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Probably not, but I could hope.
I couldn’t believe he’d seen me at my worst. There’d be no more passionate romps with Rock Wolfe. He’d never come near me again. Probably just as well. He was a complication I didn’t need in my life. I was beginning to develop feelings for him, and he was not the type of man to fall in love with any woman. Plus, he had his work cut out for him at his father’s—his—company.
I swallowed several ibuprofen tablets and turned on the shower. While I was waiting for it to heat up, I went back to the kitchen and poured myself a cup of the coffee Rock had made. My breakfast sat on the table across from his clean plate. I smiled. Just like a man. Couldn’t be bothered to take his plate into the kitchen. I picked up both plates and inhaled. It actually smelled good. I took a bite of the eggs.
Cold, but nice. Rock didn’t strike me as much of a cook, but then again, he’d lived alone in Montana for years. A man had to eat.
I took a few more bites and downed the coffee. Time for the shower. I had a freaking nine o’clock appointment.I drank two more cups of coffee once I got to the office, only to have my nine o’clock cancel on me. A wave of relief swept through me. I told Charlie to hold all my calls and decided to take the day to catch up on emails and other stuff. No billing today. I didn’t have it in me.
I’d answered my fourth email when Charlie peeked her head in. “Sorry, Lacey, but there’s a Detective Morgan here to see you.”
I groaned. “What for?”
“Something regarding the Derek Wolfe investigation.”
There went my headache again. Derek Wolfe was determined to haunt me from beyond the grave. “Very well. Send him in.”
Charlie led in a balding blond man.
“Ms. Ward, I’m Detective Hank Morgan.” He held out his hand. “Thank you for seeing me.”
“Not at all. Have a seat. What can I do for you?”
“I’m investigating the murder of Derek Wolfe. I understand you were his attorney?”
“One of them. I’m a trusts and estates attorney. I wrote and am in the process of probating his will.”
“Did you think it was odd that he mandated that his oldest son move to New York to run his company?”
“I didn’t think it was the best decision. I tried to talk him out of it.”
Detective Morgan laughed.
“What’s funny about that?”
“Just the idea of you trying to talk Derek Wolfe out of anything.”
“Did you know Mr. Wolfe?” I asked.
“No, ma’am. I’ve just heard a lot about him. I imagine talking him out of it didn’t work.”
“I assume you’re aware of the contents of the will, so you already know the answer to that question.”
“I meant no disrespect,” he said. “You’re just…”
“A woman? A young woman?”
“Well…yeah.”
“Mr. Wolfe trusted me with the writing and execution of his will. I was a woman when that happened.”
His cheeks reddened. Typical male chauvinist cop. Probably been on the force for thirty years or more.
“I meant no disrespect,” he said again.
“Why are you here, Detective?” I rubbed my temples. The sooner he left, the sooner I could see if I could get an appointment this afternoon with my massage therapist.
“We’re questioning anyone who might have had a motive to kill Mr. Wolfe.”
Say what? “Surely you don’t think I had any motive. What would I have to gain?”
“That’s what I’m here to find out.”
Really not the day for this. My brain was throbbing. “In that case…” I picked up my phone. “Charlie? Could you see if Dane Richards is available? I’ll need him to come in here. Thanks.” I put down the receiver.
“Who is Dane Richards?”
“I’m surprised you don’t know. He’s one of my partners. He’s also the best criminal defense attorney in the state.”
“Ms. Ward, I think you’ve got the wrong idea. This isn’t a formal interrogation. There’s no need for you to have an attorney present.”
“I see that a little differently than you do. If Mr. Richards isn’t available, we’ll be tabling this discussion for now.”
My phone buzzed, and I picked it up. “Yeah, Charlie?”
“Dane’s in a deposition, Lace.”
“Okay. Thanks.” I hung up and turned back to Morgan. “Mr. Richards isn’t available, so I won’t be answering any questions today.” At least not until the jackhammer inside my head calmed down.
“Ms. Ward, as I told you, there’s no need—”
“That determination is mine to make, Detective, not yours. I’ll be happy to assist you in any way possible…when my attorney is present. Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”
He made no move to stand.
Seconds passed.
“I can have you removed.”
“By calling the police? I am the police, Ms. Ward. And by not cooperating—”
“I have told you I’m perfectly willing to cooperate, Detective Morgan. Just not right now. If this is not a formal interrogation.”
