Blood in the Water(26)

Jane was also concerned about her own well-being. After speaking with Byron this morning, she doubted Valentine would back off and accept her decision not to pursue a relationship with him. She was also worried about her legal career. If anyone found out she’d dug up dirt on her client and served him up to the authorities, she’d be finished as an attorney.

Maybe her father was right and she should be pursuing another aspect of the law.





***

Later, as Byron parked the car, Jane headed inside. When she reached the reception area outside of her office, Georgia pulled Jane into a big hug as soon as she walked in the door. Jane clung to her, and the embrace lasted a long time.

“Are you okay?” Georgia pulled back to see her face. “Last night’s phone call was weird and then I got your email sayin’ you’d be late, so I figured somethin else happened…,” she trailed off as Byron strolled through the door. “Oh, my.”

Jane tapped her foot peevishly. Byron reminded Jane of a peacock, always putting on a show. She’d seen women make a fuss over him for months—waitresses, secretaries, everyone but Jane succumbed to his charms, and he seemed to enjoy every single second of it.

“You remember Mr. Beauregard, don’t you, Georgia?”

“Of course I do.” She hustled over and shook his hand. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Beauregard.”

“Likewise.” He flashed a smile, showing a row of even white teeth.

“Can I get you anything? Coffee? Bottled water?” Georgia laid a hand on his forearm, probably because she wanted an excuse to touch him.

“No, thank you.” He took a step back, ending the contact. “Jane has to get some files and then we’ll be on our way.”

Georgia nudged Jane. “On your way where?”

A flush crept up her cheeks. She wasn’t self-conscious as a rule, but this was awkward. Georgia made it sound like they were having a fling. Although it wasn’t far from the truth, since she’d agreed to give him a “shot”—whatever that meant.

Jane didn’t feel like discussing it with Georgia. She hadn’t had a chance to wrap her brain around the implications. And she had enough to deal with without worrying about her love life.

“Mr. Beauregard and I are, er, working on a project.”

“Yep, we’re partners all right.” He nodded to Brady, who sat on a nearby couch with a coloring book. “And who’s this pretty girl?”

In her anxiety, Jane hadn’t even noticed Brady was in the office.

“I’m Brady.” Ringlets bouncing, she stood up on the sofa. Even with the added height, she only came up to his chest. “And who are you?”

“I’m Byron Beauregard, pleasure to meet you.” Byron shook her hand with mock seriousness.

“You’re handsome, like a prince in those movies.”

Ugh. Even Brady isn’t immune to his charms.

“Why, thank you, sweet pea. Oh, I like her.” Byron turned to Jane with a wide smile.

“I’m so sorry, the sitter was sick this mornin’, Jane. I’ve made other arrangements, but my neighbor can’t get here for another hour.”

“Don’t worry about it. I think you should cancel the sitter this week and keep her with you.”

Georgia frowned. “You’re a stickler for professionalism. Somethin’ is seriously wrong.”

Professionalism at her place of business was the least of Jane’s worries. Given recent events, she was relieved Brady and Georgia were safe in the office together. There was a security guard stationed in the lobby, along with video surveillance in case any of their clients got out of hand when a jury didn’t side with them.

“We’ll talk about it in my office.”

“Why don’t you ladies get to it then? I’m fine here.” Byron sat on the couch next to Brady, who handed him crayons so they could color together. He said something to her, and she cackled in delight.

Georgia and Jane exchanged bemused looks. Neither of them expected the mobster to take a shine to the girl.

“I won’t be gone long,” she informed Byron.

“Take your time.” He waved her away as though unconcerned. “We’ll be waitin’ for ya.” Byron had a red crayon in hand. Brady grabbed him by the lapel and whispered a secret into his ear.

They got on like two old friends, and Jane couldn’t tell who was enjoying themselves more—Brady or Byron. She got the distinct impression he’d done this before.

As soon as Jane shut the office door behind them, Georgia placed a hand on her forehead and slipped down the wall in a fake swoon.

“Did you see him with Brady?”