Page 94 of Second Chance Savior

He lifted his phone. “I got every word.”

“You’re a genius.”

“Why thank you, Charlie. So glad you finally noticed.”

“I noticed a long time ago. Just didn’t want to stroke your ego by telling you.”

“You’re always welcome to stroke anything of mine you want.” River kissed my forehead. His over-the-top innuendo had me smiling, despite my fury at Jud.

I leaned into River and nodded at the phone. “Let’s see it.”

He hit play. I vibrated with energy as I listened to Jud’s confession for a second time. And it made me even more furious on repeat.

“I doubt he would’ve been so candid if he’d realized he was on video,” River said. “You did a great job, by the way. I doubt a seasoned interrogator could’ve gotten much more.”

“I don’t need you to compliment me. I got some of the story, but Jud was leaving things out.” That was even more obvious watching the video. “He didn’t say anything about Stillwater kidnapping me, or why.”

“I agree. He didn’t tell the full story. But most of what he said was close to the truth.”

“He’s the corrupt official from Hart County that you’ve been searching for. All that time I was with him, and I had no clue.”

How could I ever have believed that Jud Hale was a worthwhile partner?

River stepped in closer and put his arms around me. I was vibrating with pent up fury, but his strong hands on my waist made me feel steadier. “Don’t be too hard on yourself,” River said. “His failings have nothing to do with you.”

“Believe me, I’m not heartsick over that piece of trash. Just frustrated that I wasted my time and effort on him.” I put my hands on River’s chest, enjoying the small comfort of feeling his heartbeat. “We need to get that video to the police to prove it wasn’t you who attacked the fundraiser.”

“It’s sweet that your first concern is getting the heat off of me.”

“I’m not sweet. Don’t make me sound like a schoolgirl with a crush.”

“How about a formidable woman with a crush?”

“A small crush. I’ve gotten more fond of you. I’m finding you less annoying.”

“I’ll take it.”

He kissed my nose and cuddled me against his chest. River had accused me of being sweet, but that was the only adjective that could describe how he was acting right now. He could flip between being that sharp-eyed predator and this wonderful man that I was growing increasingly attached to. Glib one moment and sincere the next. But that was River. He had so many aspects to his personality. I could spend a lifetime getting to know them all.

A lifetime.That thought ricocheted with possibilities in my head, but I had to let it pass.

“We should send the video to Brynn,” I said. “Use Trace as the intermediary. He’s already spoken to her. She would beour fastest route to spreading this video within the law enforcement community.”

“It’s too risky to make contact with anyone in the FBI yet. Not until I’m sure that Stillwater won’t come after you.”

“There’s also Genevieve Blake. She could circulate it in the media.”

“That’s a good option.” River brushed his thumb down my cheek. “First, I want to try again with Jud. See if I can find out the rest of what he’s hiding. If he gives us something real to use against Stillwater, then we would have our own leverage against them.”

“You said a seasoned interrogator couldn’t have gotten more from him. Were you just buttering me up?”

“Not at all. But I’m better than most seasoned interrogators. Watching you question Jud was exactly what I needed to get a gage on him. Now I can go in and strip the truth right out.”

“Sounds painful. Can I be there?”

He smirked. “If you’re around, Jud will hold out longer because he doesn’t want to look weak in front of you. The faster I can get him crying, the less time this will take.”

“Make sure there’s something left for the police afterward. I want him to face justice for selling out the people of Colorado.”

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