Page 23 of See You There

Damn it.He was on time! Dahlia pulled the jacket back over her shoulders, and on the way to the door, punched the button to lower the thermostat several degrees. Peering through the peephole, she saw broad shoulders filling a navy suit, file folders held in front of his face, as the photographers loitering in front of her home tried to snap his picture.

She cracked the door. “Yes?”

“James Bloom.” His deep voice rumbled. She opened the door wide enough for him to slip in, preventing the cameras from getting a shot of her—and stopped.

She wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting, but James Bloom wasn’t it. Standing in front of her, with a reserved smile, was one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen. He was taller than her by at least five inches, which was surprising because in herheels she was close to 5’9. Dahlia studied his face, looking for a resemblance to his sister.

Cara was beautiful, but soft. Full curves, waves of blonde hair, and ivory skin. Dahlia took in James’s square jaw and straight brows over deep gray eyes. His body exuded masculinity.

“You look nothing like your sister.” Dahlia hadn’t meant to blurt it out, but the tight line of his mouth relaxed.

“Half-sister.”

Dahlia nodded and tried to cover her embarrassment by gesturing for him to seat himself at the kitchen table.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Dahlia clasped her hands in front of her, rubbing a thumb against her damp palm. James’s brows lifted, but he nodded.

“Water would be nice.”

Dahlia went to the kitchen and pulled out two bottles of water, handing him one as she took the seat across from him.

“I’ve never hired a lawyer before. I’m not even sure what it is I need you to do.”

James sorted the papers in front of him until the file folders were stacked neatly. “My sister indicated you were present at a crime, and you are concerned that something you say at a press event would put you in jeopardy.”

“Yes, the other night I was with Chandler, my costar—”

James held up a hand. “Actually, before we get started, I need you to sign some paperwork. Just to formalize the agreement before you tell me anything.” He smiled. “Client privilege and all that.”

“Of course.” Dahlia surreptitiously wiped her palms on the top of her thighs. She was almost thirty years old. She should know about this stuff! Victor had always handled everything, but if she was going to take control of her life, then she was going to need to learn quickly.

Her shoulders tightened. The last time she signed a contract on her own, she’d signed her life away. This time, it would be different. Dahlia took her time reading the papers he slid across the table at her, ignoring how her nerves caused sweat to pool at the base of her spine.

She couldn’t even blame the suit, because the man across from her was dressed in similar clothing, plus a tie, and he looked calm… collected. Dahlia’s eyes fell back to the papers. Thankfully, the documents were straightforward, without a bunch of legalese. She signed and initialed in the correct spots, then slid the papers back to him.

He placed them into a blue file folder and then folded his hands on the table. “Okay, so walk me through what happened that night.”

It didn’t take long to share her story. James took a lot of notes on a legal pad and periodically nodded gravely. His calmness helped her nerves settle.

“You weren’t near the weapon when the shot was fired, which means your GSR was most likely negative. The police would have mentioned it otherwise, and the other witnesses will corroborate that you weren’t the shooter.”

He sat back in his chair. “The problem is, even though there was no active gambling when law enforcement arrived, there is enough evidence to say it had occurred prior to the shooting.” He met her eyes. “This shooting is high profile. There were professional athletes there, as well as you and Chandler and…” He quirked a brow. “Your studio head was there.”

Dahlia licked her lips and nodded. “Matt Crawford. He owns Peachtree Pictures.”

“Are you a friend of Mr. Crawford’s?”

Dahlia shook her head too hard, and her bun slipped.

“Have you been out with him before, socially?”

Dahlia frowned. Did that matter?

“Just a couple of times. Once with Chandler. Another event at the same house. I didn’t know Matt would be there last night until they both arrived to pick me up.”

“Okay. Let’s go through it one more time. I’m sure you’re telling the truth, but you will have to repeat this story over and over, and it’s best if you stay consistent. If there is something you are hazy on, it’s better to say, ‘with all the commotion my memory isn’t clear,’ rather than risk someone looking to trip you up later.”

Dahlia grimaced, but she described again arriving at the party and speaking with the fan. She left out the part where Chandler owed Petrov money. She wanted to distance herself from the Bratva angle.