Then, knowing Mike would want details about the incident with his father, she headed over to the station. The squad room was fairly empty, a few people bent over desks typing up reports, so Cara walked directly back to Mike’s office.

She knocked and waited until he gave her permission to enter. Given their relationship outside work, the formality here always made her smile. She’d really miss knowing he was the one filling up this office with his larger-than-life presence.

“Come on in,” he called out.

She stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

He glanced up and his eyes widened. He was obviously surprised to see her. But not upset because his lips curved upward in a pleased grin.

“I didn’t expect you to be up and around,” he said.

“I slept, but I thought you might want to hear what happened with Rex last night.” And she really believed he deserved to have her tell him things beyond the basics in the report she’d filled out.

His jaw clenched at the mention of his biological father’s name. “I read the paperwork.”

“But I thought you might be curious.”

Mike remained behind his desk, the air around them having chilled with the topic. “I appreciate that you left out any details of what Rex really wanted at the judge’s house.”

She shrugged. “It wasn’t pertinent to the report. He created a nuisance; the Baines declined to press charges. Dare and I agreed that was that.” Cara watched Mike for signs that he was upset, but all she saw right now was his professional demeanor.

“What does Dare know?” Mike asked.

“That Rex brought up a whole host of personal family issues and that’s it. He respects your privacy,” Cara said softly. “Dare knows what it’s like to have the past come back and bite him.”

Mike nodded. “Okay. Did he say where he’s staying?”

She knew Mike meant Rex. “No. Since we didn’t arrest him and he left somewhat peacefully, we didn’t ask.” She drew a deep breath before continuing. “But he knows you have the book with the information. That’s why he came to the Baines’ house in the first place. I guess he thought he could see if the judge had kept any documentation of his involvement.”

“Who told him I had it?”

“The judge’s wife.”

“Did Rex say why he wanted it?” Mike asked.

Cara bit the inside of her lip. “He said if you know what’s good for your family, you’ll bury the information. I told him that unlike him, you’d do the right thing even if someone gets hurt. And he said…” She trailed off.

“Go on.” His eyes flashed fire.

“He said, ‘Even Saint Simon?’ Mike, he’s looking to hurt him.”

Mike expelled a long breath. “Yeah, I got that impression,” he said through gritted teeth.

Cara’s heart went out to him. “And? What’s your plan?”

“I’ve done nothing but think about what to do. We both know the legalities. That’s not what this is about. Rex came here wanting to pick up where he left off. When he wasn’t accepted, he decided to do the most damage.”

She nodded. “My thoughts exactly. But Simon’s reputation is at stake.”

“I know. If this gets out, people may not look at him the same way.” He ran a shaky hand through his hair. “I hate this,” he muttered.

“So…what will you tell the mayor?” Cara asked, which she knew was the crux of his problem.

“Some version of the truth. I just haven’t decided how to phrase it to do the least amount of damage. And now I’m finished talking about this.” He walked out from behind the desk and headed toward her. “Lock the door,” he said, surprising her.

His voice, deep and full of longing, found an answering pull inside her. “But we’re at work.”

His eyes darkened. “I’m at work. You’re off duty. And I don’t want to be interrupted.”

Tags: Carly Phillips Serendipity's Finest Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net