Blood in the Water(52)
Jane slumped back on the bed. Her head ached just thinking about the situation.
“You look like you’re about ready to lose it.”
“It’s been a long couple of days.”
Byron stood. “Tell you what. I’m gonna give you a bit of space. I’ll take a stroll and have a smoke, then get us some takeout for dinner. Sound good?”
Actually, it sounded amazing. Going to a restaurant would mean dealing with a group of strangers. Even under the best of circumstances, she found it exhausting.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime, darlin’.” He threw on his suit jacket and headed for the door. “See you in a few.”
As soon as he left, she pulled out her cell phone and FaceTimed Georgia.
After a second, her friend appeared on the screen. From her surroundings, Jane knew she was still at the office.
“Hey, check out my Olivia Pope suit.” Georgia stood and did a twirl in front of the camera. She was wearing a gorgeous white linen suit.
Jane understood the reference. Sometimes, they ordered Chinese food and watched Scandal on Netflix. The heroine of the show was famous for wearing white and riding to the rescue. Jane suddenly realized how much she missed Georgia. She wished they were having a quiet girls’ night working on a garden variety case.
“You look fantastic, very professional. I guess you saw the consultant?”
“Yes, I squeezed it in this morning.” She sat down again, and Jane could see the dark circles under her eyes. “I wanted to keep busy.”
“How are you?”
Georgia shrugged. “I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since you told me about Valentine, and I’m jumpin’ at shadows.”
Jane sighed. “Sounds familiar.”
“Every time there’s a knock on the door, I lose it. Like he’s gonna spring out at me with a knife. Maybe I watched one too many slasher movies as a teenager.”
“You aren’t alone. I’ve been worried about it too. Are you ready for more scary news?”
Georgia groaned. “There’s more?”
“Yes, I found out Valentine recorded me at my apartment. He didn’t just have surveillance cameras.”
“Ewww.” Her brow furrowed. “You know he probably used those to—”
“Don’t say it.”
“Jane, can we be honest with each other?” Georgia bit her lower lip.
“Always.”
“We both know you didn’t take time off to relax. You’re lookin’ for dirt on Valentine, which is why you had me researchin’ Jessup’s case today. By the way, I just emailed you the information you asked for.”
Dammit. She should’ve done it herself and kept her assistant clear of the matter.
“I saw where the murder took place—on a property belongin’ to the Valentine family. Did you think I wouldn’t figure it out?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Come on, it’s me. I ain’t gonna turn you in. Hell, I’ll even help you, if there’s anythin’ I can do. Did you find any evidence?”
“I’m sorry, but we can’t discuss this.”
“Jane, please.”
“I mean it, for the sake of both our legal careers, we can’t and we won’t talk about it. Understand?”
Her lips thinned. “Fine, but if you need anything, all you have to do is ask. Especially after you look at the files I sent you—the Jessup arrest and conviction is all kinds of hinky.”
“Thank you for doing the legwork.” Jane had suspected as much. After she finished speaking with Georgia, she’d familiarize herself with the case, so she was ready for tomorrow.
“No problem, but you’ve got to promise me something.”
“What?”
“If anythin’ happens to me, you—”
“Nothing is going to happen to you, Georgia.” The words were firm. “Because you’re going to be very careful, right?”
“Yes, I’m takin’ security very seriously, but this mess has got me thinking about the will you put together for me.”
“You don’t need to because you’re not going to die.”
“Neither one of us knows what’s gonna happen, Jane. We’re all in danger as long as Valentine’s on the loose. Brady’s dad waived his right to custody, and my folks are too old to care for a child. You’ll be her legal guardian if somethin’ goes wrong.”
Georgia’s parents didn’t have her until they were in their early forties. And her mother had gone into the nursing home last year after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They’d signed the paperwork together, and Jane had been happy to take on the responsibility. At the time, it’d seemed like such an unlikely scenario.