Page 21 of Feel Me

She shakes her head, prying his hands loose when they start to wander south.

I laugh. I can’t help it. It’s not that I don’t agree with Tess, that this is a public place and he needs to behave. But Curran is just so cute around her.

When I was first introduced to Curran, I was immediately attracted to his ruggedness and personality. Throw in the fact that he’s fluent in ASL and he totally had me. I was in heaven for two solid minutes, until Tess stepped forward and I realized there was something between them. But that’s how my life has always been, the supposed perfect man standing mere feet away from me only for another woman to swoop in and claim him.

“What are you doing here, Melissa?” she asks, turning back to me.

“I’m here to observe Kirk’s case,” I answer.

Curran stays close, keeping his arm around her. I realize his show of affection is intentional, making it clear to both the court staff and anyone passing that they’re a couple.

Tess wasn’t intimidated by opposing counsel, but her position in the office isn’t without its dangers. Defendants often lash out, the witnesses aren’t that much better, toss in their families and friends and it’s recipe for blow ups that could end in blood. It’s the reason the county employs the amount of sheriff officers they do.

Curran nods to a few officers positioned close by. They return his nod in a show of solidarity and in a silent vow to watch out for Tess in his absence.

“You’re here to see Kirk?” Tess repeats. At my nod, her attention shoots to Courtroom 13. “He’s been in there a while, odd considering it’s a cut and dry case.”

“He’s probably showing off in front of his new boss,” I tell them. “I just learned he accepted a position downtown.”

“You’re kidding,” Curran says. “Dumbass was sworn in following Declan’s recommendation.”

“I don’t think he’s told anyone yet,” I add.

Curran huffs. “Of course he hasn’t. The asshole is trying to milk this position for all it’s worth.”

“Pretty much,” I agree.

The defense attorney Tess was speaking with approaches her slowly, and significantly more respectfully when he catches sight of Curran.

“My client will agree to your terms,” he says, muttering so low, I barely make out what he says.

Tess barely blinks. “Fine. I’ll tell the judge’s clerk.” She presses her free hand against Curran’s chest. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

He watches her walk away. This time, it’s my turn to nudge him. “I like that wife of yours.”

A slow smile spreads across his face. “I do, too,” he admits. “She’s perfect.”

I agree. Perfect for Curran and my unit.

CHAPTER 6

Melissa

“Perfect”. That’s how Curran described Tess. It’s not true, of course, despite that she’s amazing. Like the rest of us, she’s human and likely flawed in a way that makes her more endearing. But Curran meant it because he loves her, reinforcing my wish to one day be “perfect” for someone, too.

“How are the spring rolls?” Declan asks.

The sleeves of his dress shirt are rolled to just below his elbows and his tie is dangling on the hook beside his jacket. He’s leaning so far back against his chair and appears so relaxed, I bet he’d have his feet propped up on his desk if I weren’t here and if we weren’t using it to eat our takeout.

I swallow and raise my tiny foil container. “Really good. Would you like one?”

I’m looking at him, but not really looking at him, seeing how I still can’t. He’s been gracious, but I haven’t forgotten the naughty book incident, just like I’m sure he hasn’t either.

He polishes off the Pad Thai and stretches across the desk, using his chopsticks to reach for a roll. “Thanks. So . . . Morris Miller, tell me about the victim. What’s going on with her?”

“Tricia is a tough one,” I admit. “She was in and out of foster care?”

“Tricia Helmsley was in foster care?” he asks.

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