Page 7 of Ranger Justice

He held up a hand to ward off her words. “That’s not it at all. I don’t doubt you one bit. But this case is turning into a media frenzy. Since Thomas was a campaign donor, I can’t be seen interfering, but I don’t want you to be the sole face of this trial either. Kristin has proven herself adept at handling high-profile cases in the past. She knows how to get the job done, thanks to your strong mentoring.”

Hannah weighed her reply. Yes, Kristin was an accomplished lawyer, but she was also hungry for fame. “I appreciate the support, sir, but I don’t want there to be any confusion about who is calling the shots.”

“There won’t be. You do. Kristin is second-chair only.” Bruce lowered his hand to Hannah’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “This is a good thing. I want you to bail if the threats become too much. You’re caring for Charlotte now. There’s more on your plate than just work. If things get to be too much, you can back out, and Kristin can take over as first-chair.”

Ahhhh, and there it was. Hannah felt a surge of irritation. She had the sense Kristin had gone straight into Bruce’s office with a plan to get on this case. And it’d worked.

Hannah calculated her next words carefully. “Sir, if you would like to assign a second-chair, I’m fine with that. But Kristin is too valuable to spend her time in witness prep. Larry would be a better choice. Or Nancy.”

“Their dockets are full.” He puffed out his chest and hooked the button to close his suit jacket. “Kristin closed a high-level case last night with a plea bargain. All of her other trials are weeks away. Plus, she’s a fantastic lawyer, which you’ll need.”

His mind was made up. Hannah let out the breath she was holding. “Of course. Thank you, sir.”

Bruce nodded and led the way out of the alcove. He said goodbye to everyone before turning back to Hannah. “Keep me updated. And good luck in the hearing this morning.”

She nodded, and he left. Pam was digging through the diaper bag while Kristin and Ryker were standing together having a low conversation. The younger lawyer placed a hand on his arm and laughed, throwing her head back as if he’d said the funniest thing in the world. Ryker glanced at Hannah and then his gaze skirted away. A sinking suspicion settled in her stomach. She approached the couple.

Kristin smiled saccharinely in Hannah’s direction. “I’m excited to join the team. This case is fascinating, and it’s rare something this big happens in a county of this size.” She finally dropped her hand from Ryker’s arm. “I borrowed the case files to review. Hope you don’t mind. It’s the fastest way to get up to speed.”

Hannah bit back her initial retort and sent up a prayer for patience. She suspected Kristin had maneuvered her way onto the case, but didn’t have proof. There was no sense in making their working relationship contentious. At the same time, Hannah had no intention of having her authority challenged. “I’m sure Bruce has made you aware, but just in case he hasn’t, you’re second chair. All strategy decisions or issues need to be run by me.”

“Absolutely.”

She met and held the other woman’s gaze. Kristin was ambitious, and her desire for attention could wreak havoc if she “accidentally” let something slip to the media. “As I’m sure you are aware, there is a gag order in place regarding this case. You cannot speak to the media about any aspect, nor can you discuss it with anyone in the office who isn’t assigned to work on it.”

The judge had ordered the measure after Thomas’s media blitz. Unfortunately, damage had been done. He’d convinced members of the community that he was innocent of murdering his wife, which fueled speculation about Julie’s killer.

Kristin nodded, placing her finger over her lips. “No one will hear anything from me.”

“Good. Then I’ll see you in the courtroom. Welcome to the team.”

“Thanks.”

With a last flirty smile in Ryker’s direction, Kristin slipped from the office.

Pam scowled. “That woman maneuvered her way onto this case by convincing Bruce it was the right thing to do. She’s ambitious.” The older woman hiked Charlotte up higher on her hip. “Watch yourself with that one, Hannah. There are rumors running around the office that she’s jealous of the cases you’ve been getting.”

Her paralegal’s observations mirrored Hannah’s own, but she had bigger issues than a competing attorney. She stuffed a writing pad into her laptop bag. “I can handle Kristin.” She glanced at her watch. “But if I don’t hurry, I’ll be late to court and Judge Wingate will have my hide.”

Pam handed her a copy of their reply to the defense’s motion. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” She took the paperwork and added it to her laptop bag before kissing Charlotte goodbye. Ryker fell into step beside her as they hurried down the hall. Hannah mentally debated asking the question, lingering on the tip of her tongue. The issue was personal, and normally would be none of her business, but now… it had to be handled. Especially if Ryker was going to be acting as her protection detail. The last thing Hannah needed was more surprises.

She waited until they were in the elevator before rounding to face him. “Are you and Kristin dating?”

SIX

It wasn’t often Ryker was left speechless, but Hannah’s question had come out of left field. He stared at her, incredulous. “No, I’m not dating Kristin.”

Her gaze narrowed. “Have you ever dated her? Actually, have you ever dated someone from my office that is working on this case?”

“I have no idea.” He couldn’t possibly know every staff member assigned to the case. A murder trial this big potentially had several paralegals and other support staff working under Hannah. “Is it a problem if I’ve dated someone from your office?”

“It could be if you’re distracted.” Her eyes flashed with some indescribable emotion. “Let’s not play games. You have a reputation, Ryker. You’re known as a flirt, and I have the sense you’re seen as a challenge. There’s a particular woman that enjoys that game. From the looks of things in my office, Kristin is one of them. And I don’t need that kind of distraction on top of everything else.”

The elevator dinged, and the doors swished open. Hannah bolted out and Ryker had to double-time it to catch up to her. He lightly snagged her elbow to slow her steps. Aware there were people around, he steered Hannah into a small alcove off a courtroom. This conversation wasn’t over.

He kept his voice pitched low. “I told you this morning, nothing is more important than keeping you and Charlotte safe.” For a moment, Ryker nearly told her about losing Alison. His whole life changed in an instant, and he’d never risk adding more guilt to his shoulders by failing to protect Hannah. But now was not the time or the place to share that story. Instead, he merely said, “Kristin and I have never dated. Nor will we.”

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