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“Hmm, maybe you ought to talk to Shep.”
Locke lifted a brow. “About what?”
“About how he was able to give his heart to another woman after what his first wife put him through. That just goes to show every relationship is different. Every woman isn’t the same,” Shogun said.
Locke wondered if his friend was trying to convince him or himself. He could easily switch the conversation off him and onto Shogun and the woman he was fighting like hell not to fall in love with. But he wouldn’t.
“Hollis is doing a fantastic job as an investigator,” he said, thinking how he enjoyed getting her opinions on things, like he had last night in discussing those two police officers and the suspicions he had for both.
“And I like that she can take care of herself,” Locke added. He paused and then, because he had his friend’s attention, said, “By the way, I’m thinking of asking her to attend Orin’s birthday party with me.”
“No, shit?” Macayle asked, and Locke could just imagine his grin.
“Yeah, no shit,” Locke responded, as his mouth split into a grin of its own. “I’m merely thinking about it. It would be a good way to get her out of town that weekend.”
“Why? What’s happening that weekend in Tampa?” Shogun asked.
He then told his friends about Hollis’ brother and what that weekend was about for her.
“In that case, Locke, I think you need to bring her to Atlanta. Besides, it’s time we meet her.”
“It’s not that kind of relationship, guys. She works for me.”
“Yeah, and Carson worked for Shep. Look, I got to be in court at eight. I’m leaving the conversation.”
After Shogun exited the call, Macayle said. “I agree with Shogun. You might want to talk to Shep. And you should also consider bringing Ms. Calloway to Orin’s birthday party. I repeat that you shouldn’t let that thing with Sophie define your future.”
“I’ll try not to, but as I said, my mind should be focused on making sure Karl doesn’t go back to jail as an innocent man.”
“And you will, Locke. You’re good at what you do and the way you do it.”
He knew what Macayle meant by that. Whereas Shogun and Macayle liked taking their cases to trial, Locke preferred getting his clients off before things got that far. He knew firsthand the humiliation of watching the prosecution convince a jury that an innocent person was guilty.
“An added bonus is that you have a former FBI agent assisting you on this case. A beautiful one at that,” his friend added.
“I’m trying to keep things on a professional level, Macayle. If I were to become involved with Hollis, I might lose my objectivity, and I can’t let that happen. Too much is at stake.”
“You know the one thing I recall Shep telling us, Locke.”
“What?”
“There are some circumstances you can’t control. Let me know in another week or so how keeping things professional works out for you. I’ll talk to you later.”
***
Hollis slept an hour longer that morning since her first stop would be police headquarters. She didn’t want to arrive too early. While enjoying a cup of coffee and eating a breakfast muffin, she thought about everything on her ‘to do’ list. She then thought about Locke.
She needed her space today, and she figured he needed his. Although they had both tried to ignore it, sexual chemistry had nearly taken its toll last night. Especially when she got ready to leave. She told him that it wasn’t necessary for him to walk her to the door, but he did anyway. After asking her to call to let him know she was home safely, he paused before opening the door for her to leave. Instead, he stared at her for a moment, moved a little closer, and leaned his mouth down to hers. She was certain they would have kissed if, somewhere in the distance, a vehicle tire hadn’t backfired. The sound was enough to stop a mistake from happening. He quickly opened the door, and she hadn’t wasted time leaving.
She was pulled from her reverie when her phone rang. After checking the screen, she saw it was Nate Adderley, one of the special agents she worked with who’d also gotten cut by DOGE. “Good morning, Nate.”
“Good morning, Sunshine.”
She smiled. Nate was one of the senior special agents and would tease her for being such a bright and cheery morning person, while he was a grump ─ until he consumed at least two cups of coffee. He had gotten into the habit of calling her Agent Sunshine. “Were you able to get anything on the gun?” she asked.
“Yes, and no. I was able to restore the serial number, but tracing the owner will take time. I’m on it. However, I will say the person who eradicated the serial number used a technique he assumed would be permanent, and usually it is. I doubt that even a law enforcement lab could have restored it. So, if that detective gave you the impression it was a dead end, for them it probably was.”
She took a sip of coffee and then asked. “But not for you?”
