Page 20 of The Prey (The Hillers of Barratt County #6)

Jason was fuming when he made it back to his office. That asshole Walters was just a car length behind him—Jason had to get himself back together before Walters started asking questions. That bastard Hanan had involved Walters for a damned reason. Probably had called him there to begin with.

Everything was completely clear to him now.

Hanan was fucking her.

Probably had been from before Jason had ever met that bitch. That was probably why she’d refused to give him any two years ago. She and Hanan had been putting on a front. Probably since Hanan was her fucking boss.

They’d made a fool out of Jason. Back then. And they were thinking they could do the same now.

Jason had seen how Hanan had touched her. Just colleagues didn’t fucking hold hands on the courthouse lawn where the entire damned town could see.

They were going to ruin everything for him. They were probably laughing about that right now, plotting how they were going to screw everything up for him. Just for shits and giggles, because they thought they were important people around this stupid town.

Walters caught him just inside the office. “What in the hell was that all about?”

Jason just smirked at his boss. “What? I think the case went well.”

“I meant between you and Hanan. What was it? It was obviously personal.”

“Of course it was. Gia and I…well, she’s a very beautiful woman. And apparently Hanan has long known that. Just some ancient, unresolved history. So how long have they been involved?”

“They aren’t. Everyone knows that.” Walters just stared him down. “Take some advice, Jason. Keep personal business away from the law. Mixing the two never has the kind of results you’re looking for.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. But… a woman like that… hard to forget.”

“No kidding. I’ve met my fair few just like that…tell me, what did you think of Judge Collins?”

Jason knew by the look in the older man’s eyes…exactly what to say. “A very beautiful woman. You should go for it, you know. You’re not getting any younger.”

Walters laughed nervously just like Jason had known he would. Yes, people in this fucking place were so damned predictable. Well, that was going to work to his advantage.

He had some phone calls to make, a few favors to call in. Hanan wasn’t the only one who could screw things up for someone. Jason was going to show that bastard Jason wasn’t someone he should mess with. Actions had consequences, after all.

It was time to teach that cocky bastard a lesson. Jason was going to enjoy it.