.

“Hey, Chelle. It’s Detective Reese. Good, and you?” Reese issued a lazy grin. “Of course you are, and I’ll see what I can do. Listen, one of our guys called about a warrant. Yeah, Davis. He’s on his way over. Why don’t you do me a favor and make sure it’s ready for him?” Reese smiled wider but kept his eyes on Davis. “I know, but if you do this for me, you know I’ll return the favor. Perfect. He’s heading your way now.”

Davis ground his teeth behind Reese getting involved. “I didn’t need your help with that.”

“Maybe not, but you got it. Only it’s gonna cost you. One beer, tonight at Charlie’s.”

“No, thanks.”

“Come on, Davis. I’m not trying to overstep . . .”

“That’s exactly what you’re doing.”

Reese grinned smugly, shrugging lazily. “Okay, maybe I am, but can you blame me, or any of us, for that matter? We’re a family around here, and you insist on keeping yourself exclusive. Might not mean much to you now, but I promise having at least one of us on your side will prove beneficial. It damn sure won’t be Harper, so I’m your best choice.”

“And why the fuck do you care?”

Reese grinned again. “I don’t actually, but I’ve been where you are, so I get it. One beer. After that, do whatever you want around here. Tonight, eight o’clock, Charlie’s.”

After speaking his piece, Reese walked back to his desk. Davis left the precinct with a warrant in his hand twenty minutes later.

Davis parked his car in front of the bank and was about to get out when something, or rather someone, caught his eye. Before he decided to get out to see what she was up to, a call came through on his cell. He answered but kept his eyes on Cassidy as she entered the bank and walked to the customer service desk.

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