Page 124 of Hidden Ties

Garrett frowned. “Our contract states the cases you take on in Kansas City—”

“Lucca Caruso,” Kent cut him off again, “is paying formeto represent Ms. Monroe. I didn’t think you would want to publicly have the firm associated with a known mobster or be the one to experience the fallout if she is convicted. Lucca doesn’t accept failure. If I thought wrong, I’m more than willing—”

“No.” Garrett’s voice rose in fear. He looked like he was going to vomit up the bagel he had eaten. “You were right. I’ll just tell the others you were contracted with Caruso before you started at the firm. I’m willing to make an exception for the good of the firm.”

As money hungry as Garrett was, he wasn’t ready to put his skills to the test, especially if there was a chance of endangering his cushy life.

Standing up, Kent gathered his files into his hands, preparing to leave. “Wise choice. By the way, how did you find out I was representing Ms. Monroe?”

“Jeffrey saw you leaving the jail while he was visiting one of his clients. He asked one of the guards who you were there to see.”

“I was waiting for some information to come back before I told you I had been asked to represent her. I hadn’t decided yet.”

“You haven’t got the information back yet?” Garrett rose, walking across the carpet to stand next to him.

“No.”

“Then why did you tell me you were representing her?”

“I only made up my mind up now,” he lied easily, wanting to make his point. “I don’t likeanyone”—Kent coldly stared into Garrett’s eyes—“digging into my business.”

Holding his gaze until Kent was sure Garrett understand the implied threat, he reached out and opened the door. “You first.” Giving him a benign smile, Kent motioned him forward.

He walked in the opposite direction of Garrett, deciding to drop the files off and use the opportunity to see Sage.

When he entered the elevator, his mind was on Jeffrey more than Sage. He didn’t like the other lawyer and was curious about his actions. Jeffrey could be an unforeseen liability if he wasn’t careful.

Taking Valerie’s case might not have been his brightest move, especially while he needed to keep a low profile at Hollingsworth until he could accomplish the reason he had come here to begin with.

To make Sage fall in love with him.

TWENTY

Entering the file office only to find Glenda sitting behind the desk was disappointing. Damn, he was tempted to leave with the files. It had been the perfect excuse to strike up a conversation with Sage. Her not being there put a hitch in his plan.

Dammit. Why did everyone have to be a pain in his ass today?

Under Glenda’s level stare, he strode forward.

“Thought I would bring these folders back before you come knocking on my door,” he teased.

“Don’t pretend to be frightened of me.” Handing him the pad to check in, she gave him a discerning gaze. “I’ve got your number. You remind me of my first husband. He could charm the panties off a mannequin, too.”

Kent burst into laughter, playfully placing a hand over his heart as if she had given him a grievous injury. “Why are you lying to me?”

Her eyes narrowed to slits. “What makes you think I’m lying?”

“There’s no way you’ve been married twice. What man would be stupid enough to let you divorce him?”

Her unsmiling continence broke into a grin. “You’re too smart for your own good,” she said, shaking her head. “You’re lucky I’m happily married. I could bring you to your knees.”

“Really?” He leaned familiarly closer to the desk. “How so?”

Laughing, she took the files from him, checking the list inside. As she did so, he made a studied survey of empty room.

“Where’s your new sidekick?” he asked casually.

Glenda’s expression underwent a drastic change. “Sage was called into HR. She’s not back yet.”