Stormy Satisfaction (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 11)

“This is an act. You and I both know it. You’re going to be convicted. Stop trying to get your sentence reduced. You will find no sympathy from me.”

“It’s not like that, Ashley. We’re friends, you and I. Cindy Trollinger threatened me. She said if I didn’t do what she wanted that she would kill me. That’s the only reason I did what I did.”

She pounded her fists on the surface of the table. “What you did, Anna, was shoot Henry.”

“I didn’t mean to.”

“That’s complete and utter BS. You know it, and I know it. And after you shot poor Henry, you meant to kill me.”

Anna’s act continued. “It’s not true. I swear it.”

“Nothing you say now or later will convince me otherwise. I was there. Remember? I saw and heard everything. You put a gun to my head and told me that I ruined your life and that I was going to pay.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I understand a whole bunch more than you give me credit for. What did Trollinger promise you? Why did she have you enter that virus into the law office’s computer?”

“Don’t answer those questions,” her attorney said.

“No. I don’t want to hold back anything. If this helps bring that bitch down, then I want to help. She only promised not to kill me.”

Ashley could tell that was a lie.

Anna continued. “But I know that she wanted Jennifer Steele’s ranch. She had gotten a man to pose as Walter Steele. Trollinger had access to confidential information that reported how much natural gas sits under the Steele Ranch. It’s worth hundreds of millions of dollars.”

It seemed that Anna was actually telling the truth to Ashley now. If accurate, Trollinger’s motive was clear. Greed. Anna’s claim connected Trollinger to the Steele Ranch case, but Ashley needed proof. Concrete proof. “What information? Where is it?”

“I don’t know. I swear. I saw it on her desk when we met.”

Once again, it seemed to her that Anna was telling the truth. “What about the imposter? Who is he?”

“I don’t know. I met him in Trollinger’s office. He had a thick Cajun accent.”

Cajun accent? Louisiana? Not Florida? That was important to remember. “What else?”

Anna shook her head. “That’s all I know, Ashley. If I knew anything else I would tell you.”

“You know more. That’s as obvious to me as it gets.” She leaned over the table. “And I bet Trollinger didn’t threaten you.”

Frowning, Anna squirmed in her chair. She was getting agitated.

“She promised to cut you in on all that money, didn’t she?”

“Shut up, Ashley.”

Ashley stood, and Nic and Sylas rose, staying protectively by her side. It gave her strength and courage to continue. “And you were stupid and believed her.”

“I said shut up.”

Anna’s attorney stood, clearly trying to get control of the room. “This meeting is over.”

“Fuck you, asshole,” Anna spat at him and then turned back to her. “You don’t know a goddamn thing, bitch.”

“We should leave,” Sylas said through clenched teeth while Nic glared at Anna.

Her attacker’s words had enraged both of them.

“It’s okay, guys,” Ashley told them as calmly as she could muster. “Just give me a minute.”