“Because it’s unethical. You wouldn’t want anyone to think you were buying me off, would you?” she asked laughing. She leaned in. “You and I both know you called Judge Rooney, so it’s best to let this lie.”
“That was before I knew what was really going on,” Daniel admitted. “Again, it was concern for all parties.”
There they were with that word again. “No reason to be concerned about anything.”
The server returned with Daniel’s credit card, he signed and she watched as the older man and his wife retreated from the restaurant, Diana whispering to her husband, her face red.
Gale didn’t want to forget a minute of what just happened and pulled her phone out to type in notes and then sent it to Ford, Clay and Rory.
It wasn’t even a full minute before her phone was going off with exclamation points and swear words from all three of them.
It made her laugh. She said she wasn’t backing down to them. This was her way.
Maybe it was the fuel needed to light another fire. She wasn’t sure, but to get this done faster, action was required.
Just Rory moving in with her seemed to do it. Two different reactions too. Daniel had always been cool. Kane was always on a power trip.
Neither one of them acted any differently if she really thought about it.
In the broad picture that didn’t help her much either.
Before her lunch was brought over, Ford opened the door, walked in and sat next to her.
“You’re pushing it, Gale.”
“It needs to be done,” she said.
“I know,” Ford said. “Let me do my job.”
She sighed. “You are and you will. All of you. But Kane stopped me on the sidewalk. I’m not cowering for anyone and never have.”
“I get it. You didn’t bait him, but you did Daniel. I know you. Kane set you off and pushed you to approach Daniel.”
She smiled and patted his hand. Her lunch was brought out and put in front of her. Ford reached over and snagged one of her fries.
“I did. It was worth it just to get him to talk. Diana is ready to up and leave and she doesn’t care for her husband’s behavior.”
“You’re speculating.”
She cut her chicken sandwich in half and took a bite. “Maybe. But I saw a pissed off woman who is sick of dealing with her husband.”
“Maybe, but you don’t know what she’s pissed about. Could be his wandering eye.”
“Definitely that.”
“Or that she’s sick of the snow and wants to live in Florida.”
“Good riddance to him and I hope it happens. Just not yet. Not until we get answers.”
“That’s right.”
“You’re going to sit here until I’m done eating and then walk me back to my office, aren’t you?” she asked.
“Yep,” Ford said, reaching for another fry. “I’ve got to pick you up after work anyway. Or is Rory coming to get you?”
“He had to run around today and deal with his car situation, so I’m not sure when he’ll be done.”
“Then you’ve got me.”
