Page 38 of Not Mine to Rescue

I logged that information. “Protection isn’t a crime.”

“But kidnapping and murder are.”

If you could prove it. And that’s where my education and experience rose to prominence. “Will you be charging anyone with this speculation?”

His nostrils flared. “When I do, you’ll be the first to know.”

My smile was fake. I laid in extra good intent so the corners of my eyes would crinkle just so. I imagined how the defense would go now that I knew they were actively looking for dirt on my clients.

But he knew precisely where to cut me.

“I hear your ex just had a baby. That’s gotta sting.”

With practice, you can lie and no one knows. I’d gotten almost a dozen chances to get it right this morning. “I know. The baby pictures are so cute.” I vowed the next time I saw this guy in court, he’d pay for that one.

“Too bad your ovaries are all dried up.”

Not only was that sexist, but ageist. I squared off against him. “Do you really want to be dragged in front of a review board for that statement? I know more than one judge who doesn’t like you, Officer.”

“No wonder he traded you in for a younger model.”

The other officer slapped his arm with the back of his hand. “That’s too far. You’re going to get written up for that one.”

“She can take it. Can’t you, Honey?”

If I were a more petty person… “You’re in uniform, aren’t you, Joe?”

He didn’t glance down, but his partner stiffened.

“…and with these witnesses, who know you’re getting paid to be here today,” I swept my arm out to indicate the ladies from the county clerk office who’d stopped what they were doing to listen in, “your insulting behavior could definitely be interpreted as police misconduct… That is, if you’re trying to intimidate me. You’re not, are you?” I leaned in to do some intimidation of my own.

The veteran on the staff chimed in. “Joe, that kind of talk wasn’t welcome in the eighties when you were born. It certainly isn’t welcome now. I’m telling your mother. And if she won’t listen, I’m good friends with the chief of police.”

The other, a newer hire, nodded her head. “I wish I knew your wife. I’d tell her what you said with the younger model remark. I’m sure she’d be interested in knowing you think that way.”

His fellow cop snorted. “She knows. Why do you think he’s getting divorced.”

“Really? Who representing her?” I had a referral for her if she had a clunker. Walt’s wife worked for the best family law practice in the region. I’d put in a good word for her.

“You lawyers,” Joe growled.

I raised an eyebrow to see if he’d expand on that statement.

“Come on, Joe. We’ll be late for traffic court.”

Traffic court. That meant he wasn’t on any murder investigations. And likely never would be.

Not if I could help it.

Nine hours later, I parked my car in front of Lemon’s house. My feet were killing me, and I regretted every inch of “leverage” I’d donned.

Wombat was in the fenced dog run working with DA. I glanced away before being caught ogling his ass or the casually sexy way he walked, or his windswept hair that looked better messy. Nope. That ship had sailed. Left port. Departed to points unknown.

And a good thing for it, too. Especially if the Destroyers were caught up in things like murder and kidnapping.

Even if the victims were horrible people?

I shoved that intrusive thought aside. Between cases, I did a little digging around the edges of Wombat’s case. Two other Destroyers had been arrested that night. No wonder Jim needed help. Another member ended up in the hospital after being thrown off of a second-story balcony.