“I mean after Friday night’s mishap,” Hugo clarifies.
“It’s been quiet.”
“Good, glad to hear it.”
I glance over at Rick to see if I can get a read of what is going on from him, but he appears to be intently studying his fingernails.Or actively avoiding looking at me.
“What is going on?”I ask, addressing my unease directly.
Hugo nods with a grimace.
“Mancuso called this morning…”
I talked to Jason Mancuso over the weekend, he’d called to touch base after Friday night.The conversation was brief, and I told him I’d see him on Monday before I ended the call.
“And?”I prompt.
“He voiced some concern around your continued involvement in the case because of your personal connection.”
“Oh, come on,” I protest, but Hugo continues undeterred.
“And I agree with him.This is absolutely no reflection on your job performance, which has been beyond reproach, but about the ability to build a solid case that is airtight.Future prosecution could be compromised by your involvement, which any defense lawyer worth their salt would not hesitate to exploit.”
I open my mouth to object but immediately shut it.Because he’s right, and as frustrating as it is to have to stay on the sidelines, I don’t want to be the reason justice fails in the end.
“I’ve asked Rick to head to Spokane for the task-force meeting today, and I’d like for you to take over his cases.You have an hour to get each other up to speed and hand over your files.Use the conference room so you won’t be disturbed.”
My shoulders hang a bit as I walk out of his office and head for my desk.Even though I rationally understand the merit of the decision, this still feels like I’ve been demoted.The other thing is, I’m afraid to lose the inside track on what is happening with the investigation and get shut out.Not that I have any reason to think Rick won’t be willing to share, but I don’t really want to put him in a difficult position either.After all is said and done, I still have to work with the man.
On the plus-side, I’ll now have time to find the birthday cake Remi swore he didn’t want, along with any other fuss for his birthday.Typical teenage posturing—he’s too cool for that kind of stuff—but I also know he’d be disappointed if I didn’t pay his birthday any attention.
While I’m organizing my paperwork to hand over to Rick, I put in a quick call to Strange Brew with my fingers crossed.I should’ve ordered something earlier.Way to leave things to the last possible minute.
“Hey, Bess, it’s Tessa,” I greet Hugo’s wife when she answers.“Sorry to bug you, I know you’re busy in the mornings, but I have a huge favor to ask.”
“Oh, hey.What can I do for you?”
“It’s a big ask, and I don’t want you to think twice about telling me where to shove it, if you think I’m crazy, but is there any way you would be able to bake me your carrot cake?”I hesitate for a moment before adding, “Today.”
“Oh wow.”She snickers.“What’s the occasion?”
“It’s for Remi’s birthday.He loves your carrot cake.I’m sorry, I should’ve called before,” I apologize again.“I’m sure the grocery store?—”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” Bess interrupts.“If pick up after four this afternoon is okay, I can have it ready.I’ll gladly do it.”
“You’re a saint,” I tell her, to which she laughs and ends the call.
Depending on how my day goes, I can probably make it out of here in time to fetch the cake before picking Remi up from the firehouse around five.
Grabbing my haphazard pile off my desk, I rush into the conference room where Rick is already waiting.
Clem
“Happy birthday, kid.”
Remi rolls his eyes, but I catch a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he strolls by me.His brother Linc follows a few steps behind him.
“I’m just dropping him off, and I’m here to see the infamous truck,” he explains in passing.
