“Cassie’s never had so much as a speeding ticket,” Archer reminded the other man. “Yes, she married into a wealthy family, but she was also doing just fine on her own. Hell she could be making a ton more money with high-end settlement cases like Russ and Yates fought. Instead, the majority of Cassie’s cases have been part of the pro-bono foundation she created and runs through their firm. Damn it, justlookat her.” Archer turned his gaze in her direction, relieved when Knox did the same. “Does she really look like a cold-blooded killer to you?”
When the man turned back toward him, the expression on his face was unreadable. “You and I both know murderers don’t always look like monsters.”
His gut tightened. For a minute there, he could have sworn Knox was finally going to at least entertain the idea that someone other than the beautiful blonde standing yards away was the killer. Realizing that wasn’t going to happen, Archer quit wasting his time with the asshole and took a step in Cassie’s direction.
I’ve been away from her long enough.
“Do what you have to, Detective,” Archer offered the parting words. “In the meantime, my team and I will do the same.”
Not waiting for a response before walking away, he made it four long strides before he heard…
“Hey, Nash!”
Archer stopped, his pulse quickening when he turned and faced the man once more. “Yeah?”
Rather than shout for all the world to hear, Knox marched back across the grass toward him. Looking annoyed as fuck, the other man cleared his throat, this time speaking loudly enough for those nearby to hear.
“I’ll make sure the proper department investigates the vandalism done to Mrs. Montgomery’s property. As for the Russell Montgomery murder, that case is officially closed. The decision of whether or not your client is innocent will now be left up to a jury of her peers to decide.” After a moment’s hesitation, the confusing man reached into his back jeans pocket and pulled out a business card. Holding it out, he told Archer, “You think of anything else that may be helpful, give me a call.”
Archer reached for the small, white rectangle, but when he went to take it, the other man pulled it back, just out of Archer’s reach. “My number’s on the card.” Knox’s words came much slower that time. “You want to discuss this case further, call the number on the card.” A pointed look raced across the man’s eyes as flipped the card over. Handing it to Archer, he offered a parting, “Have a good day, Mr. Nash.”
And then, the thirty-something police detective released the card and away. Glancing down, Archer’s when he saw the note scribbled beneath a handwritten number…
Personal cell. Can’t talk here. Text time and place to set up a meeting.
His eyes flew back up to the other man who was rounding up his troops. Knox had that card, along with the note, ready to go, which meant hewantedArcher to set up that meeting.
Was it possible? Did Seattle’s most decorated homicide detective actually think someone other than Cassie killed Russell Montgomery? And if so, why the hell hadn’t he just come right out and say that?
Archer glanced the man’s way once again. Opening the driver’s door to his department-issued vehicle, Travis Knox paused only long enough to spare Archer a parting glance.
Their gazes locked. The detective gave a single, sharp dip of his chin, and then the man lowered himself into the car.
9
“Well that surelooked like an interesting conversation.”
Archer turned toward the source of the deep, rumbled voice as Donovan “Van” Braddock sidled up beside him. Tall—a full two inches above Archer’s own six-four frame—Van’s short dark hair, closely-trimmed beard, black, intense gaze, and muscular build made him appear every bit as lethal as he knew the former SEAL to be.
“That’s one way to put it.” He handed the perpetually stoic man Knox’s card.
“What’s this?”
Archer’s focus slid back to Cassie, who was finally,finallyheading back his way. His chest tightened when she wrapped her arms protectively around her waist.
It should be my arms wrapped around her. I should be the one holding her. Comforting her.
As if she somehow knew he was thinking about her, Cassie’s crystal blue gaze scanned the area, almost if she was looking for something specific. Satisfaction rushed through him when her stare landed on his…and her presumed search came to an immediate halt.
With careful steps, she moved slowly to avoid letting her heels sink into the soft ground. Like almost everyone else in attendance at today’s funeral, Cassie had chosen to wear all black. Only she hadn’t looked like everyone else.
Not even close.
Covered in a thin layer of lace, the long-sleeved number had a wide neckline running the length of her delicate collar bones. The material hugged her sensual curves to perfection, stopping just above her knee.
For a widow attending the funeral of her recently deceased spouse, the look was perfectly appropriate. But as Cassie stepped closer to where he and Van waited, Archer’s thoughts became anything but.
Fucking gorgeous.