Nothing But the Truth by Carsen Taite Read Free Book Online Page B

there. Not only had she alienated the woman who would probably be the next elected district attorney, she’d put Jeff in an impossible position. He would’ve had an easier time asking for forgiveness than permission. Now that Ryan Foster had her hands all over the case, she’d never be able to work out a deal. Not that Ann Rawlings had even asked her to work anything out. She hadn’t told her word one about the allegation. Something about the glamorous woman dressed in jail stripes intrigued Brett.
    She shrugged out of her shoes, leaned back in her chair, and placed her stocking feet on her desk. It was highly unlikely Ryan would have the time or inclination to actually shepherd a low-level felony case through the grand jury herself. She’d check the docket later and find out which prosecutor was assigned and talk to him or her directly.
    The morning in court had eaten into the noon hour, so Tony had picked up a chicken Caesar wrap from Eatzi’s, part of which she was already wearing. She had blocked out her afternoon to meet with Ms. Jarvis’s office manager who would arrive any minute. Since she was in charge of all the ambulance companies’ files, Brett considered interviewing her a top priority. She stifled a yawn in expectation of a very boring afternoon. Her dread was interrupted by the ding signaling receipt of a new e-mail on her desktop computer.

    Sorry he didn’t make the meeting at your office. Couldn’t get off work.
    I have a few questions about how all this will work. Will he be arrested right away? How long will he be in jail?

    Brett didn’t need to read the e-mail address to know her mysterious, non-appointment-keeping client had resurfaced. E-mail was perfect for quick and easy communication, but it wasn’t great for detailed explanations requiring lots of back and forth. Mr. Phillip’s questions were better answered in person, or on the phone at the very least.

    I’m happy to answer your questions, but it would be much easier in person. Shall we reschedule your appointment?

    Brett leafed through some paperwork Tony had left on her desk. She finally admitted she was stalling. She slipped on her heels and made her way to the conference room to listen to hours of droning about numbers. What she really needed was a juicy murder case.

    *

    “Leonard, I think I should spend more time in the courts.”
    Ryan loved her office on the eleventh floor. In turn, she hated the cramped working quarters of the courtroom prosecutors. But her morning encounter with Brett Logan was a wake-up call. Beyond a tinge of remorse for the walls she’d thrown up between herself and Brett, Ryan had no regrets about the way she handled the situation, but she felt out of practice. She spent her days reviewing files and advising the prosecutors under her direction, but except for high profile cases, she hadn’t handled direct negotiations in years. It was way past time.
    Leonard had a different view of the best way to use her. “Nonsense. I need you up here.”
    “No, you don’t. I was down in Langston’s court today. I miss the direct negotiating. Don’t you think I’d get better visibility down in the courts?”
    “Sure you would. You’d have more liabilities too.” Leonard held out a hand, palm up. “Now before you get all worked up, hear me out.” Ryan nodded. “You hang out down there too much and every close call you make will be a headline. Odds are at least half will be negative. You want to be in the paper? Then you show up at every local function you can find, commenting about the importance of being tough on crime. That’s going to get you consistently good press. Trying to show you’re tough on crime in the courtroom? That’s a crapshoot. Go for the sure thing, Ryan.”
    Ryan didn’t take his advice lightly. She was a veteran prosecutor, but a political novice. She’d worked in this office since before she graduated from law school. After spending two summers as an intern, she was a shoe-in