Her face goes pale, and she turns to the side to avoid my stare. “Umm, I, umm, well, it’s…” she rambles, and it occurs to m
e exactly how she knows.
“Nina?”
She exhales loudly, relief on her face. “Nina.”
“I guess it’s not a secret, but I’m surprised it reached all the way to you. However, the connection with Nina explains it. I am sorry about canceling last night. Couldn’t be helped.”
She turns into me and gives me a smile. “It’s okay.”
“Hopefully, you’ll let me make it up to you tonight.”
“You already have.” She lays a hand on mine and squeezes. “So far, it’s awesome.”
I foil the potatoes and gather all the things for the grill. “Come on, let me show you one of the benefits of having that large TV.”
She follows behind and stops when she gets to my back porch. Her laughter fills the space as she realizes the straight line of sight. “You can watch television from your grill?”
“Hell yeah. If I’m not at the hunting camp on the weekends in the fall, I’m right here with the games. That was the point.”
“I totally get it now. How silly of me,” she teases, her eyes dancing with humor.
While I prep the grill and start the potatoes, she questions me all about the bust last night, me answering what I can without jeopardizing the case. Then she goes on to safer subjects.
“Tell me more,” she insists, as I recap my hunting trip a few weekends ago.
“Not much more to tell. He shot the thing and has bragging rights until next season opens. Marcus is one lucky son of a bitch. He stopped by the station this afternoon with more good news.”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah, said he had angels on his side. Something about two divorce cases falling in his lap with no room for argument. The evidence is solid, videos full adultery.”
She starts to choke and turns pale, her hand flying to her mouth. I spin her around and gently tap her back. “You okay?”
“O-o-okay,” she rasps, setting the drink down. “Went down wrong.”
She clears her throat a few times and turns back in my arms. “Marcus is a divorce lawyer?”
“He is. Why?”
“No reason. I knew he was a lawyer, but I didn’t know his specialty.” Her eyes are wide, face still pale.
“Babe, why do you look spooked?”
“I’m not.” She recovers quickly, color returning to her face.
“You sure?”
“Absolutely,” she answers unconvincingly.
There’s a stir of suspicion in my gut, but I force it aside, telling myself I’m being ridiculous.
“I saw your car parked in your lot when I picked you up.” I change the subject and catch the reprieve in her eyes.
“Jerry delivered it today and took my rental car back for me.”
“Least he could do.”