Omens (Cainsville 1)

"You don't count. I was talking to him. Out of the room this time."

Gabriel adjusted his cuffs and leaned back in his chair.

"I'd like you to leave, Gabriel."

"Yes, I'm sure you would. And I will next time. If the five thousand has found its way into my account."

She glowered at him. Then she looked at me. I got to my feet. He stood then, too, and waited, expressionless.

Before I could step away, she rose. Her fingers brushed my wrist. I jumped. Gabriel moved forward so smoothly I didn't notice until he was between us, his hand at my back, barely touching the fabric as he steered me toward the door, murmuring, "We should go."

"You won't keep me from her, Gabriel Walsh," Pamela said.

Her voice was low. I didn't turn to see her expression. I wasn't sure I wanted to.

"I don't intend to," Gabriel said. "But, sadly, our time is done today. I'll leave my account number at the front, so you can transfer the money."

"I have it."

"I'll leave it anyway. To ensure there's no mistake."

I said good-bye then and he ushered me out the door.

Before we'd gone into the prison, I'd told myself I'd call a cab for the ride home. No matter what the cost, I wasn't riding with Gabriel. But by the time we did leave...?

I didn't call the cab.

Gabriel Walsh was a manipulative bastard who would screw me over if he saw profit in it. But he was also, as Grace said, useful.

In the car, I said, "You're certain she's guilty, aren't you?"

"I have no opinion on the matter either way."

"Bullshit."

He looked over.

"You were her lawyer. You must have an opinion."

He pushed the ignition button. "The fact that I defended her explains exactly why I have no opinion. You want me to say I'm certain she's guilty so you can forget about her. I won't do that. Nor will I say I believe she's innocent and raise false hopes. Whatever you decide, Olivia, I'm not taking any responsibility for it."

My cheeks warmed. I cleared my throat. "About your offer, the book deal..."

He pulled out of the parking space. "You have no intention of entertaining my offer. You never did. You simply needed a way into that prison."

"I--"

"Don't deny it. Worse, don't apologize. I was the only way in, and I wanted something from you, so you used that."

"So why did you agree?"

"For the same reason I'd take a reluctant client to dinner. Laying the groundwork. In the meantime, five thousand dollars was an acceptable fee for my afternoon."

"Even if it's already your money?"

"Money that I'm unlikely to see otherwise."

When we reached the highway, I said, "There's something else I'd like. Access to your files on my mother's case. Not just the official record of the appeal, but your complete file."