Page 26 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

“So, how do you know the text is about that case?”

“I’m not taking any new cases right now, but Judge Hammouri called me in for this one anyway because the girl asked for me specifically.”

DuBois looked at her. “You already knew her?”

“No. I don’t think so.”

“But she knows you?”

“She claims to. She asked for me in court yesterday morning. I haven’t decided whether I’m taking the case.”

DuBois scowled. “Someone thinks that decision matters.”

Sabre nodded.

“This isn’t random.”

“I didn’t think it was.”

“Have there been any other threats?” he asked.

“No.”

DuBois slid his hands into his jacket pockets. “All right. Here’s where we are. Maybe, instead of pulling you onto the case, they’re trying to scare you off. Or it could be someone playing a much longer game.”

Sabre met his eyes. “That’s what I’m worried about.”

“Good. You should be.”

He looked around the lot again. “Have you noticed anyone following you?”

“No.”

“Anyone watching you?”

“Not that I’ve seen.”

DuBois nodded. “That doesn’t mean they aren’t.”

Sabre crossed her arms. “What do you want me to do?”

“Save the message. Don’t respond.”

“I already saved it.”

“If this is real, they’re not going to stop with one message.”

“I figured.”

“Call me when they contact you again. I’ll let Nelson know. He needs to be in the loop, and you’ll probably need to take your phone to him.”

~~~

Homicide Detective Greg Nelson looked older than the last time Sabre had seen him, not old, just seasoned. The easy grin he used to wear had been replaced by the measured expression of someone who had spent too many years looking at crime scenes. The gray creeping into his hair only reinforced it.

He stood when she stepped into his office. "Sabre."

"Greg."