Hayley by Kathryn Shay

Author:Kathryn Shay [Shay, Kathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The Casella Cousins, Book 1
Publisher: Ocean View Books
Published: 2020-06-22T18:30:00+00:00

* * *

Hayley was late getting to work, and the place was already busy. Phones rang and the low rumble of voices carried through the space. Holding a couple of files, Maria Blackburn came out of her office and caught sight of her. “Hayley.” Maria walked right over. Took Hayley’s hand. “I got a call from DA Velasquez. He said you were at the gala Friday night.” People around her hushed at the news of her attendance at the gathering. “Are you all right?”

“Thanks for your concern. But I’m fine. Finn and I were seated at a table when the gunman fired at the ceiling.”

Others gathered around.

A friend of hers, Lola, asked, “You poor thing. Were you terrified.?”

“I was. We scrambled to the floor and I held on to Finn’s hand so hard, his fingers hurt for an hour afterward.”

A secretary shook her head. “I heard some of the wait staff got trampled as others tried to leave when the attacker was disarmed.”

“I heard that, too. I think it’s awful.”

Another ADA asked, “So, Paul Covington was the hero of the night?”

“Yeah. I didn’t see it happen, though.” Except in my imagination until he got to my house.

“Boy,” the man continued, “We’ve disliked him so long, we’ll have to adjust our thinking on anyone who could do that.”

Tactfully, Hayley didn’t comment.

“Was he in the military?” Maria asked.

“I don’t know.” Now that was true. She’d have to ask.

Maria glanced around to see work had stopped. “I’m going to break this up, now. I know you’re all concerned about Hayley and I hope hearing her talk allayed your fears.” To her, Maria said, “Come inside.”

They walked into her office and she closed the door. They took seats behind and in front of her desk. She asked, “Are you sure you’re all right? Not putting up a front for the rest of us?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“You can take some time off if you want.”

“No, I don’t need to.” She needed to work.

“So, your nemesis saved the day? He’s a hero.”

“He is. I told you he wasn’t a bad guy.”

Maria leaned back in her chair. “Want to face him again in court?”

Hayley stilled. She could tell Maria no. She and Paul had gotten together or give another excuse that was vague. But something stopped her. The same feeling that descended on her Saturday night returned. She’d better keep the relationship to herself until they were on solid ground.

“You told me we weren’t allowed to argue cases against each other.”

“That’s another reason why Velasquez called. Covington’s cases against us will be high profile for a while. Our best ADA would give us more exposure, and you’re one of the few who’s beaten him.”

“I’d rather not. Can you let someone else take him on?”

Maria cocked her head. “Is something wrong with all this?”

“For the reasons you and his boss already cited after the contempt charge.”

Her gaze narrowed. “How do you know his boss and I talked?”

“I bumped into Paul in the elevator of the courthouse.”

Thoughtful, Maria watched her. Finally, she said, “I’m sure Cook, Cramer and Cromwell are giving him carte blanche now.

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