Page 7

“I'm doing okay,” I replied, trying awfully hard not to appear as nervous as I felt. “Can’t really complain.”

“I understand you’re working the Hamilton case?”

I nodded. It wasn’t anything big or special, just a simple DUI case I’d taken out of Blaire’s hands since she was hassling three other cases at once.

“I am.”

“I’m afraid it will have to be transferred back to Blaire, or perhaps Perry, if he’s willing. A big case has just fallen in my lap, and I’d like for you, Charlotte, to work it.”

“Oh, of course.” I straightened in my chair, allowing the tension to die from my shoulders. “What are we looking at?”

“A young girl, eighteen, was sexually assaulted last night. Her name is Delilah Fields and she’s currently being treated at the hospital. Are you familiar with Rhodes and Hutch?”

“Uh,” I started, shaking my head after a moment. “Their names sound familiar, but I don’t think I’ve met them in person.”

“Rhodes and Hutch are the lead detectives working the case.”

Harley reached across her desk and grabbed a pen, writing two sets of numbers down on a small pad. She ripped off the page and offered it to me.

“These are their numbers. I just got off the phone with Rhodes and they’re currently leaving the hospital as we speak. They’re trying to track down the girl’s boyfriend. I’d like you to meet with them, gather what intel you can, and then report back to me as soon as possible.”

“You… You’re sending me to do field work, ma’am?”

I wasn’t trying to sound ungrateful for the opportunity. This was just completely unexpected. I always met the detectives I had to work with at the precinct, not out in the open during an ongoing investigation.

“In a sense, yes,” Harley nodded, her features surprisingly calm. “I’ll be honest with you, Charlotte. I don’t have the full report in my hands yet, which is why I’d like you to temporarily overlook the investigation. It may seem like an odd request, and I know it’s not exactly considered protocol, but I want you to be prepared so that we both have a better understanding of what you’re dealing with. From what the detective told me, this case is far more barbarous than what you’ve been assigned in the past. I hope that’s not going to be a problem?”

“I can handle it,” I promised, fighting like hell not to jump up and unleash the excitement breakdancing through my veins. I’d handled big cases before, maybe not as horrific as this one, but still, this was a huge opportunity that could significantly impact my career and maybe even earn me the promotion I’d been fighting so hard for. There was an open ADA position that hadn’t been filled yet and I wanted it, desperately. If I did well enough and the case managed to go to trial, and I win…

There was no way in hell I was turning this down.

Harley grinned at me. “I was hoping you’d say that. You’re a great attorney, Charlotte, and well, aside from myself, you’re the only person I trust to take the lead on this. I should have everything you’ll need by no later than this afternoon. Take what notes you can, and then we’ll compare them with the file once you’re back.”

“Yes, Harley, of course.” I rose to my feet when she did and firmly shook her hand. “I won’t let you down.”

I took my leave and when I made it back to my office, I shut the door fast, letting my enthusiasm ooze out in the form of a jubilant squeal.

four

Spike

“How long before she’s here?” I asked Phoenix, my partner in crime and for well, everything. He’d just gotten off the phone with Charlotte Greene, the attorney who had been ordered by the District Attorney to shadow us for a few hours. It was total bullshit if you ask me. Phoenix told Harley she’d have everything she’d need once we were done with the boyfriend and the club, so why the hell was she sending her little pet out here to hound us? This could’ve waited until later once we had more to go on. With any luck, Ms. Charlotte Greene would get the information she needed and then head back where she came from.

“The DA’s office is about fifteen minutes away, so she’ll be here soon.”

I gaped out the passenger window as Phoenix took another swig from his coffee, grinding my teeth at the house across the street. We ran a trace on Justin Wheatley’s cell phone since the fucker wasn’t at home when we dropped by after leaving the hospital. The search led us here. There were two cars parked in the driveway: a black sedan and a fancy lime green Sunfire. According to Delilah’s intel, Justin drove a bright green Sunfire. We were at the right place.

“Don’t even think about it,” my partner demanded, locking the doors just when my hand wrapped around the door handle. “We need to wait for Charlotte.”

“Why can’t she just meet us at the damn precinct? We’re taking this guy in, right?”

“He isn’t under arrest, Spike. He might be a shitty guy, but we have nothing to hold him on.”

I ground my teeth even harder, pissed because I knew he was right. This guy better have a damn good excuse why he left Delilah behind and why he never bothered to check on her, or else this mother fucker was about to have an awfully brutal meet-and-greet with my fists. Assaulting civilians was shamed upon amongst the SPD, but I’d come across a lot of disgraceful people in my career who deserved to have their spines severed in half. The department had already been sued a few times thanks to me losing my shit in the past. One more strike, and I’d be suspended or worse, terminated.

It fucking sucked, but I had to be on my best behavior. It wouldn’t be easy, but I had to try.

I loved my job. I worked hard to get here, and I couldn’t let my temper throw it all away.