Page 57 of Fighting for Brielle
“Tell him no,” Justice ordered.
“Copy that.”
Justice headed toward the evidence room and met Carson, who wore an apprehensive expression on his face, in the corridor.
“Something I can help you with, Officer?” Justice asked. “You look worried.”
“Nah. I was just checking on some evidence. I’ll be testifying in court next week.”
“Oh, okay. Are you on this weekend?”
“No.”
“Got any plans?” Justice grinned and winked.
“Not really. Just hangin’ out with some friends, I guess.”
“All right, then. See you Monday.”
In his current mood it took a great amount of effort on Justice’s part not to slam Carson against the wall and beat the truth out of him.
* * *
Justice wasn’t looking forward to spending any time with Mayor Gage until he saw Brielle, dressed in a silky brown and gold evening gown which enhanced her skin tone and the unique color of her eyes, on Saturday night. His heart skipped several beats and his jaw dropped. In her three-inch stilettos, they were eye level, and he couldn’t stop staring at her.
“You look…stunning,” he finally managed to say.
Brielle smiled as she straightened his white satin tie “So do you,” she complimented him. “You look elegant in your black suit.”
He offered his arm. “Ready?”
“Yes. Just let me grab my evening purse.”
Earlier in the week Justice had leased a Chevy Equinox. He helped Brielle into the passenger’s side and fastened her seat belt. He’d been in the area long enough to know how to get to the marina, and they arrived within twenty minutes. He parked, assisted Brielle out of the SUV, and held her hand as they made their way toward the Gages’ luxury superyacht, a Spectrum worth over a hundred million dollars. One of only a handful of its kind, a futuristic model that only the wealthiest could afford. Justice whistled when Brielle shared that tidbit with him.
“And where do you think the money came from to pay for this?” he inquired in a low voice.
“It bears investigating,” Brielle murmured.
A crew member dressed in a crisp, well-tailored black and white uniform greeted them at the gangplank. “Names, please.”
“Brielle McAdams, plus one,” she answered.
He nodded as he found her name on his list. “Welcome aboard. Cocktails are being served on the second deck.”
The long sleek lines of the Spectrum impressed Justice. It sported multiple levels with sections that jutted over the water on a lower deck, making it easy for a motorboat to pull alongside it. The middle level contained a pool and a hot tub. Several couples were already swimming or relaxing in the hot tub with drinks in their hands. From the interior Justice and Brielle heard strains of live music. A piano player performed Billy Joel’s classic “Piano Man.” Surrounded by distinct Italian décor and opulence, they ambled toward the open bar and ordered two glasses of white wine.
“Shall we find our host and hostess?” Justice asked with a mischievous grin. “I can’t wait to see Mayor Gage’s face when he realizes I’m your plus one.”
Chapter 15
White Italian leather low-backed seats with black accent throw pillows adorned the lounge, arranged in groups of two and four. A few couples milled around them. Next to the shiny black Steinway piano a set of polished hardwood stairs led to the other levels.
“Shall we try the upper deck first?” Brielle suggested. “That’s where the Gages’ private suite is located.”
“Why not? They’re probably waiting to make their grand entrance.”
As Justice and Brielle approached the stairs, Shawna descended them, holding hands with a teenage boy, who took each step awkwardly, constricted by his suit and tie. Justice thought Shawna resembled her father. They shared the same color of eyes and facial features. She looked lovely in a black beaded cocktail dress.
