Page 10 of Cause and Effect

We led Georgina out of the police station and into the back of Julian’s Escalade. When we reached her home, thepolice officers were already there searching the place. I scanned the living room, looking at the pictures of Georgina and her husband on various trips—Switzerland, Italy, Paris, Germany, and Japan. My biggest pet peeve was how the officers were destroying her home.

“Can you not?” I looked at one of the officers. Julian turned his head and glanced at me.

“Just doing my job, ma’am.”

“Don’t call me ma’am. And I know you’re doing your job, but please have some respect for other people’s things. There is no need for all of you to destroy someone’s home while you’re searching it. What if this were your home? Would you want your things just thrown all around? Things you worked hard for to buy?” I cocked my head. “Well, officer? Cat got your tongue?”

I heard Julian snicker.

“Ma—Miss, please. Just let me do my job.”

“I will when you all stop acting like wild animals with power trips.”

“Listen here, lady.” He puffed out his chest.

“Yes?” I took a step forward and got in his face.

He stared down at me momentarily. “I have a job to do.” He walked away.

Detective Costner walked into the living room. “Georgina Bennett, you’re under arrest for the murder of your husband, Derek Acosta.”

“Wait a second,” Julian said as Detective Costner handcuffed our client.

“We found a black Nike bag in the closet that contained the murder weapon and this blood-stained dress. Is this your dress, Mrs. Bennett?”

“Well, yes, but—Julian?” She shouted as they walked her out of the living room.

“Don’t say a word, Georgina. Shit.” Julian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “What the fuck?”

“She didn’t do it, Julian. She’s telling the truth,” I said.

“Well, it isn’t looking good at the moment. We have our work cut out for us. Let’s go.”

I was sittingbehind my desk when Roman walked into my office.

“How’s it going so far?” A handsome smile graced his face.

“It’s good.” I grinned.

He unbuttoned his suit coat and sat down. “I hope Julian is being civil.”

“He’s fine. I can handle men like your brother.” I smiled.

“Good.” He winked. “After work, we’re going to Harrison’s for our mother’s birthday. Join us.”

“Harrison’s?” I asked.

“It’s a bar that my father owns down the street. It’s our hangout with great food and drinks. We’d love to have you celebrate with us.”

“I’ll have to call my mom and see if she and my dad can stay and watch the girls.”

“The girls?” His brows furrowed.

“I have three daughters.” I picked up the picture frame from my desk and handed it to him.

“They’re adorable. I didn’t know you had kids.”

“Thanks. I hope this doesn’t change your mind about me.”

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