Page 98 of Contention

They don’t have sex on these calm, normal occasions. They kiss sometimes. Sometimes he gets her off with his fingers, his mouth.

When she asks about him, he just gives her a cool grin, shrugging, saying, he’s fine, no need to worry about him.

Kara wonders then, that perhaps it’s true.

Perhaps he really can’t get it up without playing their little games, the ones they do in the dark.

Emotionally, he’s still not altogether there. He doesn’t really like having her sleep over. It hurts, this odd lie that he likes his space on most nights. Kara doesn’t know how to tell him it bothers her; she’s sure he’d just tell her to get over it, that she gets what she gets.

She’s never wanted him at her place, so she doesn’t ask.

Emotionally, there is nothing healthy about it at all, but Kara doesn’t want to admit it.

She feels like he’s hiding something and every time she thinks about it, she wants to hide in a bottle and she’s got enough of a problem with that as of late.

She’s got more problems than she can count.

Chapter 24

The following Friday, the final court date for Debra Mills arrives. Kara almost dies of relief when Ray Wellis grabs her in the hallway as she makes her way to join Derrick and the team in a short powwow before court convenes. “Kara,” Ray grips her gently by the elbow, his dark eyes looking more tired than usual. “I’ve been meaning to call you back, but we’ve been completely swamped at the precinct.”

Kara can always see the wear and tear on him. He must be involved in one of the other court cases today as an expert in his field. “Did you find The Room? Anything that links Paxton Brooker and Max Dotaire to it? Tell me something good. We…are closing up the Debra Mills case today.”

Remorsefully, Ray shakes his head, unkept hair falling over his brow. “We’ve been checking Brooker’s properties, but most are either legit businesses or rental properties.”

“That’s impossible! There’s no way he’s clean.”

Shushing her raised tone, Ray says quickly, “I didn’t say we were done looking. There are a few more places that remain for us to check. Either way, I don’t believe you can tie this to Max Dotaire. You are going to have to hope that Debra Mills convinced the jury that she was legitimately raped, despite her relations with Dotaire.”

Stressed, Kara presses her fingers to her eyes. “Shit.”

Lip turning into a soft frown, Ray comments, “You look worn down.” Does she? “Maybe you need to take a break after this case. Relax a bit.”

Sighing, Kara replies, “Unfortunately, I don’t really have the luxury to do that. My pay comes from billable hours and winning cases.”

Her eyes pop open wide as she’s warmly embraced, smelling cigarettes and cheap pine cologne. Ray steps away and nods toward the end of the hall. “Regardless. You need to do something for you. I’m doing all I can to help with the Brooker case. Put your mind to that, forget this one that’s already lost.”

“But-” She protests.

“Do you skate?” He asks suddenly, a hint of amusement in his chocolate eyes. “I’ll take you sometime. Best way to release stress. It’s healthy exercise.”

“As in the roller rink?” Kara smiles, laughing. “Zooming around in circles to nineties top hits? You surprise me.”

With a kind smile, he acknowledges someone over her shoulder before telling her, “You know it’s true. Nothing fixes all your problems better than lights, songs, and a pair of skates. Relax, we’ll get to the bottom of things.”

Watching him walk away to join another man by the front doors, Kara sighs, feeling remorse that her moment of lightheartedness is fading already. Time to get this case over with and rip the band-aid off.

In the main hall, Kara catches sight of Nick stepping out from Judge Canry’s office. The judge for her case, the one he isn’t supposed to be on anymore. Stepping over to him, just behind his back as he makes to walk away, looking polished and powerful in his navy suit and shiny shoes, Kara asks, “What are you doing here?”

He pivots to look at her, a strange expression floating across his gaze. Kara wonders what that’s about. “Don’t you look sharp,” he says in his typical cool tone, eyes traveling the lines of her body, noting the outfit she’s wearing. Likely eyeing the shape of her body in her pencil skirt.

Possibly mentally undressing her.

“Why are you talking to Judge Canry right before our closing arguments for the Debra Mills case?” Kara won’t be fooled by pleasantries. “Paxton Brooker’s court dates are still postponed as far as I know.”

Nick smirks. “I’m sure you’re aware I have a few cases other than ones you are familiar with. Not everything is about you.”

There it is; the sharp, verbal push to distance her.

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