I didn’t answer immediately. The truth was more complicated than I wanted to admit, even to myself.
“Look,” Sandra said finally, “I’m not saying you’ve done anything wrong. You haven’t. You’ve been professional and compassionate. But this situation is unusual, and it’s only going to get more complicated.”
“I know.” I rubbed my temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache. “But what’s the alternative? I can’t abandon him now.”
“No one’s suggesting that.” She leaned back in her chair. “Just… be aware of the line you’re walking. For both your sakes.”
“I am.” I met her gaze steadily. “I won’t compromise his case or his recovery.”
Sandra nodded, apparently satisfied. “Good.” She stood, smoothing her skirt. “Now, Justice Sommers’ clerk called. They’ve moved up the hearing to next Monday morning.”
“What? Why?”
“Apparently, she’s received anonymous threats at her home. Wants to get this done before anyone can interfere.”
A cold weight settled in my stomach. “Marcus.”
“Most likely. The criminal trial got moved up again too; it’s starting tomorrow now. Blackwood’s firm is doing their best to try and slow things down, but the Crown prosecutor smells blood in the water with an easy conviction.”
I pushed back from my desk, mind already racing through preparations. “Get Mitchell to pull everything we have on the jury tampering. I want affidavits from both the detective and the Crown prosecutor about the ongoing investigation.”
“Already on it.” Sandra paused at the door. “And Damian? Be careful with Alex. Not just for ethical reasons. He’s been controlled by one powerful man already.”
The implication stung, but I knew she was right. “I’m not Marcus.”
“No, you’re not. But you’re still a powerful figure in his life right now. Just… remember that.”
After she left, I sat staring at the pile of documents on my desk without really seeing them. Sandra’s warning echoed in my mind.
I wasn’t Marcus. I would never be Marcus. But the power imbalance was real, and so was Alex’s vulnerability.
And so, if I was being honest with myself, were my feelings.
I picked up my phone and called home. After four rings, Alex answered, his voice still rough with sleep.
“Hey,” I said, keeping my tone deliberately casual. “Just checking in. How are you feeling?”
“Better,” he said. “Thank you for last night. It really helped.”
“Anytime,” I replied, then immediately wondered if that was too much. “Listen, I’ll be home earlier than expected. We need to prepare for court tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? I thought—”
“Change of plans. I’ll explain when I get there.” I hesitated. “Alex?”
“Yes?”
“You’re safe. I promise.”
There was a pause, then his voice, stronger now: “I know.”
After we hung up, I sat for a long moment, staring at the phone. Then I squared my shoulders and turned back to the case files.
One step at a time. Win the case first. Everything else could wait.
It had to.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
