Resolute Justice by Leslie Marshman

Author:Leslie Marshman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-10-26T20:57:45+00:00

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CONSIDERING THE PLACE was a steakhouse, Bishop’s meal exceeded his expectations. His chicken was surprisingly tender, the vegetables perfectly seasoned, the salad cold and crisp. Add lively dinner conversation, with Cassie pointing out interesting townsfolk and sharing humorous anecdotes about them, and the evening was shaping up to be perfect.

Perfect except for his constant worry about Ashley. It was a drumbeat that grew louder in the back of his mind with every passing moment. He had to eat and sleep, though, and he needed to form a bond with Cassie. If he played his cards right, she could help him more than she already had. It was a bonus that he genuinely liked her and wanted to get closer to her. Maybe after a few slow dances later, he’d have a chance to get to know her as well as everyone else around here seemed to.

After a busboy cleared the table, Cassie ordered pecan pie with whipped cream and a cup of coffee. Bishop declined, claiming he was full from dinner.

Cassie pursed her lips. “Come on. I ate more than you did, and I still have room. To complete the perfect food pyramid, you gotta start with alcohol and finish with dessert.”

Bishop cringed inwardly, fighting the urge to lecture her on nutrition. There were more important things to discuss. Like Cassie’s reason for this entire evening.

Mark returned with Cassie’s pie and coffee and set the bill holder near Bishop. “I’ll just leave this here for whenever you’re ready.” He took off at a fast clip, probably needing to finish with his tables before the dancing started.

Time to get the ball rolling. Bishop rested his arms on the table. “I’ve enjoyed tonight.” He could swear his chakras aligned when Cassie’s face lit up with a smile. “But it goes against my nature to stop searching for Ashley just so I can have a good time. I’m only here because you said we need to talk.”

After one small bite of pie, Cassie put down her fork. “You’re right. And that’s what I want to discuss. Ashley. What’s your next step in finding her?”

Immediately on guard, Bishop paused before answering. Was this an offer of help, or a trick to find out what he was up to? “Hard to say. I’m figuring it out as I go. Why?”

“I think it would benefit us both if we work together on our cases.”

For a minute Bishop just stared, not expecting her offer. “What changed your mind?”

Cassie frowned. “Changed my mind?”

“You don’t remember me asking you for help in the diner?”

“Working together doesn’t mean I’m willing to break the law.” Cassie’s professional tone returned for the first time tonight. “I’m suggesting that an extra pair of eyes might catch something we’ve missed.” She sighed, her voice softening again. “I want to help you find Ashley.” She reached across the table and rested her hand on his.

The sincerity in her voice, the warmth in her touch, broke through Bishop’s defenses. Since becoming a PI, he’d handled every case professionally, with no emotional involvement.

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