Page 54 of White Raven
“Sarah doesn’t—”
“Shedoes. Much to my fucking irritation, she does, man. And I refuse to hurt her by letting her see you this low. I saw this coming the day we dropped you off at your place. You gotta get the help. It’s not a suggestion. We’ll—be there for you.”
Wow…Athan Kane is going soft. Hell just froze over. Somewhere out there…is a fucking hog with wings. And of all the people…he’s offering comfort to his fiancé’s ex…fiancé. Brandon considered buying a lottery ticket. When there was no answer other than Stratford cowering in submission, Kane nodded, offering to stay with him while Brandon got in touch with his doctor. He left the cell, and hurried down the hall, leaving holding, and making his way to his desk. Sarah wasn’t here. He flipped through a directory, dialing a number on his desk phone.
“Hey, this is Detective Brandon Jenkins with the Boston Police Department? I need to speak with Melissa Ambrose. It’s urgent.”
Whoever this C.J. Parks was…Rhaena immediately hated her. Her mood was already crashing through the floor after that interaction with Brandon, and talking to this insensitive bitch was doing nothing to help said mood. Though, could she even call the tart insensitive when just an hour ago, she was the one beingexactlythat—and her significant other calling her own ass out on it? The hearing was postponed, and Rhaena had just gotten back to her desk, noticing a familiar motorcycle helmet sitting on Athan’s desk. Her heart stuttered, and Foley popped out of his office, heading straight for her.
“He’s with Stratford.”
Something like relief flooded her entire body and she sank into her chair. “He’s supposed to be halfway across the country. Why is he here?”
“Made the news quick. He and St. James saw it on their phones before they boarded the flight. He came straight here.” Foley leaned his thigh on the corner of her desk. “Where’s the witness?”
“I took her statement at the courthouse. She was still there and needed to go back to the firm for some damage control. She seems more worried about what it’s gonna do for the firm’s image than she seems concerned for Brent.”
“She should be,” a sharp voice interjected, rounding the corner while another woman followed behind her. “Are you the detective in charge of the courthouse assault?”
Arya damned Brenwick. Top-earning prosecutor in the state. Holy shit.
“Yes. You’re opposing counsel?”
“I am. Arya Brenwick, nice to meet you.” She offered a manicured hand that smelled strongly of sanitizer, and Rhaena took it, shaking firmly.
“Detective Rhaena Northwood. Pleasure.”
Brenwick threw a thumb over her shoulder, and a timid woman came to stand at her side. “This is Carmen Schultz. Victim that survived the murder case we were arguing in court today.”
Foley extended a hand and adjusted his tie. “Malcolm Foley. Captain of the 12th. What can we do for you?”
Brenwick smirked, looking between them both. Her dark, shiny bob was stick-straight, and flawless. Rhaena almost envied her poise and position. It was intimidating. “I was prepared to bury Stratford in court. We still are. After what happened, Carmen and I felt compelled to defend him. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to clean this up.”
Rhaena’s mouth dropped open. “You’re offering counsel to your opposition?”
“Yes. He’s no longer the opposition. Parks and that firm are. Which…as of today, he’s no longer a part of, from what I’ve come to understand.”
Foley crossed his arms, tightening his lips in approval. “Well…this is interesting.”
“Not your average Wednesday, huh?” Brenwick grinned, pressing a hand to her hip. “Stratford knew his client was guilty. Whether he was baited into that attack or not, means absolutely nothing to me. That was dirty. He wanted to do the right thing. My client saw that in the deposition. As did I. He’s struggling. We’d like to help. He doesn’t deserve to drown with the sinking ship.” She breathed a long sigh. “Brent Stratford is a goodlawyer, but he’s also a good guy. I hate that this happened, but I’m also glad. I didn’t want to have to kick his ass after what he’s been through.”
“I didn’t know,” Carmen admitted softly. “I didn’t know who he was that day at the firm. I’m still very upset. I want justice for my husband. What he did today…” she paused and shook her head slowly. “Whatever I can do to thank him. We’d—we just wanna help.”
“Where are you holding him?” Brenwick asked, looking around.
“I can take you. Mrs. Schultz, you’ll have to hang out with Captain Foley. I apologize.” Rhaena waved a hand, gesturing Brenwick down the hall and Carmen nodded, following Foley when he offered her coffee and walking towards the break room. The seasoned lawyer didn’t say anything as she followed Rhaena into holding, and there was a moment of surprise that caught her off guard when they reached Brent’s cell and found Athan, Brandon…and a familiar woman Rhaena couldn’t place in the small space with him. Brent looked like he was about to drop to the floor when he saw the prosecutor, and Athan almost looked protective of him as he inched in between him and the lawyer.
“Easy, Stratford. I’m not here to break you,” Brenwick smiled, stepping inside when the officer unlocked the door.
“He hasn’t been fully processed—” Athan started, Brenwick quickly cutting him off.
“That’s fine. I’m his representation.”
Brent’s face poked from around Athan’s hip at her like he’d been slapped. “I—I’m sorry? My representation?”
“Yes. As the man he allegedly pummeled isn’t conscious, and the only witness to the assault is still questionable as far as credibility, I’d like you to finish whatever it is you need to do and let him out immediately. Brent, I’d advise you not to say anything else for now.”
What a dump truck. Flawless execution. Inarguable follow-through. Damn.
