Page 38 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

“She’s also lyin’ like a no-legged dog.”

Sabre lifted her eyes. “That doesn’t mean she deserves whatever’s coming.”

“No. But it means you don’t know what you’re walking into.”

“I never do.”

“That’s different,” he said. “This one’s personal.”

Sabre frowned slightly. “How?”

JP held her gaze. “Because whoever’s behind this chose you.”

Sabre shifted in her seat. “Or she did.”

JP shook his head. “No. She didn’t just find you. Not like that. Not with no record, no history, and a story that doesn’t hold together. Someone else is involved in this.”

Sabre didn’t respond.

“You said yourself, you’re trying to step back. Figure out if this career is still where you’re supposed to be. Don’t let someone else decide that for you.”

Sabre’s jaw tightened. This time, when she spoke, there was steel in her voice. “That’s exactly the problem. I don’t take cases because someone threatens me. If I do that once, it doesn’t stop here. They’ll know it works,” she continued. “Next time it won’t be a text. It’ll be worse. There’ll be more pressure and more leverage, and I won’t be choosing anymore. I’ll be reacting.” Her grip tightened around the folder. “I’m not practicing law like that.”

JP nodded. “Fair.”

Sabre took a breath, then went on. “If I take this case because someone told me to, then I’ve already lost control of it. And I don’t even know who they are. But…” she added, quieter now, “that doesn’t make Bay in any less danger.”

“There’s a difference between helping someone,” JP said, “and letting someone use you to do it.”

“So, just walk away?”

“She’s got counsel,” JP said. “A good one.”

“Not the right one.”

“That’s not for you to fix.”

Sabre met his eyes. “That’s exactly what I do.”

JP let out a breath. “Yeah. I know.” He tipped his hat back slightly, studying her. “But not every problem is yours, Sabre.”

“And what if this one is?”

“Then you better be real sure before you step into it.”

Sabre looked away again, back toward the street. The noise of passing cars filled the space for a moment.

“She asked for me,” Sabre said softly. “And if I say no—”

He cut in gently. “Then you’re saying no to whoever’s pulling the strings. Not just her. If you take this case, you’re stepping exactly where someone wants you.”

“She could die, JP.”

He didn’t look away. “So could you.”

Chapter 13

Wednesday morning