Page 15 of Cause and Effect

“For what?”

“I need to talk to someone there.”

“Ah, this is about Laurel.”

“No, it isn’t.” My brows furrowed.

“Yes, it is. Roman and Parker filled me in last night about her. She’s a beautiful woman and seems very nice.”

“She’s mean-spirited.”

“Your brothers told me what happened here between the two of you. I get it. She hurt your ego. For men like us, that’s a hard hit. But for as long as I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you give up on something you want.”

“Normally, I wouldn’t. But this situation is different.”

“Why?” he asked.

“Because she has three little girls. I don’t like kids.”

“Oh, come on, Julian. You can’t let that stop you.”

“Yeah, well, I am.”

After lunch, we headed to the Public Defender’s Office.

“Hi. I’m Julian Hamilton from The Hamilton Group in Los Angeles. Who is your Chief Public Defender?” I asked the pretty redhead with stunning green eyes sitting behind her desk.

“That would be Mark Gates.” She smiled, batting her false eyelashes.

“Is he in?” I asked.

“Down the hall, make a right, third door on the left.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.” I winked.

Shaun and I walked down to Mark Gates’s office.

“How may I help you?” An older woman with gray hair asked.

“I need to speak with Mr. Gates.”

“Do you have an appointment?” she asked.

“No. I don’t. It’ll only take a few minutes. I have to head back to Los Angeles soon.”

“I’ll see if he’s available. Your name?”

“Julian Hamilton from The Hamilton Group.”

“One moment.” She stood from her desk and opened his office door. “Mr. Gates said he’ll see you.”

“Thank you.”

Shaun and I stepped into the office. Mark Gates stood, walked over, and shook our hands.

“I’m Julian Hamilton, and this is Shaun Kind.”

“Please, have a seat.” He gestured with his hand. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?” he asked, sitting behind his desk.

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