Page 31
NETTIE STOOD FROZEN among the agents, her heart pounding as she watched Mrs. McNabb collapse to the floor, a dark crimson stream pooling beneath her. With an anxious gaze darting around the chaotic scene, Nettie spotted Cassie crouched low to the ground, clutching the screaming kitten she had refused to let go. In the swirl of panic, Nettie realized with a jolt that she had dropped her kitten when she had kicked Doc’s knees, the weight of her oversight crashing down in this frantic moment.
With the unfired gun pointing at Mrs. McNabb, shaking in Nettie’s hands, Doc gently leaned over, his voice soothing as he said, “Easy, Nettie.” With careful movements, he extended his hand toward the gun, delicately prying it from her trembling grasp. As he did, tears cascaded down Nettie’s cheeks, glistening like fragile pearls against her flushed skin.
“Get her out of here,” Casper gasped, the strain of pain thick in his voice.
Nettie felt her stomach clench as she hurried to Casper’s side, where he was gradually sinking to the floor, a mysterious wound marring his body, sending an icy grip of fear through her.
Doc reached out and grasped Nettie’s arm, but she swiftly pulled away, a determined glint in her eyes. “As of this moment, I no longer want your protection,” she declared, conveying a resolute belief in her ability to navigate the world alone.
Nearby, Cowboy knelt beside Casper, his skilled hands searching for injuries as he sighed heavily upon contacting Casper’s chest. “Thank God you were wise enough to wear a vest,” he said, relief washing over his rugged features as he rose to his feet, pushing back his weathered cowboy hat. “He’s going to be fine—just a bruise and some discomfort, but he’ll pull through.”
Nettie’s frustration bubbled over as she knelt by Casper, slapping him lightly on the shoulder. “How could you be so reckless?” she exclaimed. “You could have been killed!”
Casper managed a faint smile, though the pain flickered in his eyes like a candle in a breeze. “Better me than you,” he replied softly.
Nettie couldn’t suppress a retort, her heart aching at the sight of him. “That’s debatable,” she said, a mix of irritation and affection surging within her, her instinct urging her to lean down and embrace him, to hold him close and shield him from whatever danger lay ahead.
After Nettie forcefully pushed him away, Doc instinctively reverted to his calling—he doctored. Nettie’s gaze fell upon him as he knelt beside Mrs. McNabb, his hands pressed firmly over her wound, crimson blood seeping through the spaces between his large fingers like a slow, tragic river. Doc glanced over at Casper, who let out a heavy sigh, a sound saturated with worry and resignation.
“Aaron’s in the backyard. You’d better bring him inside,” Casper urged.
Nettie felt a swell of sympathy for Casper, who lay there, his expression a mix of confusion and grief. It was clear that he was about to be torn away from his mother, a woman who had shot him without remorse.
JD stepped closer. “I called 911, and help is on its way.”
Cowboy vanished into the shadowy recesses of the room and shortly reappeared, ushering in Aaron, who hurriedly made his way to his mother’s side. “Mom,” he implored, pleading for her to respond to him.
With a tremulous hand, Mrs. McNabb reached up and clasped her son’s arm. “I’m so sorry, son. All I ever wanted was for things to be better for you,” she murmured.
Aaron scanned the area, his heart racing, and spotted Casper sprawled on the ground, meticulously extracting a bullet from his vest. “Did you—Did you shoot Ash?”
Mrs. McNabb’s reply was barely above a whisper, fraught with tension. “He was trying to ruin everything,” she uttered, as crimson blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.
Nettie longed to turn away from the private scene, but her feet felt rooted to the spot. The chaos had unfurled around her rapidly that her heart raced frantically, pounding against her chest as if trying to flee from the turmoil.
She felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her as she realized that Casper had emerged from the tragedy without any physical injuries. However, her heart ached with uncertainty regarding his emotional state. His mother had explicitly told him not to call her that, and in a moment of conflict, she had shot him, attempting to sever the bond they shared. The weight of these events left her pondering how he truly felt, caught between his physical safety and the emotional scars that lingered.
Oh, how she longed to pull him into her arms and whisper soothing words, assuring him that everything would turn out fine. But deep down, she grappled with the uncertainty of her promise. Could she really guarantee him that solace? The weight of guilt settled heavily on her shoulders, a reminder that she had been nothing more than a pawn in a game that revolved around his brother’s defense in a criminal case. The sting of that memory made her draw back, her heart tightening as she stood up from the floor, her eyes scanning the cluttered room for the kitten she had accidentally dropped in her moment of distress.
As if sensing her turmoil, JD gracefully approached her, extending his hand with the wayward kitten cradled within, its tiny body trembling softly. “She’s okay,” he said, offering a flicker of reassurance in the tense atmosphere.
JD moved toward the door with a purposeful stride, swinging it open to allow in the emergency personnel, their urgency punctuated by the shrieking sirens heralding their arrival. Cassie remained nearby, her composure firm as she stood protectively next to Nettie, who held the other kitten nestled in her arms. “Are you all right?” she asked, concern etching her features before she answered the question herself. “Of course you aren’t. Come with me. Let’s find some privacy in an office before the police arrive.”
Taking one last lingering glance at Casper, whose wide eyes were filled with an intensity that made her heart flutter with confusion, she followed Callie to the back office. The door closed softly behind them as they sought refuge from outside chaos.
Once settled in the cozy office, with Cassie seated confidently behind the desk and the playful kittens frolicking atop it, Nettie sank into a plush armchair, feeling comfort and sorrow. “I’ve been so foolish, Cassie,” she confessed. “I thought he cared for me.” Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, contradicting her inner resolve not to cry over him, as the weight of her unfulfilled hopes enveloped her like a heavy fog.
“You fell for him, didn’t you?” Cassie asked, her fingers gently stroking the soft fur of the tuxedo kitten, its shiny coat reflecting the bright office lights.
Had she truly fallen for him? Was that the cause of this heart-wrenching pain coursing through her? She had desired him physically, but she cherished their playful banter and deep conversations the most. The thought of being without him tugged painfully at her heart, yet she was a licensed attorney in Mississippi, and he had a bustling career up North.
Finally, she nodded, a soft glow of acceptance settling over her features. “I believe I did,” she murmured, her gaze distant as if lost in thought.
“What are you going to do about it?” Cassie inquired. She gently lifted the tiny kitten, cradling the delicate creature against her chest. The kitten purred softly, oblivious to the gravity of the conversation.
Even with her experience as a prosecutor, confronting the situation left Nettie feeling cornered. Ultimately, she could find only one response, a bittersweet simplicity that resonated deep within her. “There’s nothing I can do,” she replied, her voice thick with resignation.
“Hmm,” Cassie mused, her brow furrowing in contemplation. “Does that mean you’re going to let him go?” she asked, an edge of disbelief in her tone.
Nettie reached out and lovingly picked up the remaining kitten, cradling her gently. She pressed a soft kiss to the top of the feline’s forehead, feeling the warmth of its tiny body. “Yes and no,” she finally articulated. “Yes, he’s free to return to Maryland, but no, because he left me these babies behind. They will forever remind me of him.” She gazed into the kitten’s innocent eyes, a mixture of sorrow and affection swirling within her.
After a moment of contemplative silence, Cassie finally broke the stillness. “You know, we’ve been looking for an attorney to join our team. Someone who can navigate the complexities of our cases and ensure we stay on the right side of the law.” A light laugh, almost melodic, escaped her as she added, “I’m just tired of bailing JD out of jail.”
The mention of JD’s habitual run-ins with the law sent Nettie a shiver of relief. She was grateful to be far removed from the tumultuous backrooms of the Gulf Island court system, where JD’s escapades likely led him to face the judge again.
“If you’re contemplating leaving the prosecutor’s office and all those unscrupulous people you’re forced to confront,” Cassie continued, a glimmer of opportunity shining in her eyes, “you would be more than welcome to join us here.” She rose with the kitten in her arms. “Now, let me check in on the status in the other room. You stay here, take a breath, and think things over.”
Nettie opened her mouth, ready to protest and ask Cassie to wait for her, but a sense of wisdom silenced her. Perhaps Cassie was right. She did need a moment of solitude to gather her thoughts. Could she leave her position in the prosecutor’s office to become part of an investigative firm? Would stepping away mean sacrificing her fight for justice? Yet, Cassie had reassured her that they worked on cases relevant to the courts, so maybe she could still contribute to the vital cause of ensuring justice was served, helping the innocent find the evidence they needed.
The weight of the decision weighed heavily on her mind. She loved her job and cherished the camaraderie with Joann, but deep down, she sensed she already knew the answer to her quandary.
A sudden rustling at the door drew her attention, and when it swung open again, she said, “Cassie, I’ll take it.”
But before she could elaborate, a surprising voice sliced through the atmosphere. “Take what?” It was Casper, standing behind her with a puzzled expression.
Nettie’s heart clenched painfully in her chest as her eyes widened at the sight before her. The man she had loved with every fiber of her being stood just a few feet away, the fabric of his shirt marred by a dark hole near his heart, a chilling reminder of how narrowly he had escaped death. Relief washed over her like a tidal wave but quickly ebbed, leaving a gnawing dread behind. With the immediate danger passed, she couldn’t shake the unsettling thought that he might vanish from her life for good. Doubts spiraled in her mind, whispering that he would never return home to her. If he did, she resolved silently, she would seek him out, come what may.
“Hi,” she managed to say, instinctively squeezing the tiny kitten in her arms tighter, causing it to squirm uncomfortably and let out a distressed yelp.
“Nettie,” Casper said as he stepped forward, closing the door behind him with a soft click that echoed in the space.
Her breath hitched, a mixture of fear and longing crashing over her. He had locked them away together, and with that action, a question loomed heavy in the air—did he still intend to use her to bolster his brother’s case before he slipped away for good? A bitter taste surged in her mouth. It felt like a slow betrayal. “Don’t waste your time,” she said sharply, her tone edged with steely resolve. “You can turn around and walk out now. I’m not going to prosecute your brother’s case.”
Frustration bled into Casper’s posture as he raked his fingers through his tousled hair, a gesture she had recognized. “Christ, Nettie, do you really think that’s what I’m about? That was my sole intention in sleeping with you?”
“Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain,” she shot back. The truth hung unspoken between them, a heavy weight: she couldn’t admit how foolish she’d been to let his charm ensnare her, leading her into a night of passion.
“Sorry,” Casper said. “I need to talk to you. About us.”
Nettie sank heavily into the plush armchair she had just vacated. “There is no us,” she replied softly. You live up North, and I’m rooted down here in the South.”
He stepped closer, his expression turning serious as he searched her eyes. “What if I told you that I loved you? Would that change anything?”
Nettie’s heart fluttered at the weight of his confession, only to plummet like a stone in her chest. “How? We’re still separated by miles and miles of distance,” she murmured, her mind racing. How he phrased it—a question rather than a declaration—left her uncertain. Did he truly love her, or was he caught up in the moment? She couldn’t ignore the part of her that hoped it might matter.
“I’ve been offered a job in town,” he continued, “and I might move back home. Would that change things for you?”
Nettie’s body went taut at his words, a surge of hope and anxiety coursing through her veins. Yes, it could mean everything—if only it were real. “Is this some kind of game you’re playing?” she asked, skepticism creeping into her tone as she searched his face for the truth.
Without responding to her doubt, he closed the distance between them, carefully lifting the tiny kitten she held and setting it gently on the desk. His piercing gaze locked onto hers, intense and unwavering. “No game. I love you, Annette Broussard.”
At his heartfelt admission, Nettie’s breath hitched, caught between disbelief and joy. Yet one crucial question lingered in her mind. “Did you sleep with me just to help your brother’s case?” The words spilled out, urgent and demanding, as she steeled herself for the answer, needing the truth before she dared to share her feelings with anyone—except Cassie.
Casper shook his head slightly, a playful spark in his gaze. “No. I slept with you because I wanted you, and I couldn’t bear another moment in your presence without having you entirely for myself.”
Nettie arched an eyebrow, intrigue still lighting her features. “And what about your brother’s situation?” she asked, curiosity overriding her earlier hesitations.
Casper shrugged casually yet resolutely as he slipped his arm around her waist, drawing her closer. “He’s on his own,” he replied matter-of-factly.
Nestled in his embrace, she relaxed, resting her head against the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she melted into the warmth of his chest. “Is this real?” she murmured, uncertainty threading through her voice.
With a gentle, caressing touch, Casper lifted her chin with his thumb, his eyes searching hers earnestly. “It is. Now, tell me you love me, Nettie,” he urged.
She narrowed her eyes, a flicker of defiance igniting within them. “Who says I do?” she challenged playfully, though a smile danced on her lips.
He chuckled softly, the sound soothing and teasing all at once. “I know you do,” he replied confidently.
Sighing, she relented, her heart pounding in the warmth of their moment. “Yes, I love you. Now, are you satisfied?” she asked, playful exasperation mingling with affection.
“Not yet,” he whispered, his breath a tantalizing caress as he brushed his lips softly against hers, igniting a spark that sent shivers down her spine.