“This court reminds all parties,” she finally turned toward the DA’s bench, and her stare got even deeper. “That allegations carry weight. Ms. Dalton, you are released.”
The DA stood stiffly, “Your Honor, I’d like it noted on record that the state reserves the right to reopen the investigation should new evidence?—”
“You may reserve whatever you like,” the judge cut in calmly. “But as of today, this case is closed.”
The gavel came down, the short, percussive noise cracking something inside my chest.
Anastasia stood first, gathering her briefcase, which she hadn’t even opened during the session. “We’ll be making a statement outside,” she said to the DA coolly. “One announcing the finality of these charges against my client. And one announcing something that will permanently change the blueprint of this town for generations.” The hair on my neck stood up as I glanced at Tanner in question, as she went on with her cryptic message to the DA. “It would look good for you, as the leader of justice in this county, to stand at my side during the announcement as though perhaps, you were on board with the plan the entire time.” Turning to me directly, she said, “You’re not just cleared, Rhea. You were targeted, and that matters.”
The DA didn’t respond, and neither did I, as Anastasia turned and started down the long aisle toward the door after a quick wink to me. Tanner’s hand landed on my shoulder as I stood frozen in shock, though he was warm and solid as ever.
“Are you okay?” he murmured.
I nodded once, leaning into his touch. “Yeah.”
Goldie stepped in front of me, eyes glassy but fierce. “I told you.”
I let out a breath that felt like it had been sitting in my lungs for weeks.
“Let’s go see what our fearless bad-ass lawyer has up her sleeve.” Goldie said, wrapping one arm around my waist and walking by my side down the aisle.
I kissed her temple and then turned to Tanner, holding his hand. “Thank you both for being here today.”
He winked at me but didn’t reply. I could feel his commitment to not only me, but Goldie too, through that one mildly cocky, always confident gesture.
When we joined the others back out in the hallway, Goldie held her hands up and cheered, “Free!”
And that one word was exactly what everyone was waiting for. The relief on everyone’s face made me relax with the news a little more.
Jasper came over and made an obnoxious trill with his tongue before he started adjusting and fluffing our outfits. “There are no less than a dozen different media outlets waiting for you on the front steps. We need to get you all looking prim and proper for your daytime debut.”
I slapped his hands away as he tried to adjust the black, gauzy tie of my blouse at my neck and held his stare long enough that he rolled his eyes and moved on to Goldie. My long sleeve black blouse was modest and tied at the throat, but paired with the black straight-leg trousers and leather heels I only wore to certain events that required dress codes, I felt confident.
I felt strong.
I felt vindicated.
Goldie wore a black pencil skirt and nude pumps, beneath a yellow bowl-neck sweater that made me want to slide it off her shoulder just enough to bite the tender little spot right at the base of her neck that made her giggle. Her blonde curls were down, but tamed and contained behind a black headband that somehow made her look not only adorable, in true Goldie fashion but also regal in her own right.
“You’re beautiful,” I said, distracted by her beauty as Jasper pulled one of her curls to pull her attention back to him as he adjusted her necklace.
“Thank you,” She whispered, with that knowing smile on her face.
Turning to Tanner, who watched us with that silent, knowing gaze in his eyes, I took a second to admire the way he cleaned up for the event too. He wore a pair of dark brown khaki pants that hugged every inch of his muscular thighs, a shiny pair of brownshoes, and a navy-blue blazer that made the crystal clearness of his matching blue eyes pop.
“Don’t you dare,” he said with a smirk, hands in his pants pockets as I let myself openly appraise his attire.
“Don’t what?” I asked, with a shrug, grateful that Jasper was keeping everyone distracted with his fussing.
“Get those sexy little bedroom eyes.” He affirmed, always knowing. “We have a press conference and some big, mysterious announcement from your lawyer.”
“I know.” I smiled at him, cocking my head slightly to the side. “I was just admiring the view for a moment. I had wanted to say something earlier, as I sat there and watched you piece this sexy suit together over your big, powerful body. But I was too nervous about the hearing to voice it. Now I’m not, though.”
He growled, a soft little noise in his chest as he came forward and palmed my cheek tenderly before lowering his lips to mine. “Tonight you can tell me all the things you like about it as I take it off. Piece by piece for you. Right before I lay you both out and recharge my soul for a few hours.”
I smiled against his lips, knowing exactly how Tanner Brooks recharged.
By making Goldie and me scream his name on repeat.