Page 37 of Temptation and Tyranny

Still reeling from my mistake and the rush of new information, I nodded. “Coffee sounds good. I think I owe you at least that much after...well, you know.”

We made our way out of the courthouse and down the street to a small café. The place was cozy and quiet, with worn leather armchairs and the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filling the air. We settled into a corner table, orders placed, an awkward silence falling between us.

“So,” Colton said, breaking the ice, “I gather things have been a bit tumultuous between you and my brother?”

I let out a humorless laugh. “That’s putting it mildly. Cooper, he’s...he’s not who I thought he was. Or maybe he is, and I just didn’t want to see it. I don’t know anymore.”

Colton nodded thoughtfully. “Cooper has that effect on people. He’s always been good at showing people what they want to see. But there’s more to him than that.”

Our cappuccinos arrived, and I wrapped my hands around the warm mug, grateful for something todo. “Can I ask you something, Colton? What’s he really like? The real Cooper, I mean. I’m not sure what’s real and what’s an act.”

Colton took a sip of his coffee, considering. “The real Cooper? That’s a complicated question. He’s...he’s a good guy, at his core. Loyal, protective, smarter than he lets on. But he’s also reckless, prone to taking unnecessary risks. He has a tendency to overreach, to push boundaries just to see if he can.”

I nodded, thinking back to the glimpses I’d gotten of Cooper’s world. “That tracks with what I’ve seen. But how did he get involved in...you know, his current line of work?” I asked the question carefully, hoping that Colton would slip and let me know just exactly how deep Cooper was involved in the underworld.

Colton’s expression turned serious. “That’s a long story, and not really mine to tell. But I can say this—Cooper didn’t start out looking for this life. Circumstances pushed him into it, and once he was in, well...he found he had a talent for it.”

“A talent for theft and smuggling?” I couldn’t keep the edge out of my voice.

Colton winced. “I know how it sounds. Believe me, I’ve had my share of arguments with Cooper about his choices. But it’s not as black and white as you might think. He’s done a lot of good, too, even if his methods are...unconventional.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Good?” I had a hard time believing that any type of unlawful activity could be good. I had seen this kind of lifestyle first-hand from my father, and it was something I definitely didn’t want in my own life.

Colton leaned towards me and lowered his voice. “Cooper’s network, his connections—he’s used them to help people, too. Refugees who needed safe passage, whistleblowers exposing corruption, even sometimes finding women and children who have been trafficked. It’s not all guns and violence.”

I sat back, processing this new information. It explained Tomas’s arrest and subsequent conviction. But it didn’t erase the danger, the illegality of Cooper’s actions, but it did paint a more complex picture. “Why are you telling me all this?”

Colton’s eyes met mine. “Because I think you’re good for him, Allegra. I think...I think he genuinely cares for you. More than he has for anyone in a long time.”

I felt a flush creep up my neck at his words. “He’s just my patient,” I admitted softly. “And I don’t know if I can handle his world. The danger, the secrecy...it’s a lot. I don’t think I could be a part of it, even just as his friend.”

Colton nodded understandingly. “It is. And I won’t sugarcoat it—being around Cooper comes with risks. But I’ve seen some…hints that make me think you might be good for him. That’s not something I’ve seen from him before. He’s…questioning things.”

The revelation shocked me, and I realized that my feelings towards Cooper weren’t one-sided. As much as I liked to tell myself he was just a patient, I’d already let him in. I cared for him in a way that I’d never directly cared for a patient before. I’d crossed a line, yet it was invisible until I looked back and realized I’d passed it. It was a connection that transcended the passionate quickie we’d had in my kitchen, something more than aone-night stand.

My conversation with Colton lapsed into silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I stirred my coffee absently, watching the swirls of cream disappearing into the dark liquid. “Can I ask you something else?”

“Of course,” Colton said.

“Why were you at the hearing today? Do you know Tomas?”

Colton shook his head. “No, I don’t know him personally. I’m studying law, and I try to observe as many different types of cases as I can. It’s good experience. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also there to keep an eye on things for Cooper. He has a…personal interest in Tomas’s case.”

I felt a mix of frustration and warmth, along with a pang in my heart as I realized the full extent of Cooper’s interference. “I can’t believe he did that for me.”

Colton was clever, and he knew that I’d figured out the real reason for Cooper’s concern with Tomas. “You know Cooper,” Colton said with a wry smile. “He’s not always great at communicating. Especially when it comes to feelings.”

Feelings. The words seemed to hang in the air, and their presence seemed to both taunt and haunt me, a reminder of the ethical conundrum I’d placed myself in. I was silent for a few seconds, contemplating what and where I had gone wrong where Cooper Moreau was concerned.

Colton and I finished our coffees, the conversation drifting to lighter topics. Colton told me about his law studies, and I found myself sharing stories about my work as a physical therapist. It wasnice, talking to someone connected to Cooper’s world but not fully immersed in it.

As we prepared to leave, Colton hesitated. “Allegra, can I give you some advice?”

I nodded, curious.

“Don’t give up on Cooper just yet. He’s made mistakes, gotten into some dark things. But...he’s redeemable. And if anyone can help him find a better path, I think it’s you.”

I felt a lump form in my throat. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough for that, Colton. Plus, I have my career to consider.”

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