Page 24 of Noah

I couldn't stay focused. Noah was infiltrating my mind to distracting levels. I took another stab at reading the details of my latest case. Soon into it, I had questions about some of the details.

It wasn't part of my mandate to investigate details. That was the job of the police department, but there had obviously been some prejudice when it came to their crime scene notes.

If it wasn't for the fact the victim of the crime was an organization close to my heart, I would have worked with what the police had given me.

It was Saturday, but I took a chance and called the victim.

"Rainbow LGBTQ Youth Centre," a cheerful voice said.

"I'm looking for Jamal."

"Speaking."

"This is Brody Carlisle. Crown Counsel. I have a few questions regarding the crime committed against you. The police report wasn't very detailed in terms of what was stolen."

"Bastards. I knew it felt like they were brushing me off."

Unfortunately, I wasn't surprised. Plenty of people complained about why LGBTQ youth needed their own separate centre. They just didn't understand our need for our own community.

"Do you have a list? And a description of how they got in."

"Why don't you come down instead? I can show you."

My brow dipped and I looked around my home office. Typically, I didn't like to leave my home on the weekend. It was my safe space to decompress after being in the public.

But the rampant thoughts of Noah were making me antsy.

"Sure, I'll be there in half an hour." It would only take me fifteen minutes to get there but I liked to be early. I didn't know the building. I'd want to sit and scope it out before going in.

It looked like a friendly place from where I was seated in my car. I imagined what the inside would look like, picturing hallways like the ones from elementary school. The youth centre was in a small building that used to be a school back in the 30s. My image should be accurate.

I climbed from my car, locked it, and approached the centre. As I pulled open the door, I was met with a rambunctious noise coming from a doorway at the end of the hall. For a brief second, I panicked, being yanked back to my days endured at school. I rubbed the thumb and forefinger on my left hand together and stilled myself. I no longer had to worry about being bullied.

"Brody?"

I knew that voice. I turned to it, immediately feeling myself relax.

"What are you doing here?" Noah asked.

Before answering, I looked him up and down. I'd rarely seen his full body. His flat stomach, trim hips, and muscular thighs. He was usually behind the bar.

So sexy.

I cleared my throat. "I'm here to see Jamal about the stolen computers."

"You're the crown attorney in the case?" Noah laughed. "What are the chances?"

I steadied my breathing. "Pretty good … apparently." God, he was beautiful. I wanted to approach and wrap him up in my arms. To hold him and inhale the scent of him.

I didn't do any of those things. I just stood, staring at him.

And he was staring right back.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I volunteer here most Saturdays."

His sexy factor went up with that piece of information. A successful businessman and socially conscious. I was impressed. Strike that. I was in awe of this incredible man.

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