Page 53 of Knot Guilty

Like other lovers do on a real date, we discuss the wine list, signature cocktails, and the menu, though it’s constantly on my mind to wonder when we’ll be approached by Judge Fairhope.

We get through the meal and have ordered dessert when Maxen reaches across the table for my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. “I’m glad you finally decided that I wasn’t full of shit and gave me a chance.”

My raised brow says that I still very much believe he’s full of shit, but I can’t and won’t deny that he had been right about me. To check his ego, I decide to tell him about my decision being helped by a drunk homeless man. Before I can get the first words out, a shadow crosses our table. Judge Fairhope.

“You’re Ms. Phelps, correct? Sadie Phelps?”

“Yes, sir. That’s me.”

A genuine smile of gratitude graces the older gentleman’s face. “I’m sorry to interrupt your dinner, but I thought I recognized you, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to speak with you. My name is Ryan Fairhope. You saved my daughter’s life in Myanmar. I’d hoped that I’d one day get the chance to thank you in person for bringing her home safe. May I have the honor of shaking your hand?”

Though the judge’s words and behavior are sincerely appreciative, the little show is attracting attention. Despite how uncomfortable it makes me, I’m sure it’s all part of the ruse.

Regardless of the setup, the sentiment that passes between father and rescuer is genuine. I’m humbled by the man’s heartfelt gratitude and stand up to shake his hand instead of remaining in my seat. Fairhope takes my hand in both of his, giving me an energetic shake while passing along what feels like a flash drive.

He releases me after a second or two, and the drive is slipped, unseen, into the pocket of my dress.

I retake my seat and ask about his daughter. He reports that she is doing fine and insists that our dinner will be taken care of. With one last thanks, the Judge returns to his own dining party, and just like that, the operation is complete. Well, the active part, at least. Our orders are to remain and finish our meal as a sudden departure would appear suspicious.

By the time our server brings dessert, I’m so anxious to find out what’s on this drive that I can barely sit still. Additionally, I haven’t had the chance to tell Maxen about Avara yet and can’t do it until we get out of here.

Just as I’m nearing the end of my patience, Maxen leans forward and places a flower in my hair, one of the purple roses. Before he sits back again, he whispers, “I’ve got a plan to get us out of here quick. Play along.”

Our server comes by to freshen up our water glasses, and Maxen winks at me so the server will notice. “Pardon me, but could you fix up our dessert to go?” He gives the woman a look that could melt glass and adds, “I’ve got a craving for something a little sweeter than chocolate sin.”

The server gives him a doe-eyed nod and more or less stumbles away from the table. The poor woman can be seen fanning herself as she walks toward the kitchen.

“Looks like she’d be more than ready to go a lap or two around the block,” I mumble.

Maxen skims his hand over my thigh beneath the table. “But you’re the only woman I’d let drive me.”

I barely refrain from rolling my eyes, though inside, I’m swooning. God, it’s a good thing that Gunny isn’t here to see this. I’d never hear the end of it.

Maxen’s sultry look remains as our server returns with our packaged dessert and the compliments of the Judge’s table. With a salute toward the judge, Maxen drops a generous tip onto the fancy linen tablecloth, grabs the bag and my hand, and guides me out of the popular chophouse.

In the lobby, he says, “I messaged Knot. He’s on his way.”

We step out into the night air, and I’m not surprised at all by what I see. Well, speak of the devil. Knot’s Escalade is parked just down the sidewalk from the valet stand. Pulling Maxen to the side, I say, “I’ll get this to Knot, and we’ll start toward the compound. You get your car and follow.”

My gut tightens at the hungry grin that graces Maxen’s face. He adjusts the flower in my hair and caresses my cheek. “How’s our date going so far?”

I push against his chest and turn for my boss. With a last look over my shoulder, I toss back, “It wasn’t a date.”

Undeterred, he calls back, “The night’s not over yet, Sadie.”

The dirty promise in his words has my thighs clenching again, and I button my lip and turn back around.

The window Knot watches me through begins to roll up as I reach for the door handle. “How was dinner?” he asks as I drop into the heated leather seat.

My boss gets the big vehicle moving without waiting for an answer, and I pull on my seat belt. Shrugging my shoulders, I answer, “Eh. Once you’ve had world-class steak, all others are average at best.”

Knot chuckles, likely expecting that kind of answer from me. I pull the flash drive from my pocket and turn it over in my hand. “Have you spoken to Avara yet? Regardless of what we find on this drive, the prosecutor will want to talk to him.”

“Not yet. Avara’s on leave, so it’s going to take a little more time to find him.”

Diverting my gaze from the man behind the wheel, I stare out over the passing night. “These call logs are useless until or unless we find him.”

“He’s not a fugitive on the run, Sadie. He’s just a guy that lost his team and was granted time off because of it. We’ll find him, he’ll clear Aaron, and that will be the end of this shit.”

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