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This is war. You don’t know who you are messing with. I’m coming for you.

Game on sweetheart.

My fingers typed fast:

To: homeowner1278

From: [email protected]

SUBJECT: GAME ON

I find it hard to believe you are the actual owner. Your lack of maturity tells me you cannot possibly be an attorney or the homeowner. You’re probably his son or deranged step-son. Do yourself a favor and seek professional help.

P.S.

Thank you for giving me another email to use in court. I look forward to receiving my deposit back in full since you never provided me receipts.

“There.” Satisfied, I got dressed and went downstairs. “Morning, Daisy!” I opened her crate, gave her a tiny biscuit while clipping a leash on her collar. “Steve! I’m taking Daisy to the beach!”

He waved us away with a grin as he was filling out adoption paperwork for a kitten. “Something smells good!” Daisy yipped happily as I led her to a café where the smells of baking bread and percolating coffee was too much to resist. I ordered a medium roast coffee heavy on the cream and sugar with a buttered bagel, sharing it with my new friend as we walked along the beach. Joggers were out, some people were doing yoga as they watched the waves. Everyone was friendly, summer was almost here. I could taste it. Even the early morning rays from the sun felt summerish with its warmth stretching out across the sky.

Daisy wagged her tail, sniffed shells, barked at the birds. My heart warmed. I felt sad when I had to walk her back to her crate after a taste of freedom. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”

After gathering my things, I decided not to drive to the docks where Dr. Winnfield was. I chose to ride the bike I had brought to college but rarely used. My thighs burned after a few miles, but it felt good to be outside.

“Ryan! Glad to see you sorted everything out timely. You’ll be in the lab today dissecting. A deceased Humpback washed up north of Rodanthe. There’s evidence of shark bites but we are taking tissue samples from every organ before determining cause of death.” I nodded as she led me into a locker room, showing me where the lab coats, gloves and eyewear were.

In no time, I forgot everything. Wade. Hot-shot guy. Daisy’s sad eyes. I lost myself in science and needing to find the evidence of just what happened to an apparent young, healthy whale.

Sixteen

End of May…

I turned my head to the side, feeling the crack of bones in my neck. I repeated the motion, feeling the other side crack. The email from the clerk at the small claims court hit my inbox ten minutes ago. A court date was still pending. I scanned the customary documents, unimpressed until I opened the character witness list. Bunny Dempsey was at the top of the list. My best woman—my PA was testifying in a case against me for the plaintiff? Was Bunny a narc? An undercover granny planted by Diersky and helping Ryan Hill? Nah. This wasn’t a Sherlock Holmes episode. Listed under her name was the associated relationship with the plaintiff:grandmother.

“Well, well. The plot thickens.” I smirked, looking forward to going another round with Ms. Hill. “Now I know where she gets it from. She’s a firecracker just like her granny.”

I was still listed as C.C. since the rental was set up in an LLC, not my legal name. Chances were Bunny and Ms. Hill had no clue their nemesis is me. A soft tap at my door had me looking up. It was Bunny. I clicked out of my email, straightened my tie, and asked her to come in.

She was nervous, timid. So, unlike my Bun-bun. “Can I help you with something?”

“You okay honey bun?”

She shook her head. “It’s my granddaughter. I was hoping you could give me some legal advice.”

I perked up. “I’ll do my best. I’m a hedge fund attorney though. Not much for criminal mischief,” I winked.

“It’s nothing like that. Just a business matter. She filed against a landlord in small claims for her deposit money back. He blacklisted her from being able to rent on a housing app. It’s a real mess.”

“Did she deserve having her money frozen?”

“I-I don’t know. My girl is a straight A student, always has been. She’s very responsible. Even volunteers at an animal shelter—is always helping others… I find it hard to believe the things this man is accusing her of.”

I hid my “bullshit,” behind a cough, images of gummy bear dicks and pink panties flashed in my head. Poor Bunny was suckered. Deceived by Ryan Hill just like I was. I felt sorry for her, thinking her granddaughter was some sort of do-gooder.

“Do you have any advice? Apparently, this man is ruthless, wanting to make an example out of her.”

I sure did.