Page 6 of Sweet Pea

“I’m not the only member of the public here today. I have an interest in this case. That’s all.”

“What about the eight cases before this one?”

“Have I done something wrong?” I asked.

“Please answer the question. Why does an outlaw biker spend so much time in a courthouse?”

“Look, I’m not stalking anyone, okay? Lawyers or otherwise,” I said, defensively. “I haven’t done jack shit and didn’t come here to be put on trial myself.”

Callie’s expression softened and her shoulders dropped. “You’re right. I’m sorry, it’s been a very long, very bad day. You’re being sweet and I’m being rude. I owe you an apology.”

“You don’t owe me shit,” I said. “After what you just went through. Hell, after what that family just went through... don’t even worry about me.”

Callie paused and studied my face.

“You’re not at all what I expected,” she said softly.

“Expected? What do you mean?”

“I have something I want to show you,” Callie said, sidestepping my question.

“What could you possibly have for me?”

I could think of a few things.

“How about you let me buy you a cup of coffee tomorrow and I’ll bring it to you?” Callie asked.

“I have church tomorrow and I hate coffee, but I know a place we can get a beer right now. You look like you could use a drink.”

“Oh, my God, I’m probably wrecked,” she said, wiping her eyes.

“No, that’s not what I meant, you look fucking amazing,” I blurted out, causing Callie to blush instantly.

A man I recognized as Callie’s co-council emerged from the crowd and approached us. He placed his hand on Callie’s arm and the moment he touched her, I wanted to go full-on Wookie on the guy. His action shouldn’t have elicited any type of emotional response from me, let alone wanting to remove his arm from its socket, but it did.

“Everything okay, Callie?” he asked in what I think was meant to be a protective tone. He came off sounding more like a wolf pup practicing its howl for the first time.

“I’m great, Rob, thanks,” Callie said sweetly to him, who then turned to me.

“Rob Glass,” he said, extending his hand, which I left unshaken.

“Mr. Kimble was just thanking our office for our work on the case.” Callie turned to me.

“It’s Sweet Pea,” I replied. “And I wasn’t thanking your office, I was thanking you.”

“No offense taken,” Rob said with a nervous laugh.

My focus remained entirely on Callie. “So, about that drink?” I asked.

“Drink?” Rob asked.

Callie smiled, and without breaking eye contact, reached into the side pocket of her leather satchel and produced a business card which she handed to me. “Text me at this number with the location and I’ll meet you there at eight o’clock.” she said.

“Sounds perfect,” I said with a smile and a nod, and walked away.

* * *

Callie

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