Page 66 of Free to Judge

I feel about as gross as dog crap that’s stuck to the bottom of a shoe that has a tread filled with old gum. “Let me offer my apology,” I grit out.

“Fine,” Kalie manages.

“Now, please leave,” her mother tacks on.

I want to rant that as awful as I feel about my baseless accusations, these people are still in danger. It doesn’t negate the fact that my life is now in more danger than ever. Whispers in back alleys raise questions in places where there should be none, and that’s what gets you killed. I make my way to the door when Kalie calls my name. I pause and look over my shoulder at her, “Yeah?”

“Good luck on your hunt. I hope you and the rest of the team find what you’re looking for.” Kalie’s voice is excessively polite. However, her eyes burn with something I can’t name.

Or maybe I’m afraid to because if I do, I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself for putting it there.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

For the next few weeks,life returns to the normal I lived prior to Declan sneaking into my house. If only it was that easy for my heart to evict him, the only oddity would be the guards following me around as I go about my life. I choose to ignore them much the same way I do the paparazzi.

I spend most of my days in the office, focusing on our team executing successful spring weddings, knowing that the next few months will be nothing but chaos once May hits. I also ignore every unknown message that pops up randomly on my phone.

Unknown:

I’m sorry.

I should have done my homework before I flew off the handle.

A few days later, from a different burner phone.

Unknown:

I’d really like to talk to you.

Can we meet in the same place?

Listen, firebrand. I was wrong.

I’ve kept my ear to the ground and I’ve heard no rumblings.

You should be safe.

Does he think it’s that easy to make up to me? That I’ll capitulate at his feet because I’m not in danger? I’m not some weak-willed woman. I’m not a puppy to roll over at the first sign of praise from its master. Still, I replied to that text string, knowing that if I didn’t, Declan would show up inside my home despite my having changed the locks. Grace, who decided to extend her stay in Europe, gave me a curious look when I explained why she would need new keys when she returned home. After a blithe, “Dad said we needed to upgrade security,” she let it drop.

I just wish Declan would let the conversation drop as easily or that I could forget the power of that kiss.

Kalie:

No.

Just one word. Two letters. Direct. Clear cut.

Unknown:

Talk to me.

Please don’t shut me out—I really want to make this right.

I tap my nails against the screen for a second before considering how to reply. Then I decide on a clear answer that lets him know where my emotions stand.

Kalie:

I’m late for my current coffee klatch about my subpar lawyer skills and remedial Olympic training. Perhaps we could schedule a time to discuss this on the second Sunday after never?