If it was someone other than Jian, Scott would be worried about what the man would want in return. So far it hadn’t been more than hiring his old street gang members. He was getting to know Jian’s character, and theman had honor.
“How do we go about getting Carla to tell the truth to the police?” Heather’s hand still clung to his elbow.
“I think Drew could make arrangements to have her talk to the ADA trying the case. Jian, can you contact her, tell her what youhave proposed?”
“I’ve already got my people working out where to put her. I hear she has some good cooking skills so she’d be helpful in a few places. Places no one would ever think to look for her and where she’d have constant eyes on her.”
“Great. Let me talk to my friend. See what we can set up. Hopefully they’ll go for it. And she’ll go for it.”
“I’ll contact you when I haveher agreement.”
“No forcing her, man. I don’t need even more charges against me.”
Jian’s lips quirked, his eyes flashing. “What, you don’t like all the attention you got in lock up this weekend? Some of the guys inside said you were the belle of the ball and number one on the list for prom date. Especially after thestrip search.”
“How the hell did you hear about that?”
Jian’s laugh echoed through the building. “I got connections everywhere, dude.”
“Great. But if you can help me with this, then I guess I don’t care what you heard. Let me know as soon as youget anything.”
Jian tilted his chin up and waved his hand. “Sure, but you might want to make sure your lady doesn’t come looking for me again. Have her use the number I gave her. She could have been in a shitload of trouble if my guys hadn’t seen her.”
Turning to Heather, he asked, “What happened? You saidyou were fine.”
“Yeah, the four guys who were ripping her clothes off and ready for business thought so too.” The gang leader walked out with a shrug.
Turning slowly, heat rushed through his blood, burning him alive. “What the fuck were you thinking? Is that where you got thebruises from?”
“I’m fine,” she choked out, backing away. Yeah, she should be scared. He wanted to throttle her for taking that kind of chance. The thought of any other man touching her, hurting her that way, made his blood turn to ice.
Reaching up, he held her shoulders and glared. “Do you have any idea how stupid that was? Nearly getting gang-raped isn’t anything to brush off. I can’t believe you came down here alone. What could possibly have been going through your head?”
A tear slid down her cheek and her lower lip trembled. Afraid of him, or was she reliving the attack?
“I know it was stupid. And I realize what could have happened. Whatalmosthappened.” Her voice caught on the words. “But I hated the thought of you going to prison. And for something you didn’t do. I couldn’t let that happen to you. I’m sorry.”
Damn. How the fuck could he be mad at her for wanting to help him? Pulling her closer, he pressed his lips to her hair. “I’m glad you’re all right. But promise me you won’t ever do anything thatasinine again.”
“I promise.” She held tight to his waist and he didn’t let her go. He was beginning to think he didn’t want to let her go. Ever. And if Jian’s information was correct, perhaps he wouldn’t have to.
* * * *
“Is there a reason we aren’t meeting at police headquarters?” Virginia Dennis asked. As the prosecutor for his case, she certainly had a right to know. “This is most unorthodox.” She glanced around the parkthey’d met in.
Scott looked over at Drew, thankful his friend was here to run interference. Lord knewhedidn’t have any clout with the woman who wanted to see him hang. She didn’t hide her disdain for him or what she thought he’d done.
“I told you, Virginia, the witness needed to speak with you but is afraid to go to the station.”
“Then she should have come to my office. And you”—she pointed at Scott—“shouldn’t be anywhere near the witness. I don’t know what you’re tryingto prove here—”
“That the witness lied,” Drew broke in. “She’s willing to tell you the truth and even sign a statement, but not at police headquarters.She’s scared.”
“Of the man who beat her. Yes, I’m aware of why she mightbe frightened.”
“I’m not afraid of Mr. Holland,” a timid voice came from behind them. Jian stood a few yards behind the blue-haired woman with several of his men scattered beyond that. Her face was still swollen and multi-colored. Shit, someone had done anumber on her.
“Miss Findley, why didn’t you simply call my office and arrange a meeting?”
