Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25739 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25739 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
After my parents’ untimely death in a car accident, I closed myself off from the outside world and avoided all romantic relationships and never built any genuine friendships. Losing my parents had destroyed me as a teenager and left me with scars that cut deep.
Their killer had been a dumb teenager who’d gotten off easy with reckless driving and because of his age and his parents’ money, he’d only served four years. My priority has been getting those who break the law and putting them where they belong. I told myself I’d grow up and never let people get away with their crimes.
As I sit here now, I know that I’ve fulfilled that promise and that should make me happy, but there’s something missing in my life. A piece of me I didn’t know I needed filled until last month. Valentine’s day was just around the corner.
Although I shouldn’t try to win her over there wasn’t anything in the firm’s policy against it, per se. It was just frowned upon in the public circles, but the tabloid journalist had already added the fuel, all I need is the spark.
The rest of the night, I’m left with dreams of making Valentine mine, so when I go into court the next day, I’m fucking useless, and my co-counsel had to take over.
After the judge dismissed us for the day, he said, “Mr. King, please see me in my chambers.” I don’t really want to meet the judge in his office. I want to get back to mine before Valentine leaves for the day.
“Yes, your honor.” I gather my things and thank Powell for handling the matter for me.
“Are you feeling well?” Powell asks.
“It’s been a rough twenty-four hours, but I’m fine.”
“I was informed about the article and although it comes off as tawdry, we all know your character. If anything, I looked at it and read a man ready to marry a beautiful woman. Given how well I know Valentine, I’m not surprised the two of you have hit it off.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m just saying if you didn’t fire her for that mouth of hers, you’d kiss it. She can be opinionated, but she’s brilliant and beautiful.”
“Thanks, but she’s just my assistant.”
“It’s a shame because I’m sure there are other men ready to snatch her up.”
“Thanks Powell, but if I was you, I’d stay away. She’s old enough to be your daughter. Hell, your granddaughter.” I’m practically snarling in his face.
“Assistant, my ass. You might only have yourself fooled.” He grabs his briefcase and leaves smiling.
I grab my papers and stuff them into my briefcase, and head toward the judge’s chambers. When I enter, I’m met with the reporter from my office. “Well, if this isn’t a conflict of interest, I don’t know what is. You’re going to cost me my case,” I bark at the judge.
“I’m not looking for any sympathy, but I wanted to give you some information. I was given that tip by a former employee and she helped me get inside.”
“So, what are you doing here?”
A man steps forward, pressing his hands on Ms. Banks shoulders, causing Judge Williams to growl. He releases his hold and says, “I’m Ms. Banks attorney and she wants to make a deal. If you agree not to press charges, she’ll give you the information on her source.”
I stare at Ms. Banks and ask her flat out, “A reporter giving up her source? Isn’t that grounds for immediate ostracizing?”
“Yes, well I’m not meant for jail.” I hadn’t told her that there were no charges to be filed. In fact, I’m glad I already had made a statement to that fact last night and reported that to my lawyer.
“Well, go on.”
“Glenda Dalton. She reported that you were sleeping with your assistant and that’s why you were quick to buy a ring.”
“I’m not sleeping with my assistant. She even told me where you were going to be.” I think back to the day I went to the jeweler. Had I made any calls? Sent any messages? Informed anyone of my movements?
“Thank you. Did she say how she’d know I was going to be there?”
“Yes. She had an inside source, a man named John.” My driver. He’s been with me for two years, and it’s a shame that I’ll have to fire him. First, I’ll look into the matter. Although I have the legal right to fire him at any time, I don’t want to be hasty.
“Thank you for that information.” I grab my things and walk to the door. As I grab the knob, I add, “Oh and Ms. Banks, I hadn’t planned on pressing charges. You should have checked first. I let the matter go, but you aren’t allowed anywhere near my property again. Have a good day.”
I left the judge’s chambers and went back to the office, sitting in the back seat of my vehicle with John driving. An uncomfortable feeling fills me. For now, I need to devise a plan to catch him in the act of betraying me. All that matters now is that I get my Valentine fix like the addict I’ve become.