Tasha frowned at him when he launched into another series of questions.
Erica floated back a little, watching.
“So, when cases cross state lines,” Caleb asked casually, “who takes the lead? Rangers or the feds?”
His expression didn’t change. “Depends on the case. Why do you ask?”
“I’m considering field placements for next term,” Caleb replied. “And clerkships down the road.”
Ray froze, staring into his drink.
Margie paused mid-sip.
Tasha rolled her eyes. “Caleb, you already interrogated Dad at dinner.”
“I’m just curious.”
“Curiosity’s good,” he stated evenly. “But timing matters.”
Caleb had enough grace to flush. “Sorry, sir.”
Tasha splashed him in retaliation. “Come swim, CIT.”
“What’s that mean?”
“Counselor in training.”
He laughed and turned his attention to her again.
Vince floated over to her, pulled her against him, and spoke in her ear. “You got a read on this kid?”
“Nothing you haven’t noticed. He’s more interested in you and the judge than Tasha.” She looked at the younger man, trying to figure him out. “He’s pre-law. Maybe it’s natural curiosity.”
“It had better be. If he’s angling for favors, he’s going about it wrong. You don’t win by using your target’s daughter or granddaughter.”
“He’s probably nervous and trying too hard. With a Ranger and a federal judge sizing him up, who wouldn’t be?”
“Hmm,” he grunted, still suspicious.
“How about a game of volleyball?” Tasha called. “Mixed teams. Us against you guys.”
His fingers flexed on her waist. “You game, darlin’?”
“As long as you’re prepared to lose. It’s been years since I’ve played, and I was never very good.”
“It’s a friendly game,” he assured her. “We don’t keep score.”
Tasha got a ball out of the storage box, and the guys strung the net.
She was more artistic than athletic. Yoga was about as challenging as she liked. That became clear in the first few minutes. She also had a distinct height disadvantage, but Vince’s long reach kept them in the game. And he saved her from more than one spike in the face. They were laughing and out of breath when she finally cried uncle and swam to the side.
The kids had studying to do, an excuse Erica didn’t buy for a minute on a Friday night, but they dried off and headed out. Tasha bent to her dad, who had his arms propped on the pool edge, and whispered loud enough for her to catch, “I really like her. Don’t mess this up.”
He laughed quietly. “I don’t intend to.”
She swam over and waved goodbye. “Do you think they’re serious?”
“Hell, I hope not,” he grumbled, watching as the sports car pulled out of the drive. “If he’s a climber, she’ll figure him out. She always does.”
