I’d be fucking terrified if four goons had been intent on attacking me.
“After I return, we’ll go to your house and get some things. Until then, no one knows you’re here. Not a soul.”
“Don’t worry,” she said, the sound of her sigh full of such sadness. “I really don’t have anyone to tell.” Seconds later, a spark returned, mischievous in nature. “What if I don’t obey you? Remind me again?”
My reaction was to reach out and grab her, which was completely out of character for me. I’d been called many creative things by the few women I’d dated in my life including stodgy and self-serving. They had good reason. I’d never tried to be playful with any of them.
“Then I’m afraid you’re going to learn all about various acts of punishment.”
Punishment.
Just thinking about the few minutes with her allowed a smile. I’d had few that morning, including in dealing with the complete assholes in court. Some criminals were animals. Others were simply dumb motherfuckers who I was surprised had gotten away with previous crimes.
I headed out the door of the courtroom, taking long strides down the hallway.
Favors.
I’d issued a few in my life and had rarely acted on requiring one in return. I’d burned one of them by asking a cop who owed me more than one to do a few drive-bys of my house while on his day shift. He’d obliged without asking a single question. He knew what I could do for or against his career.
That was the type of power I held and had yet to wield. But I would.
Damn straight I would if necessary.
With a police officer stationed at my house, I felt more confident neither Jones nor his band of merry men would attempt to make good on their threats. However, I’d feel relieved when I returned.
The courtroom drama of the day was mild in comparison to the night before. Fortunately, the attorneys had both done their jobswell, allowing the jury to come to a quick decision. Soon, the latest monster would be behind bars.
Even if his crime had been to break in and steal a few thousand dollars without bloodshed. Maybe at this point I had zero tolerance for anyone breaking the law.
With the unexpected time allotted me, I’d be able to prepare for an upcoming case before heading to Chase’s house.
I’d left Valentina with explicit instructions to remain behind locked doors. I swore to God, if she disobeyed me again, I would tan her hide. She had no idea how much danger she’d placed herself in the day earlier. Maybe at least with washing blood from my clothes she’d finally embraced the dangerous position she was in.
Although the woman was one of the most hardheaded I’d ever met. Her refusal to accept her limitations both baffled and impressed me. But right now, she couldn’t go off half-cocked until I had a better handle on Jones’ and Delgado’s plans.
I’d had time to source the news before leaving that morning. As expected, there was nothing on the local networks about the beating at the diner. There was also nothing on the internet or any reports filed with the police. Members of the cartel certainly didn’t go around exposing their weaknesses on purpose. Especially when they likely weren’t certain of who’d beaten the shit out of them.
It wasn’t like my face or name was in the paper often. Even with Jacob’s release from prison, he likely didn’t consider me a worthy enemy. Especially since he hadn’t seen the side of me his men had experienced.
I chuckled as I headed to my chambers. Today the robe I was required to wear felt heavy, almost as if it didn’t belong. Chase was right in that when another incident popped up, and I knew there would be at least one, I’d need to take steps to secure my anonymity.
Just like the bad guys often did, at least those with decent training.
Anger continued to surge just below the surface, not only from the obvious but also because after two phone calls, I’d yet to be provided with paperwork detailing the exact reason Jones had been freed from prison. I had no intention of allowing the attorney general to continue skating on the edge of corruption. If I could prove the tampering had been done by one of his minions then it would go a long way with destroying the man’s career.
And having him arrested.
“Judge Armstrong.”
The voice caught me by surprise. Jim was one of the clerks of the court, a nice guy who had a large family. He’d worked with me for years, as trustworthy as they came. “What’s up, Jim?”
“I’m glad I caught you.” His expression held apprehension. “Wow. Did you get into a fight in court?”
My thoughts drifted to the earlier conversation. “Just an insult from a cabinet door. Is something going on?”
“Did you hear about the juror?”
As soon as he asked the question, my hackles were raised. “What juror?”
