Page 16 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

Eventually, the plates emptied. Connor gathered them first. “I’ll do cleanup,” he said.

Gene stood too. “I’ll help.”

Connor rolled his eyes. “You’re going to supervise again, aren’t you?”

Gene grinned. “Someone has to maintain standards.”

They carried the dishes to the sink. Morgan began stacking leftovers in containers. Dené wiped the counter. Sabre took in the moment.

She stared at her family. “You’re all being so good to help. Who are you? And what have you done with our teenagers?”

“They know you’re going through some stuff,” Gene said.

JP picked up his Stetson and turned it slowly in his hands. Sabre caught his eye.

“Walk with me?” she said quietly.

JP nodded.

They stepped out onto the back porch. The evening air was cool, carrying the faint scent of eucalyptus.

Sabre leaned against the railing. JP settled into one of the chairs, resting the hat on his knee. For a few seconds neither of them spoke.

Finally, JP said, “You’re still thinking about the girl.”

Sabre exhaled. “Yes.”

“Are you going to take the case?”

“I haven’t decided.”

JP waited.

Sabre looked out into the yard. “The hearing was continued for two days,” she said. “Judge Hammouri wants an answer by then. I either need to tell her I’m taking the case, or that I’ve convinced Bay to talk to someone else.”

“That sounds like Hammouri.”

Sabre folded her arms. “So, what do you think? Should I take this case?”

JP tilted his head. “I think that’s the wrong question.”

Sabre glanced at him. “How so?”

“You should be asking whether you want another case at all.”

Sabre didn’t know yet.

JP continued. “And that’s a decision you have to make yourself.”

Sabre sighed. “I knew you were going to say that.”

JP smiled. “But you still hoped I wouldn’t.”

Sabre turned toward him. “Forget the bigger question. Just tell me what you think about the case.”

“Bay isn’t telling the truth.”

“I know.”