Page 40 of The Lawyer
“I live closer than you. I’ve seen Ash and the charge sheet.”
“And? What’s he done? Is it bad? What happens next?” I rattle off the questions I’ve been desperate to ask.
“There’s some circumstantial evidence; it's enough for a charge. They weren’t going to grant it, but I’ve argued for conditional bail on the condition he’s released and reports daily.” He takes a document from the sergeant in front of him and signs it calmly. “Thankfully, as it’s his first offence, they've agreed. It’s a positive step.”
“You’ve figured this all out in twenty minutes?”
The sharp snap of his briefcase almost makes me jump. “Your faith in my capabilities, again, Miss Etherington?” he scolds, but there’s a humorous tone beneath.
“I’m sorry. But you run a company. You don’t get criminals off.”
He gives me a rueful smile. “Really? Still so much to learn about me, Willow.” He turns us towards the other side of the station. “And your brother is not yet a criminal. Come on, they’re releasing him now. Let me take you both home.”
“Oh, Landon, that’s not necessary. You’ve done too much already.” I shake my head and look away.
My brain is swimming, and I'm struggling to stop myself from throwing my arms around his neck to hug him right now. His knight-in-legal-armour act isn’t helping to keep my thoughts about him professional in the slightest.
“It’s no trouble. I’ve rescheduled tonight.”
As he says the words, a loud, dull buzzer sounds, and the door past the reception desk opens as a police officer, followed by Ash, walks through.
“Ash.” I race towards him and do hug him. He doesn’t say anything, but at least he hugs me back. I didn’t realise how much I needed him to do that, and my eyes sting with tears.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tear into him about what he’s got mixed up in, but it can wait.
Ash heads towards Landon and puts out his hand. “Thank you, Mr Broderick.” They shake, and another pang of emotion hits me.
“We can grab a taxi, Landon, really.” Because I'm about sixty seconds away from breaking down, and I really don’t need him to see that.
“My car is outside. Ash, let’s get you home.”
They walk off together, leaving me with no choice.
~
The drive home is silent, apart from Ash programming the directions into the car’s navigation system. There are a hundred questions I want to ask Ash. Or rather, scream at him, but I need to keep my calm. We need to find our way back to the team we were and not fight each other. At least in Landon’s presence, he’s safe.
As we pull up, I expect Landon to drop us and leave, but he parks outside and gets out of the car.
“Coffee?” I ask feebly.
“Yes, please.”
We go inside, but Ash races upstairs to his room like the sulky teenager he’s resorted to.
“Ash-”
“Leave him. He’s fine. Let him be for tonight.” Landon stops me, and I search his eyes for a moment, seeking the strength to get through this. His lips twitch a fraction, and I look away, clearing my throat.
“So, coffee. It’s nothing fancy.”
“It’s fine.” I take my coat off and hang it on the bannister as we pass towards the kitchen. He follows me, and I set about making something I know he’ll disapprove of.
I place the sugar bowl on the table and dig out the only milk jug we have and fill it up while the kettle does its thing.
“Be warned. You won’t approve.” I try to lighten the mood as I bring the coffee to the small kitchen table. “And I'm sorry about Ash, about tonight really.” We both take a seat.
“Nice boots.” Landon eyes my crossed legs at the side of the table. The black knee-highs have a stiletto heel and would have served a very sexy purpose in my routine. Of course, he doesn’t know that. I glance at them, noting the wrap dress has slipped a little, exposing a section of the wide webbing that suddenly comes alight against my skin. “Date?” he asks, as he grimaces at the sip of coffee he’s just taken.
