Page 15 of Stone Cold Savage

“The client is deceased,” Devyn interrupted. “By law…”

“I am quite aware of the law, young lady.” He sneered, “And the law says I am in no way obligated to share anything, even if the law says I can. I took an oath. I have morals and ethics that forbid me from saying another word on the matter. I’m sorry. I simply cannot help you.”

“But Mr. Steele,” Kenzie added from the back of the room where she stood, studying this character and the space he operated in as if it held the key to the vault where all the secrets went to hide.

“Sheriff, I don’t see how you have any influence on the matter, so we’ll just leave it at that. No law has been broken, and you aren’t family.”

“She’s family.” Coy interrupted.

“Interesting. Delilah didn’t mention you as such.” Ellis stood from behind his desk and looked to his watch, “If you don’t mind, I have clients due who actually have appointments. I’m sorry this will came as a surprise and that your mother hid it all from you, but perhaps you need to look a little closer to home to find out why. I am certainly not the answer or the problem.”

Coy and Devyn stood and turned to leave, but Coy stalled and turned to Ellis. “Oh, Mr. Ellis…”

“It’s Mr. Steele. Ellis is my first name.”

“Riiight.” Coy sneered with a wicked grin over his intentional insult, “Are you new around these parts? I know I’ve been gone for quite some time, but surely I’d remember you.”

“Fairly new. A little over a year maybe, give or take.” Ellis answered suspiciously. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, no reason. Just like to know our neighbors. Small town, USA, and all…” Coy’s mouth curled at the corners, “You have yourself a great day.”

“Prick,” Coy said as they exited Ellis’s office and passed the empty reception desk.

“Did anyone else feel…” Devyn began.

“Like we were being lied to? Of course.” Kenzie said. “The whole thing was a lie.”

As they reached the lobby exit, Coy stopped and noted the photos on the wall. “This guy is either really smart or really dumb.”

“You see it too, huh?” Kenzie added. “While you guys were bantering back and forth with that asshole, I was taking a mental note of everyone he’s pictured with on that wall in there.”

“Quite the socialite,” Coy added, pointing to select pictures on the wall. “Governor, head of the… Well, head of everything. Look at that.”

Shaking her head, Kenzie sighed, “Head of the livestock commission, the actual commissioner, ranchers coalition, builders coalition. If there’s anyone elite down here in our neck of the woods, it’s all of these guys.”

“Judge Adams, huh? This guy a politician looking to run for something?” Coy asked.

“Anyone want to bring me up to speed?” Devyn asked. “Or are we going to play a round of Clue again?”

“If this guy’s only been here a year or so…”

Kenzie snorted, pointing to one of the pictures, “Then how was he rubbing elbows with my deceased father?”

“Shit, Kenz.” Coy sighed. “What the hell is this guy into, and how do all of these people factor in?”

“Anyone going to fill me in, or am I really supposed to guess at this point? Remember, I’m not a fancy bad guy hunter like you two. I’m just a fricken lawyer.”

“Sis, I think this guy is in deep pockets,” Coy said. “That’s what we’re getting at here. Anyone and everyone with influence or an ounce of power is on this guy’s wall.”

“And that means?” Devyn shrugged.

“It means everything and nothing.” Kenzie went on. “Dev, this guy is either full of ego and showing off his friend roster to intimidate people or elevate himself. And by intimidate, I mean, don’t come for me –– I know people type.”

“You think he’s dirty.”

“Simply put. Probably.” Coy said.

“All because he knows influential people.” Devyn surmised.

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