Page 42 of Dirty Judge

Unfortunately… I could feel him staring me up and down for the entire drive.

Parking Lot for Judicial Staff Only

Must Display Official Badge in Front Window

All Others Will Be Towed

I coasted right in front of the sign where I’d secured a great space yesterday.

At this hour, only a couple of other cars were here.

“I appreciate the ride, Miss Spencer.” He finally looked away from me and unlocked his door.

When he stepped out, I glanced at the time.

Four twenty-nine.

I hate my life.

He shut my door and walked around to the driver’s side.

I could tell he wanted to say something else—to toy with me just a little more, so I rolled down my windows.

“Yes?” I asked.

“Now that you’re here,” he said. “You might as well stay and clock in early.”

“Come again?”

“You only have an hour before you have to report to work.” He smirked. “It doesn’t make sense for you to drive all the way home for what? A ten-minute nap at best?”

I fucking hate you…I held back the words on the tip of my tongue.

“From the looks of things, it seems like you’re already dressed for the day,” he said. “I can hold the back door while you park, if you like.”

“No, that’s okay, Mr. Ashton.”

“JudgeAshton,” he corrected me.

“Noted,” I said. “I’ll sleep in the parking lot until I have to go inside.”

“There’s a bed in my office.”

“I have a feeling you wouldn’t let me use it.”

“Not for sleeping probably…” His eyes met mine. “But it’s available.”

I was far too exhausted to wonder if he’d actually said the words I thought I heard.

“I’ll see you at five thirty.” I rolled up my windows and drove to the farthest row.

Then I grabbed a blanket from my backseat and used up every single second of my final off hour to rest.

FRUIT OF THE POISONOUS TREE (N.):

IN CRIMINAL LAW, THE DOCTRINE THAT EVIDENCE DISCOVERED DUE TO INFORMATION FOUND THROUGH ILLEGAL SEARCH OR OTHER UNCONSTITUTIONAL MEANS MAY NOT BE INTRODUCED BY A PROSECUTOR.

LIAM