Page 122 of Give Me Redemption

Kat scoffs. “Who are you trying to persuade? You or me?”

My eyes jump up to hers. She’s figured it out. She knows I love him, and she knows I’m suffering.

She smirks, leaning in. “You fucked up.” She’s being a bitch.

I tilt my head. “Do I need to remind you that

I’m a cop and you’re causing a disturbance?”

She looks at me with disgust and my jaw clenches, but I’m not mad at her. I’m mad at the situation. Hell, I hope she never gets put in the position I was in, because she would die just like I am.

I don’t wish that on anyone.

“Harrison.” Kat’s head jerks back at the sound of

Jace’s voice and I risk a glance.

God, he still makes my knees shake. He looks like he’s been through hell. In jeans and a plain T-shirt, his skin looks paler than normal, his eyes tired. His five o’clock shadow has grown, and his hair is unruly. I want to go to him so badly.

Look at me, baby.

“Come on.” His eyes dart down to me, but only for a moment, and then he looks back at Kat.

I narrow my eyes at him. He’s trying to act like seeing me doesn’t affect him, but it’s as clear as the stretched pupils in his eyes.

He’s high.

“Stay away from us,” Kat says to me. “Don’t come near my family again. Whatever your little heart is feeling toward Jace, let it burn out. He’s dead to you.” She pushes off the bench and walks toward my heartbeat.

I look down at the papers in my hand.

He’s high? Why is he doing drugs? I mean, I knew he messed around with cocaine a little. I’ve heard that from the guys, and I know he sold it in the Army and that’s why he got kicked out. He didn’t tell me this information, but I am an FBI agent. I know more about Jace than he thinks. And I know that’s not fair. Because he knows only what I’ve shared with him.

I exhale, wishing I could go talk to him. Bryce Grant walks into the courtroom, his eyes searching for his family, I’m sure. I watch him walk over to his lawyer and turn around.

With eyeglasses on, the judge looks down at some papers strewn out in front of him. I can’t believe I’m thinking this, but I’m hoping this fucking guy has a badass lawyer. I did my part, I busted the man, now he needs to do his and get himself out of this shit storm.

Maybe it’ll lessen Jace’s hate for me if Bryce gets out.

Yeah, I’m selfish.

Bryce looks a little nervous when the judge turns his attention on him. He drops the papers from his hand and leans back in his chair.

This judge is an asshole. I’ve heard that and witnessed his wrath more than a few times. If Bryce does get out of this, it won’t be because of the judge.

“Mr. Finley, how does your client plead to the charges of racketeering?”

Bryce’s lawyer stands. “Guilty, Your Honor.”

The judge lifts his brow slightly before rubbing his chin. His eyes go down to the papers again. “I see here you’ve given to some charities. The Boys Club?” he asks Bryce.

Bryce stands. “Yes, Your Honor.”

Hmm, he gives to charity? Didn’t see that. Bryce Grant isn’t very friendly. He’s a no bullshitter, while Jace is full of it most of the time.

Jace loves to joke.

I love that about him. He can lighten the mood and make you see that whatever you’re stressing over really isn’t that important.

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