“Sam Cruz is running for reelection in a year. I’m supposed to believe this whole thing is a coincidence? Ellie Luke is one of the most infamous cold cases in the county. Two weeks ago, you, Sam Cruz, and Hayden Simmons had lunch together. All the while, you and the sheriff were playing footsie under the table by all accounts. Then all of a sudden Hayden Simmons dreams up this headline-grabbing story about her father and Aunt Ellie …”
He took a step toward me. Then another. I’d known many men like Bennett Cutler before. He wasn’t physically threatening me, per se. But he was using our size and strength difference to claim more and more space around him. Expecting me to take a step back. I wouldn’t.
“I’d say we’re done talking,” I said.
“Even if you win, you’ll lose,” he said. “We haven’t even stepped inside the courtroom and I can see appealable error taking shape. This case could ruin your career if you ever want to run for office.”
“Lucky for me, I don’t.”
“Your boyfriend does. Look, I won’t want to do it. But a man’s life is at stake. I’m not going to have a choice.”
Cutler put a hand flat on the wall next to my ear. He was no more than three inches from my face. I had the urge to punch him in the groin.
“It’s not like this office has a stellar reputation,” he said. “You’ve been under investigation before.”
I felt the air shift beside me. A hand came around my face and grabbed Bennett Cutler by the lapel. Sam forced him backward until he was up against the table.
“Is there a problem?” Sam asked, his voice a low, threatening growl.
Bennett Cutler’s face split into a satisfied grin. “No problem at all. I’d say I’ve seen all I need to see. You’ve pretty much confirmed everything I suspected about you two.”
Sam curled his fist. He was all corded muscle and coiled rage. I’d never even heard him walk up, but there could be no doubt he’d heard every vile thing Cutler had said to me.
“Sam!” I shouted. Lunging forward, I pulled Sam’s arm back. I don’t know if he actually would have struck Cutler, but didn’t want to find out.
“Time to go,” Sam said. “You need to talk to her, you do it by phone or email.”
Cutler straightened his suit jacket. Still grinning, he picked up his briefcase off the floor and showed himself out.
“You okay?” Sam said, turning to me.
“Of course. He’s a blowhard.”
“What was that?”
“That? Cutler’s trying to get a rise out of me. He certainly got one out of you. He also tipped his hand a little. He’s going to try to make Hayden Simmons out as an attention-seeking nutcase. I need to talk to her. I need to make sure she’s in a mentally strong place. This is going to get very ugly, Sam.”
“I don’t care.”
“Maybe you should. Maybe we both should. I’m assuming you stood there long enough to hear Cutler’s theory about our lunch date with Hayden Simmons. He’s right that it could cause you issues.”
“What?”
“Us,” I said.
Sam waved me off. “Enough. I’m not afraid of that weasel. I know you’re not. You’ll eat him for breakfast if this goes to trial.”
“Oh, it’s going. That’s the other thing he wanted me to know. Simmons isn’t waiving a speedy trial. They want this thing in front of a jury as fast as possible.”
“What? Why? He’s could face the death penalty.”
“Probably because Cutler thinks I won’t be ready in time.”
Sam leaned against the table. His face was still flushed with anger.
“Will you?” he asked.
I smiled. “Of course. I just need to make sure your office is. That Gus is.”
