Sunset Point: A Shelter Bay Novel by Joann Ross Read Free Book Online Page B

that the others in the room were as surprised as he’d been by her abrupt metamorphosis.
    “Despite the constant posturing of the defense, this case is very straightforward,” Tess insisted. “We have provided you with substantial facts consisting of eyewitness testimony, including testimony by Portland Police Bureau detectives and agents from both the DEA and the FBI who went undercover, acting as drug dealers looking for a partner.
    “Not only did Mrs. Kagan negotiate the deal on her own, she did not seem at all intimidated by her son when she jumped at the opportunity to grow her laundry business by taking on a new client. You’ve also heard from airline and hotel employees that she was enjoying the five-star, first-class week in Mazatlán she paid for partly with proceeds from that deal.”
    As she turned toward the blown-up photos of the woman, pictured with her head thrown back as she laughed, enjoying margaritas at a beachfront bar with one of the DEA agents posing as a dealer/partner, there were encouraging murmurs of disapproval from some of the jury members.
    “If you follow the instructions that Judge Keane will set out for you, your verdict will be a fair and just verdict. It will also be a verdict for conviction.”
    Then, she finally smiled, that warm, intimate smile that Nate had only fantasized about. In this case, he decided, reality had it all over fantasy, hands down.
    “Thank you for your time and patience during the past three weeks,” Tess told the jury. Her voice had returned to its usual calm tone. “I’m confident you’ll discharge your obligation to the law in full.”
    As she returned to the prosecutor’s table, a hush lingered in the air. Nate wondered if he was the only observer fighting back a strong impulse to applaud.
    “Thank you, Ms. Lombardi,” the judge said. “We’ll adjourn until tomorrow morning, when Mr. Parker presents his closing statement for the defense.”
    The spectators in the crowded courtroom rose as the judge retired to his chambers. As Tess spoke with her colleagues at the table while gathering up her papers, Nate slipped out of the courtroom.
    And waited.

10
    Tess was flushed with success as she left the courtroom and headed toward the doors leading outside. Unless the defense attorney pulled a very surprising rabbit out of his hat tomorrow morning, there was a very good chance she’d won this case for the state.
    One down and one to go. She still had the afternoon case to argue. She was running that closing through her mind when she found her way impeded by a familiar and decidedly unwelcome roadblock.
    “You were terrific in there,” Nate said with a slow, easy smile that usually worked wonders with women of all ages. This time it failed. Miserably.
    “I was merely doing my job,” Tess said briskly. “I assume you brought my wallet, Mr. Breslin?” She held out her hand, palm up, waiting for him to give it to her and be on his way.
    “It’s Nate,” he said, taking her outstretched hand. Her skin was as soft as he’d imagined. Soft and warm. But her eyes were annoyed. Nate found himself enjoying the contrast. “Legally Nathaniel, but the only person who’s actually ever called me that was my mother whenever I was in trouble.”
    “Which, from what I’ve witnessed thus far, suggests you heard it a great deal growing up… My wallet?”
    “In a bit,” he murmured, taking the opportunity to examine her at close range. To the casual observer, Tess Lombardi appeared cool. Remote. Decidedly untouchable. But having seen that burst of passion she kept hidden inside her, he was going to enjoy watching the ice crack. “After lunch.”
    “Really, Mr. Breslin, I’ve already told you that I have absolutely no intention of having lunch with you. Today or any other day.” She tugged her hand, which had fit very nicely into his, away. “Now, if you don’t return my wallet and leave, I’ll have no choice but to call a bailiff and have you thrown out