Page 14 of Nick

“Jeffery Lancaster, he’s eighteen, and he’s here because he saved his sister from her husband killing her.”

“Could this get any weirder? I know exactly who he is. He’s Luca’s cellmate. His papers don’t say anything about saving his sister.”

“That’s because the judge was the husband’s father. Look at these photos and tell me what you think.”

“Fuck! Were these in court with him?”

“No, I took these myself. Jeff didn’t want Tina’s entire body to be discussed in court like this. I would say he went to prison instead of embarrassing his sister but I know there’s more to it.”

“That fucker deserves more than being killed. He needs to be killed over and over for doing this to a woman. I would let Jeff out today if it were up to me.”

“I know. Can you take me to the room where I interview my clients. I’m getting Luca first. I want to get his case over and done with and I’m sure it would be quicker.”

I was sitting at the table when Luca walked into the room. He smiled his handsome smile. Then he pulled me into his arms and twirled me around. He bent his head and kissed me. I laughed and pushed him away.

“Damn, you are hotter than you were in high school and college. Are you married?”

I shrugged and thought for a moment before answering, “No, I have some strong feelings for this guy. But he’s not sending good, clear signals. Remember you told me to watch for the signs men send me? This guy has me all confused.”

“I’m not going to talk to you about this because I don’t want to miss my chance with you by giving you any tips on how to get him,” he laughed and I joined in. “How is your family?”

“My sisters are all married. Axel goes to college next year. Samuel’s also married, and Grandpa helps me with my new bread store.”

“Why, look at you. A hot lawyer and… You are something else, Opal—always setting the bar. A bread store, huh? I can’t believe Axel will be off to college already. Damn, time flies when you are having fun.”

“And I’m sure you are having a blast in here…” I said sarcastically. “How did you like being a Navy Seal?”

“Oh, you know about that. Have you been following my life, Little Miss Opal?” I poked him on the shoulder. “I loved it. Can you get hold of some of my Seal buddies for me? I want them to know I’m here. I was supposed to join up with them when all of this shit happened.”

“Sure, I can. Give me their name.”

“Call Ryker Malone. He’s in Cedar Falls, Oregon. Do you know him?”

“No. Give me the details and I’ll call him when I get home. Now, tell me about this shit mess you are in.”

“I killed someone.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Why not?”

“I read the report. You pleaded guilty, but if you had pleaded not guilty, your lawyer would have had this case over in one day. I can’t believe you didn’t have a lawyer. Now you do have one. Tell me what happened. If you don’t tell me, I’ll dig until I get to the truth.”

“Come on, Opal. Don’t go digging into this. I want you to leave it alone. Get the boy out of prison. That’s all you need to do.”

I didn’t say anything. I hugged him as he got up to leave. When the door was opened, I called out to him. It was just a hunch. “Luca, you always were the best of brothers.”

“Leave it alone.” I nodded, but I would fix this. My sisters always told me my biggest problem was that I tried to fix everything but some things are worth fixing.

When Jeff walked into the room, I hugged him. His family loved him, and he loved them. He looked like a scared kid, and that’s what he was. “Hi, Jeff.”

“Hi,” he greeted with apprehension.

“I’m your lawyer. Your sister hired me. I’m having your case moved to another county. I know everything that happened. Tina told me. Your case will be thrown out when we go to court next week. I want you to know something: I would have shot that bastard if I was in your position. What you did for your sister saved her life. I’m very proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

“Could you give me another hug? I also wanted you to know you have your scholarship back.”

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