Final Verdict by Jessica R. Patch

Author:Jessica R. Patch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-07-08T16:00:00+00:00

NINE

Aurora’s throat clogged. Beckett stood like a strong tower in front of her. She appreciated his attempt to protect her, but he couldn’t be her constant shield.

A verse came to mind about God being her strong tower and refuge in times of trouble. She hadn’t had a decent track record of running to Him in those times.

“I’ve been trying to call you for weeks, Aurora.” Oliver peered around Beckett, and Aurora scooted to the side. Beckett cast his arm out as a barrier.

“Beckett,” she said, and laid her hand on his rock-solid arm. If Oliver meant to harm her, he wouldn’t do it in front of witnesses or in front of Beckett—unless he had a death wish.

Beckett lowered his arm and made a minimal move aside.

“What are you doing here, Oliver?” Aurora asked.

Beckett gave him the glower only Beckett could, and Oliver broke eye contact. “How long have you been in town?” Beckett asked. “Since your meeting with Kelly Marks? You may have been one of the last people to see her alive.”

Oliver might defend scary men, but he’d never been up against Beckett. A swell of pride took residence inside her chest.

“I came into town for that meeting, and I left right after. But I got word she died, and I’m back.” He turned to Aurora. “Kelly was my last resort when you wouldn’t answer or return my calls, Aurora.”

“So why not show up like now? Why go to the judge?” Beckett demanded.

Rather excellent line of questioning, too.

“Because I needed to know Aurora’s mental state.”

“My mental state?” Aurora stepped in front of Beckett. “Oliver, what is going on? Your messages said we needed to talk. They were vague at best, and there was no mention of how I was holding up mentally.”

“Could we talk privately?” He stole a peek at Beckett.

“Not gonna happen, pal.” Beckett folded his arms across his chest.

Oliver huffed. “We can sit right over there at the café, and you, Mr. Whoever You Are, can sit right here and watch us the whole time.”

“Beckett,” Aurora insisted. “I’ll be fine.” She motioned Oliver toward the tables. “I’ll be right there. Order some coffee or something if you like.”

Oliver nodded and strode to a table in the corner.

Beckett leaned down and whispered, “Are you sure? You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“Except when you tell me to.”

His mouth twitched. “Well, when I tell you what to do, it’s to keep you safe.”

“Blah diddety, blah-blah-blah.” She heaved a sigh.

Beckett chuckled. “And also, I know you haven’t been interested in talking to him. If you’re not ready...you’re not ready. A man should wait for a woman until she is.”

“I’ll remember you said that.” She’d also remember the tingles across her skin this very moment. While he was rough and demanding, Beckett could be quite the gentleman. “I’m ready to talk to him now. I...I want to hear him out. I think he’s on the up-and-up, Beckett.”

He touched her nose. “You’re too good, Counselor. But don’t change,” he said with a muted tone.

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