Chapter 20
“How’s that mill project you had me talk to ol’ Florina Betts about? Is it well underway?” Judge Stokinger asked, after discussing one of Drew’s recentlyfinished cases.
“Not exactly. We’ve had a few more problems since I last saw you,” Scott said, wishing he’d had better things to report. He appreciated the judge getting the Historical Society ladyoff their case.
“Anything I can help you with? I know plenty of people on different committees. All it would take is a word from me.” Seems all these rich people loved helping others out. Made him wonder what he’d be expected to do in return.
“Thanks, though I don’t think there’s anything you can do. It has more to do with the history of the building and who ownedit previously.”
The judge looked up, stroking his jaw. “I’m not sure my history is up to date on that town. Long ago it was owned by a large fabric company.”
“Well, recently it was owned by Victor Cabrini,”Drew piped in.
“Oh, well, since he’s recently deceased I’m not sure what the problem could be.”
Scott shrugged. “Seems he might have hidden something in the sub-basement. I haven’t had a chance to get down there yet, but probably next week.”
The judge looked around, most likely bored since any action he could take was gone. He seemed like a man who wanted to be needed for who he knew.
“Probably some stolen goods. Let me know what you find,” he said, patting Scott on the arm and gazing across the room. On to more important people. He’d had that impression since getting here. The few people he’d talked to weren’t interested in hanging out when they discovered he wasn’tworth millions.
“Where’d Heather get off to?” Drew asked once thejudge was gone.
“Last I saw she was talking to her mother. I’m not getting anywhere near that.”
“You don’t like her mother?”
“It’s more like I’m not good enough for her daughter. Not rich enough, not successful enough, and I don’t have the right family name.”
“Heather’s not likethat, is she?”
“I don’t think so.” Or he hadn’t thought that recently. Perhaps in the past he’d believed she was a rich snob moving about her wealthy world, but the last few months he’d changed his opinion. But then he hadn’t seen her in her element. For the past hour, while he’d been listening to the law talk between Drew and Judge Stokinger, he’d watched Heather work the room. She flitted from one person to the next, giving each of them her full attention. He couldn’t hear what she was saying but if it was anything like the other conversations he’d overheard tonight, she was making deals and constructing bargains. And too many of these people loved touching her back or stroking her arm. He should be the only one doing that.Possessivemuch, Holland?
This wasn’t where he belonged. He didn’t work on manipulations and back scratching. An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Many of the people here tonight didn’t know the meaning of the word honest.
“If you can manage without me, I want to go catch up with the district attorney. There’s a big case coming up I needsome info on.”
“Go ahead.” Scott waved his friend away. “I think I can be left alone for a few minutes without getting in trouble.”
“I’m not so sure about that, Holland, but I’ll do it anyway. I’ll catch you before thenight’s over.”
Scott’s gaze roamed the room, narrowing in on Heather again. She was talking to an older couple, her face animated and excited. God, she was beautiful. What in hell didshe see in him?
“Sugar Tush is just about to reel them in,” Clif said from behind him. He didnotwant to have a conversation with the man. They had nothing in common. Except Heather. That fact cooled his desire.
“Nice nickname,” he deadpanned. Could be one of the reasons Heather broke up with the guy.
“Let’s face it, man, that woman has one fine ass. And let me tell you, it is so sweet. To touch and taste. Yum.”
Scott wasn’t sure if he wanted to throat-punch the guy or puke in his face. Perhaps he could do both. Clenching his fists by his side he called on all the control he’d needed while in the military to keep from following through.
“So, you two are partners, huh? In all ways, orbusiness only?”
Scott glanced sideways at the arrogant jerk but remained silent. He wasn’t about to discuss his intimate relationship with Heather. Unfortunately, Clif didn’t have the same compulsion.
“She can be quite the tiger in bed, man. And shit, does she have the most gorgeous tits. I could play withthose all day.”
“You need to—”
