Page 167 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

“I can pick you up at the courthouse if you want?”

“Thanks, but it’ll be easier if I just meet you there.”

“It’s a date.”

“Date, my ass,” JP grumbled.

Chapter 63

Wednesday late morning

As Sabre stood in the hall outside Department One waiting for the clerk, her phone vibrated.

She stepped away from the crowd of attorneys before answering. “Sabre.”

It was DuBois. “We’re ready.”

Her stomach tightened.

“Do you have the surveillance lined up?”

“Yeah. And the warrant package is ready if this turns into something actionable.”

Sabre leaned against the wall. “What exactly does actionable mean?”

“It means if he leads us to Hannah or somewhere connected to her, we can move fast. Phones, properties, vehicles, whatever we need.” A pause.

“Are you sure about this?” DuBois asked quietly.

No, she thought. Not even remotely, but it no longer mattered. “Yes.”

“All right,” he said. “Keep it normal. Don’t push too hard.”

The line disconnected.

~~~

The restaurant had a modern, sleek architectural design and large windows, offering beautiful views of the waterfront. The nautical themes and vibrant colors suddenly felt too intimate. What had she been thinking?

Sabre spotted Daniel Rourke at a corner table in a charcoal button-down shirt with his sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows. He looked relaxed and entirely comfortable with himself.

When he saw her, he smiled warmly and stood. “Sabre.”

“Sorry I’m late.”

“You’re an attorney.” He smiled. “I assumed court exploded.”

If only he knew.

He pulled out her chair and Sabre sat, forcing herself to breathe normally.

A waitress appeared, and they ordered coffee first.

Rourke settled back once they were alone again. “So,” he said easily, “what’s so important that you need my help?” He gave her an intimate smile. “Don’t get me wrong, you can use any excuse to see me. I’ll come running.”

Charming as ever. Sabre wrapped both hands around her coffee cup. “JP developed something new.”

“Did he solve the case?” He grinned. “I’ll be serious, what did he find?”