“I appreciate the warm welcome,” I giggle. The gate agent comes over the loudspeaker with an announcement, drowning out Chuck’s next words. I hear something that sounds like “preoccupied” and “exploits.”
“Chuck,” I murmur into the phone. “As much as I want to talk, I’d like to be able to do it in person and not miss our flight. It’s time to board.”
“Why didn’t you say so?” He snickers. “Then let me be the first to tell you that Tanner Ellis has resigned from the firm.”
“What!” I jump up in the air, barely hanging on to Holden’s phone. He mouths at me to hurry up and not break his cell.
“Yes. I nailed him for the slick bastard he is.” He chuckles. “The partners weren’t too happy, to put it lightly. Criminal conduct, conflicts of interest, misconduct involving dishonesty, not to mention the numerous other ethical issues he violated. I don’t see how he won’t be disbarred.”
“And Nico’s wife, Christine?” I whisper. “Did you catch her and Tanner hooking up?”
“Yes, and you’ll be happy to know the bar complaint against you is being dismissed, so don’t you worry about it.”
“How did you know about that?”
“I’m offended at your question. You know I keep my ear to the ground. One more thing.” He lowers his voice. “Tanner had pictures of you all over his phone, some racy pics, I might add, and a snapshot of a dating profile for you. You got something to tell me, or should I assume this was all him?”
I tighten my grip on the duffel bag over my shoulder. “I won’t ask how you got his phone and laptop. We used to be friends, and he no doubt had access to my phone and laptop to get those photos.” The exhale I give is loud enough for Holden to peer at me, worry in his blue eyes. “I guess I need to vet my friends more carefully in the future.”
“Well, Adrienne and Leslie both check out. I give them glowing recommendations.”
“Good to know.” I smile into the phone. “And thank you. Seriously. You saved my life. Professionally speaking.”
“And now you’re going to get your ass to rehab, for real this time, so you can save your personal life and marriage. I kind of like that husband of yours.”
“Agreed. And how can you already like Holden more than me?” I grumble sarcastically. “You only met him one time.”
“No. We’ve stayed in touch,” Chuck says. “How do you think I know you’re coming back home?”
“Because you’re a private investigator . . .”
“Good girl.” He chortles. “Safe travels, young lady.”
The final boarding call blares over the speakers, and after I hand the phone back to Holden, he shoves it in his pocket and curls his fingers around mine.
We are the last two on the plane, and as we settle into our seats, we exchange a knowing look that only two people who have weathered a storm—no, a tornado—can share.
Neither of us knows where we’ll go from here, but we’re still in this fight together. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that I’ve still got that scrappy midwestern girl tucked away inside me, and I couldn’t be happier.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2018 Diana May
Marin Montgomery grew up in the Midwest but traded cornfields for the desert, and she now calls Arizona home. Originally slated to go to fashion school on the West Coast, Montgomery has always been passionate about writing short stories and poems. After finishing her MBA, she decided to write her first novel at the encouragement of her childhood best friend. When she’s not thinking up her next psychological twist, she can be found playing a mean game of Scrabble, binge-watching a variety of television shows, and hanging with her goldendoodle, Dashiell.
