Alexandra
I’m going to get fired before I really even have a chance to start this job. Knowing I’m Beefcake’s alibi, I have to talk to him.
Looking around the squad room, I inch my way over Interview Room Two. Beefcake’s attorney just went to talk to my boss, and the detectives are huddled together around Miller’s desk. I have to go in while no one is looking.
I glance behind me as I slowly open the door, then turn to look around the room. At first, I don’t see him. Knowing he couldn’t have walked out, I open the door wider to find him standing up against the back wall.
Damn. If he weren’t here as a murder suspect, I’d climb him like a tree right now.
The minute he recognizes me, I smile to let him know I’ve come in peace. Though, I’m not sure he’s buying it.
“What the hell are you doing here, Goldie?” he asks and immediately, my stomach flips. I’ve missed hearing that name.
“I don’t even know where to start,” I say with a nervous laugh.
I can see his brain working to process seeing me here. This could go one of two ways. He could be happy to have someone on his side, or…
“Are you a cop, Goldie?” He advances toward me. Jesus, I forgot just how big he is. “Did you set me up for a murder I didn’t commit?”
Well, I was hoping it wouldn’t go this way.
“No, Beefcake, I’m not a cop. I’m the Assistant District Attorney and your freaking alibi for the night of the murder,” I say, blowing out a breath.
“What?”
“Look, I don’t have a lot of time to talk to you. Once you get out of here, we need to meet.”
“I don’t think so, sweetheart. For all I know, you set me up.”
“Look, Beefcake, I’m the only chance you got, so you better stop with the tough guy routine and let me help.”
He studies me for a minute, then puts out his hand.
“Colton Murphy.”
I look at his hand, but only for a second. When I take his hand in mine, the electricity is off the charts.
“Alexandra Russell. Alex, for short.”
“I think Alexandra suits you better,” he says, with that damn sexy smirk. The same one that got me into bed the first night I met him.
“I have to get out of here before your attorney comes back or worse, the cops find me. If you get out of here today, I want to see you.”
“Oh, I’ll get out of here just for the fact that I want to see you again, Alexandra.”
Shit, I love the way he says my real name. He prolongs the syllables, so it sounds so sultry and sexy.
I can’t help but smile. “OK, do you know the condos on Causeway Boulevard?”
“The ones past Hazel’s diner?”
“Yeah, I’m in Three-C. Come up as soon as you can. I get home around six o’clock.”
Suddenly, Colton advances toward me. “You sure about this, darlin’? I mean, the cops think I’m a cold-blooded killer.”
I move as close to him as I can without touching him because that would be a mistake. “I’m sure. You don’t scare me, Colton.”
“Well, maybe I should.”
I have a feeling this is about to get crazy.
* * *
I make my way up to my office, hoping I’m in time to intercept Colton’s attorney. When I walk in, he’s talking to my boss.
“Here she is now.”
Crap. Does he know?
“Alex, I’d like you to meet Mickey Stroman. He’s Colton’s attorney. Mickey, this is Alexandra Russell.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Stroman,” I say, offering my hand.
“Likewise, Ms. Russell.”
“Alex, I was just talking to Mickey about the case against Colton, and I’d like you to take the lead on this.”
Oh shit.
“Why would you want me to do that? I mean, I’ve only been here for a month.”
We probably shouldn’t be talking about this in front of Colton’s attorney, but knowing he’s innocent changes things.
“For one, you are a phenomenal attorney and two, it’s a conflict of interest for me. I’ve known Colton since we were kids. It’s best if I step aside.”
I almost snort. He thinks he has a conflict of interest. I slept with the suspect, for crying out loud! Needing to try to get out of this, I speak up.
I pull my boss aside. “Thank you for thinking of me, Tim, but you do have three other ADAs, who are probably more prepared to take this case.”
I look back at Colton’s attorney, who’s watching us with interest.
“Look, Alex, I think you are the best one for this case. You decide what, if anything, to charge Colton with and I will back you up, one hundred percent.”
Jesus. How the hell do I get out of this?
I don’t want anyone to know about my night with Colton just yet. I need to feel him out about this situation and see what I can do to help.
“OK, if you’re sure, Tim,” I say, trying to convince all three of us that I’m fine with this.
“You’re a seasoned attorney, Alex. Don’t forget that. My other ADAs are fresh out of law school. You know what it takes to win a case.”
Thoughts of winning my last case come flooding back. Maybe my sister was right, and this is my chance to make things right. What the hell am I thinking? I can’t throw a case.
I’m not sure how this is going to work, but I do know at least one thing. I have to find a way not to charge him just yet.