Again he didn’t react, at all. The asshole had the perfect poker face. Blame it on his years of trial experience, defending killers and rapists. That’s what earned him a partnership in this firm—Tina had heard all the stories. And though she admired his professional record, she greatly disliked his blind allegiance to his family.
“Do you have witnesses to corroborate your story?” he asked.
The women in the restaurant bathroom—why hadn’t she gotten their contact information? “Yes and no.”
“Excuse me? Is that the type of answer you give in a courtroom?”
“Of course not,” she fired back, feeling more apprehensive by the second. “Why would I lie, Mr. James?”
“Lie is a bit harsh. Perhaps ‘embellish the truth’ so you look better.”
“Look better? For what?”
He leaned across the desk and refilled her glass. “My nephew visited me last week, Ms. Bethel. He told me you’d show up eventually and accuse him of all kinds of unsavory behavior.”
Tina’s body started to tremble.
“Don’t take it personally. Kline is willing to overlook everything so long as you don’t spread malicious rumors about him. In fact, I have a nondisclosure agreement right here on my desk. If you approve the terms, we can pretend this meeting never happened.”
Tina shot up from her seat. “Am I in the Twilight Zone?”
Alex chuckled. “Not at all.”
Tina wouldn’t let his good-old-boy tactics dissuade her. “You can’t just dismiss me as if nothing happened.”
He sighed. “You aren’t the first eager female to set her sight on my nephew’s fortune.”
“That’s ridiculous,” she said. “I have my own life, and my family is wealthy.”
“Be a smart girl, go back to your office. I’ll reassign Kline’s case.”
“Mr. James, I can’t leave until you guarantee me that something will be done about your nephew. He’s a menace, and I’m sure if I went to the police…”
“If you file charges against my nephew, I’ll be forced to return the favor. An ethics violation on your permanent record with the state bar won’t help your career. I suggest a week off, Ms. Bethel. Take some time to relax, go shopping—clear your head.”
“Are you suspending me?”
“Not at all. Just sending you on a well-deserved holiday.”
—
“Can you believe the audacity of that man?” Tina asked Vincent as she shoveled a forkful of scrambled eggs into her mouth. “Complete denial. But I could tell by his words that he knew exactly what his nephew is capable of.”
“I’m sorry,” Vincent said, patting her hand from across the table. “Guess you found out the hard way there are more chauvinistic men out there than Brothers who wear patches.”
Tina gave him a half smile. As soon as she arrived back at the clubhouse and explained her situation at work, Vincent had directed her to the kitchen, where he set about making eggs, bacon, and waffles. “Thanks for brunch. I always get hungry when I’m angry.”
“You’re welcome. What do you want to do with your time off?”
“Go shopping, according to Alexander James.”
“Ever pay attention to the real estate market?” Vincent asked.
“Before I chose my apartment, I looked at some condos. Why?”
“I’ve been thinking about my living arrangements lately. With everyone back from Austin now, the place is getting pretty cramped.” He looked over his shoulder toward the TV room—half a dozen brothers were playing Call of Duty on the big screen. “Might be time to invest some of my savings in a house.”
“Really?” Nothing would make her happier. And if he found one big enough to accommodate his sons, maybe she could convince him to request a new custody hearing. “Want me to start looking? What amenities? Square footage? Garage?”
He laughed. “Easy. Nothing special—three bedrooms, two baths, and definitely a two-car garage. I need room for my machines.”
“Do you have a neighborhood in mind?”
“Flour Bluff.”
“Budget?”
“I’m already preapproved for three hundred thousand. But let’s keep it well below that if possible.”
Grateful for the distraction, Tina knew exactly what real estate company she’d use. Several agents were clients, and for once, she’d take advantage of a professional connection.
Vincent finished his breakfast a few minutes later. “We have an officers’ meeting in an hour, so I have to go, baby.” He picked up his plate and coffee mug, then kissed her cheek. “If you leave the clubhouse, let Jefferson know where you’re going—he’ll follow you on his bike.”