“Oh, come on, Parker. That’s not how this works.”
“That’s exactly how it works when the prosecution knows its evidence is weak.” I pointed at him.
“If you take this to trial, the jury will hear that your client was present at the scene, that he had motive, and that a witness placed him there during the assault.”
“And the jury will also hear that your witness changed his statement three times,” I said. “My client isn’t accepting this deal.” I pushed the folder across the table.”
“You haven’t even presented it to him.”
“It doesn’t matter. He gave me permission to turn down anything I didn’t think was fair. My client is innocent. I’ll prove it, and once again, your office will be the laughingstock of the courtroom.”
He sat across from me, shaking his head. “You really want to do this?”
“Do what? Make sure another innocent man doesn’t go to prison because the people of the state are too focused on the number of convictions they need to fill every month?” I stood from my chair. “If you’re going to bring that witness to trial, I’d recommend reviewing his financial records first. I’ll see you in court.” I walked out of the conference room.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Paige
I stared at the row of clothes before me. They hadn’t seen a real closet in—I couldn’t remember when. The only life they knew was the inside of a suitcase.
“Welcome home,” I whispered as I hung the last shirt on the hanger.
The word ‘home’ felt foreign. For years, I lived out of suitcases, motels, temporary apartments, and safe houses Gabriel arranged. Places I never got attached to because I never stayed long. I couldn’t. It was one assassination after another while Hearthstone was in control. And when I faked my death and worked for Gabriel, it was non-stop traveling from one place to the next.
My chest felt tight because I didn’t expect this to feel so unsettling. I knew it would take time for me to adjust to a new way of life. I needed to wrap my head around the fact that this house wasn’t just another place to sleep. It wasn’t cold like most of the places I stayed at. It was warm and lived in. A part of my mind waged a war inside me. It was Hearthstone’s war.
Don’t get comfortable. Don’t depend on anyone. Don’t believe anything could last because it doesn’t.
Then the other part of my mind tried to stop the war by reminding me that Parker wanted me here. He made space. Not only in his home, but in his life for me.
I took one last look at the row of clothes, smiled, and gently closed the door. My hanging clothes were evidence, proof, that this was as real as it was going to get. For the first time since I was twelve, I felt a peace inside me I hadn’t felt in years.
I went downstairs and poured a glass of wine. Taking it to the living room, I grabbed the music remote from the coffee table and put onLike a Rolling Stoneby Bob Dylan. I began moving to the beat of the music, singing, dancing, and twirling around the living room to the one song that pretty much summed up my life. I could relate to every word sung.
I wasn’t paying attention because I was caught up in the beat of the music and twirled right into Parker, standing there with a wide grin on his face. His hands gripped my hips.
“You’re home.” I smiled.
“I am.” His lips brushed against mine. “I didn’t know you liked Bob Dylan.”
“I do. This is my favorite song of his.”
“Really? The song is basically about someone losing everything. Why would that be your favorite?” he asked.
“It’s not just about that. It’s about what happens after. I moved through life the way the song describes. Detached. Self-reliant. Never staying in one place long enough to depend on anyone.”
“But that’s not who you are anymore, sweetheart.”
“Maybe not.” I softly smiled. “Besides, it’s just a damn good song.”
“It sure is.” His lips brushed mine.
He let go of my hips, picked up the music remote, and restarted the song.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Dancing with my beautiful girlfriend.” He extended his hand.
