Page 26 of Watch Me Burn
“Thanks.”
I couldn’t keep scattering my logic because of a flimsy crush. First and foremost, we were partners in proving his innocence and finding my dad’s real killer. He didn’t owe me anything beyond that, and I owed my clients far better than daydreaming of raunchy fantasies all because I didn’t know how to properly express myself to a guy I’d known for decades.
My hand strayed to hover above my phone. I could apologize. Maybe he had a point. I was stalling the investigation. Maybe deep down I didn’t want to relive the trauma from years ago again and just let things rest. But the truth needed to come to light. And thundering out of the building like that, Ethan might’ve been worried about me.
But as always when it came to Ethan Wayne, I didn’t know what to say.
So, I resigned to typing on my laptop.
Suddenly my phone buzzed. My chest rose with anticipation until I saw it was Will, that guy from the law firm, texting to ask what I was up to.
Super strange to text so late. Maybe he was out with coworkers and wanted to introduce me? But he really was not who I was looking forward to seeing on this night of all times. But there was no way I was going back home now either, and he all of a sudden claimed he was on his way to the same diner himself, so I figured I might as well let him join and try his pitch again. Maybe he had something worthwhile this time.
Adjusting his blazer, Will asked, “So, will you sign my contract?” His eyes were bright with the glint of opportunity. I shrugged nonchalantly.
“Maybe. Your $100,000 sign-on bonus is really tempting, but I still need to think about it. I’m pretty busy right now and need more time,” I replied.
Will’s eyes remained on me, but something darkened within them.
“Busy with that Ethan Wayne case, huh?”
Smirking, he propped himself on an elbow. “Anna, good lawyers know how to lie. The best ones can sniff out the truth.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. “Now what would make you think I’m looking into the Wayne case?”
Lifting his hands innocently, he replied, “No dirty tactics were involved, trust me. But if you’re going to tackle this head-on, you should probably partner with someone more seasoned.” Confidently, Will pointed at himself. “If he was to be found innocent after all these years in prison, he could sue the state for a lot of money. My firm would be interested in representing him if you find something worthwhile.”
I laced my fingers on the table. “Thanks, but I will have to decline.”
Will’s posture eased as he crossed one leg over the other in his chair. “Do you really think that working with the defendant directly is a good idea? Especially considering your past?”
I raised an eyebrow. “I thought I was clear about this. No thanks and no further comment.”
Will snickered mockingly, then leaned forward in his chair. “Seems to be getting personal for you. I can see why a woman would be taken with this guy. I looked up his file. You girls like handsome bad boys, don’t you?”
My mouth thinned into a frown. “I think this conversation is done.”
“Oh, come on, now. I’m just playing around.” He leaned closer. “I personally think the police did a shitty job back then. And even if he did confess to the crime during his parole hearing, we could still get his name cleared and sue the state. With the flimsy job they did back then during his trial, we could argue that he confessed to something he didn’t do because he wanted to get out of—”
“He confessed?!”
My heart plummeted to the floor.
“Ethan Wayne? Yes . . . he admitted guilt during his parole hearing.”
I didn’t know what to say. What to think.
He confessed to the murder?
If he was really innocent, why wouldn’t he just tell me about the way he was released?
Will scooted closer, shrugging. “What’s wrong? Did this Ethan get under your skin?”
My throat tightened. “Agh,” I rasped, leaning forward as I clutched it in pain.
Will placed a hand on my exposed thigh, whispering, “Do you like bad boys?”
His hand trailed up my dress’s hemline, going as far as he could before I rose from my chair in anger.
