Page 28

NETTIE COULDN’T SHAKE the disbelief as she reflected on her actions. How could she have been so foolish, letting herself be lured into a moment of passion by Casper, the very man whose brother she was prosecuting? The memory of their intimate encounter sent a shiver down her spine. It felt like a manipulative game he had crafted to win her over to his side. He hadn’t explicitly voiced any demands, yet the unspoken words hung heavily between them, especially after their privacy was abruptly shattered.

The blush of mortification crept over her cheeks as she recalled the instant realization that others were just beyond the walls, blissfully unaware of her vulnerability. In that charged atmosphere, what was meant to be an intimate connection quickly turned into an embarrassing situation, leaving her to grapple with conflicting emotions.

With a reluctant sigh, Nettie tossed aside the covers, the soft fabric slipping away like memories she wished she could forget. She padded across the cool wooden floor to the bathroom, each step echoing in the stillness of the early morning. As she gathered her clothes, the faint scent of Casper lingered in her mind, igniting a whirlwind of emotions. She could almost feel the lingering warmth of his hands brushing against her skin, skillfully removing each piece of clothing with a tenderness that thrilled and terrified her.

A low groan escaped her lips. This was proving to be far more challenging than she had anticipated. The thought of his touch revived her vulnerability, leaving her heart racing. She knew that if he brushed against her again, she would crumble and fall into his embrace, succumbing to his magnetic pull over her.

As she stood before the mirror, apprehension washed over her. How would she face the other men after everything that had transpired? They had to be aware of Casper’s irresistible charm and cunning ways by now. The familiar weight of judgment hung heavily in the air, and the mere idea of their knowing gazes made her stomach twist with anxiety.

Feeling the need for a more relaxed outfit, she unzipped her suitcase, revealing a jumble of clothes packed for her stay. Rummaging through the contents, she found a worn pair of well-fitted jeans and a soft, faded T-shirt. Comfort was her priority. If she faced any embarrassment today, she might as well do it feeling at ease.

Once dressed, she made her way to the window and peered outside, catching a glimpse of Casper’s Jeep as it sped down the road. A wave of unsettling thoughts washed over her. So, he was on his way to meet his brother, no doubt discussing that he had crossed a line by sleeping with the prosecutor, potentially compromising her judgment in the case.

The realization simmered within her, igniting a spark of determination. Although the temptation lingered to play petty and consider slapping extra charges onto Aaron’s case in retaliation, she dismissed the notion. She had his file in her possession and was resolved to handle the case with integrity. Her commitment to fighting for justice remained unwavering, and she would ensure that all the details were meticulously examined, no matter the personal stakes involved.

But before anything else, she felt an urgent need to understand where the men were in their investigation into who was pursuing her and when she might finally reclaim her ordinary life, free from the shadow of Casper. Hearing his name sent shivers down her spine, a painful reminder that she had been deluding herself. Against all odds, she had inexplicably fallen for the man who had once been her adversary. It wasn’t merely his role as her savior that captivated her—he had rescued her not just once but multiple times, each act a testament to his undeniable strength. Nor was it solely about the intense sense of safety he provided by arranging security details to protect her long enough to see her next birthday. The complexity of their connection, a tangled web of emotions, left her both bewildered and achingly aware of the fragile line between love and enmity.

Summoning her courage, Nettie slid her feet into a pair of crisp white ankle socks, the fabric soft against her skin, and laced up an old yet sturdy pair of tennis shoes that had seen better days. With her heart racing, she approached the door, her fingers hesitating over the cool metal doorknob. This was it. She could do this. She would do this. Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle and stepped into the softly lit hallway, moving toward the inviting warmth of the living area.

As she entered, her gaze landed on Doc, who looked up from the couch with kind eyes and a gentle smile that instantly made her feel at ease. “Hey, Nettie,” he greeted her, his voice untainted by judgment or secrets.

“Hi, Doc,” she replied, sinking into the plush armchair that welcomed her like an old friend. Her eyes roamed, searching for Cowboy. She suspected he was outside, patrolling the grounds as he often did, ever vigilant and protective.

Nettie’s thoughts drifted back to the pressing question in her mind. “Where are you with finding out who is after me? I want to resume my regular life.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with urgency.

Doc leaned forward, placing his book aside deliberately, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Casper thinks he has it figured out. He is working with Coastal Investigation on that part. We’re just security,” he explained.

So, Casper believed he had the situation under control, but what were his true intentions? A fleeting vision of their time shared before their paths diverged crossed her mind—a reckless moment wrapped in desire. She straightened in her seat, fighting to maintain her composure and pride, unwilling to let uncertainty overshadow her resolve.

“I want to go see them,” she insisted as she felt the weight of confinement pressing down on her. She knew she had little power over how and where they shielded her from danger.

Doc, the sturdy figure in front of her, shook his head slowly, a look of concern on his face. “Why don’t you just call them?” he suggested, his tone a blend of kindness and firmness that made her frustration boil.

“No,” she replied vehemently, her eyes flashing with determination. “I want to get out of this house. I need to escape these walls that feel like closing in on me.”

Doc studied her intently, his gaze scanning her features for any hint of doubt or wavering resolve. “I understand,” he said, glancing down momentarily as he rubbed the back of his neck with his broad palm. When he finally met her eyes again, he continued, “But only Casper has the authority to make that call. And right now, he’s off the grid.”

Nettie’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean, off the grid?”

Doc sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken concerns. “He left his communications device here and turned off his phone. I can’t reach him.”

To regain control of the situation, Nettie thought quickly, her mind racing. “Well, in his absence, aren’t you the man in charge?” she proposed, a spark of hope igniting her.

A smile spread across Doc’s face as if he had just pieced together the puzzle of her thoughts. “I am,” he acknowledged.

“Good. Then let’s get moving before it gets much later,” Nettie urged eagerly, her determination resurfacing. “Cassie and JD will be heading home to their son soon enough.”

****

Casper turned his Jeep into the familiar driveway of his childhood home, the gravel crunching beneath the tires like the sound of memories long buried. Unlike the warm embrace of nostalgia that usually accompanied his visits, a cold wave of loneliness washed over him. He felt like a shadow in his mother’s eyes, a constant reminder of an ex-husband she wished to forget. The thought stung. He had disappointed her again by failing to heed her command to call his father, a man he hadn’t spoken to in years. The last time had been marred by his father’s new wife, who had driven a wedge between them, insisting he sever ties with his old life.

As Casper exited the vehicle, he couldn’t shake the feeling of impending doom, especially considering the difficult conversation he was about to have with his brother. If his instincts proved correct, he would find himself entangled in a web of betrayal, needing to gather evidence against the very blood that had shared his childhood. The thought of pursuing an attempted murder charge against his flesh and blood was a weight in his chest, one that threatened to unravel the already fragile threads of their family.

Initially, doubt crept into his mind, whispering that he might not rise to the challenge ahead. But then, like a gentle balm, thoughts of Nettie enveloped him. Dear sweet Nettie, her laughter is like a soft melody in his ears, her smile brightening even on the dullest days. He found his mind drifting back to the tender moments they had shared, each memory packed with unspoken words that lingered between them. Had he truly fallen in love with her? The very idea felt surreal, almost out of reach. Their interactions had been fleeting, charged with an undeniable tension, save for the crescendo of intimacy they had experienced that day, their bodies entwined in a fragile and profound dance.

He was resolute in his commitment to protect her, prepared to make any sacrifice necessary to ensure her safety and help her reclaim her everyday life, even if that meant she would have to do so without him by her side. Deep down, he wished she would consider following him to Maryland, where they could forge new memories together. However, he knew the gravity of her accomplishments—she had passed the bar exam in Mississippi, which brought her a sense of pride and professional stability. He couldn’t bear to ask her to abandon that hard-earned success to retake the bar exam in Maryland, where his work as an agent for HIS would inevitably demand long, grueling hours and frequent absences. The uncertainty of his future weighed heavily on him, rendering any promises empty, and he couldn’t risk asking her to walk away from her dreams for a path fraught with his professional challenges.

Aaron stood in the wide-open doorway, the golden light of the setting sun spilling around him, casting long shadows on the floor. He squinted against the brilliant glow, frustration etched across his face. “Hey man, what’s so urgent? I’ve got guys waiting on me,” he called out.

Casper ignored the tangled thoughts of his and Nettie’s disheartening future, focusing instead on the pressing matter. “Let’s go inside,” he urged, stepping closer to the threshold, ready to confront whatever awaited him.

With a nonchalant shrug that suggested indifference, Aaron confidently strode into the house, followed closely behind by Casper. Just inside the entrance, Casper abruptly halted, his gaze landing on their mother, who stood with her arms crossed and a disapproving glare aimed squarely at him.

“So,” she began, “you decided to grace us with your presence.”

Casper inhaled deeply, feeling the tension coil in his chest. He exhaled slowly, counting his heartbeats to tame the rising tide of anger within him. “Sorry, Mom. I’ve been busy,” he replied, his tone measured.

“Hmph,” she scoffed, turning on her heel and heading to the kitchen—her footsteps echoed in the quiet house. “Supper will be ready soon. You’ll stay and eat with us.”

It wasn’t a request. It was a command, implied in the firmness of her voice, and Casper understood all too well that leaving the house before the meal was served was not an option unless Aaron chose to throw him out instead. “Sure, Mom,” he responded, knowing he had little choice if he wanted to keep the peace between him and his mother.

Aaron sank heavily into the worn cushion of the couch, its fabric frayed in places from years of use. “All right, sit down, and let’s uncover what’s so urgent,” he said impatiently. “I’m hoping it has something to do with changing the mind of that bitch of a prosecutor.”

Casper clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his temper in check at his brother’s harsh words. This wasn’t a time for personal vendettas. He was here to untangle a complex case, not ignite another conflict with Aaron or their mother, especially not after the fiery accusation of attempted murder he’d soon level against his brother. He settled into a well-worn armchair, its fabric a muted shade that had faded over the years, and forced a smile. “No, I haven’t seen her,” he replied, the words slipping from his lips like a well-rehearsed script.

“I thought you were protecting her,” Aaron shot back, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized Casper’s expression.

The accusation hung in the air, and Casper was surprised to learn how his brother had discovered this secret. The sheriff had assured him that this information would remain confidential.

Unsure how to initiate the delicate conversation, Casper leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs and casting a wary gaze toward his younger brother. “How are things?” he ventured, hoping to break the tension in the air like a thick fog.

Aaron’s expression hardened as he narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering across his features. “Is that why you demanded I wait like a petulant schoolboy?” His biting tone cut through the silence, darkening the atmosphere further.

Realizing his approach was flawed, Casper shifted his strategy. “How’s sobriety?” he asked. He held onto the faint hope that his brother would embrace this topic, yet anxiety gnawed at him, and he feared the response.

“Sobriety, my ass. Who wants that?” Aaron’s retort was sharp, full of defiance as he leaned back, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Casper took a measured breath, leaning back in the chair to assess his brother. The bloodshot eyes glaring back at him spoke volumes. It was clear Aaron had veered far off the right path. “How about rehabilitation? Have you considered it?” His words came out softly as though they might coax Aaron into a more reflective state.

In an explosive reaction, Aaron surged to his feet, startling Casper. “Is that why you’re here? To preach your holier-than-thou standards and assume I want to be like you? Because if so, you can see yourself out right this instant!” His voice was a torrent of anger and desperation, echoing off the walls of the cramped living room.

Slowly, Casper rose from his seat, towering over Aaron by a solid six inches, his heart pounding. “No. That’s not why I’m here,” he said, striving to maintain a calm facade despite the growing tension.

“Then spit it out!” Aaron snapped, impatience simmering just below the surface.

Feeling a desperate urgency, Casper decided to lay everything on the line. “Are you trying to have ADA Broussard killed?”

In that startling moment, their mother’s horrified gasp from the doorway shattered the tense standoff. Both brothers turned to find her standing frozen, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. “Get out!” she demanded, shaking with fear and fury. “Get out of here and don’t come back.”