Page 49 of Impending Consent

"Let's go make sure Fredrick doesn't do time for something he didn't do."

The smile that surfaced was almost deadly. Yeah, my lovely wife was definitely ready for battle.

The police station was more crowded than I expected, but then again, I had no clue what to expect. Sailor moved through the space with confidence, nodding to officers she knew as we made our way to an interview room where her client was already waiting.

"Mr. Williams.” She was blunt and professional.

"Ms. Addison." The man looked nervous as hell with his lanky frame hunched forward in the chair. His eyes darted my way anxiously.

"He’s with me. Observation only,” she rattled off, leaving no room for argument.

Fredrick's eyebrows shot up and Sailor subtly shook her head.

“He’s staying.” Her tone made it clear the subject was closed. "Now, tell me why you believe Detective Clover called you."

While they talked, I observed Sailor in her element. She was focused, asking questions and taking notes. Fredrick’s anxious mood shifted and his posture relaxed as she laid out a strategy. My wife was good at this and sexy as hell doing it.

"They've got nothing substantial," she assured him. "If they had solid evidence, they would have arrested you by now. This is a fishing expedition."

Detective Clover entered not long after with a thick folder tucked under his arm.

"Ms. Addison." He nodded, then glanced at me.

"He's observing."

Clover raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further. "Let's get started."

What followed was a masterclass in legal maneuvering. Clover presented their new evidence, cell tower data placing Frederick near the restaurant the night of the fire and a witness who claimed to have seen him arguing with the owner earlier that day.

Sailor dismantled both points skillfully. Frederick had been at a bar three blocks from the restaurant, which explained the cell data, and had receipts and witnesses to prove it. As for the argument, it had happened, but in full view of the entire staff a week before the fire.

"Detective," Sailor said bluntly, "if this is all you have, we're done here. My client has cooperated fully, but I won't have him harassed over circumstantial evidence that doesn't hold up to scrutiny."

Clover looked frustrated but not surprised. "We're still investigating, Ms. Addison."

"And my client remains willing to cooperate, through me. Now, unless you're charging him today, we're leaving."

The detective glanced between Sailor and Fredrick, then sighed. "We're not charging him today."

Sailor stood, gathering her papers. "Then we'll be in touch. Let’s go, Fredrick."

We left the station with Fredrick looking visibly relieved. After arranging to meet him at her office the following week, Sailor said her goodbyes and turned to me.

"I need to stop by my office to file some paperwork. You can drop me off and pick me up later or?—"

"I'll wait. I want to see where you work."

She hesitated, then nodded. "Fine, but if anyone is there, no husband talk. My siblings know, but the rest of the staff doesn’t."

"Ashamed of me?"

"Trying to keep my professional and personal lives separate," she corrected, but there was no harshness to her tone so I let it slide.

The Addison Law Group occupied the top floor of a high-rise downtown. The reception area was composed of natural wood and neutral colors, with the firm's logo spelled out in brushed metal letters on the wall.

"This is it. TJ, Skylar, and I started our firm together as equal partners. We each bring something different to the practice."

"Not criminal defense like your father?"

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