Very out of place.
“Can I help you?” Tessa asks, polite but cautious.
The man smiles. “Tessa Bloom?”
Her posture tightens. “Yes…”
“I’m Robert Hale,” he says. “I represent Gable Ridge County.”
There it is.
My stance shifts.
Subtle.
Sharp.
Here we go.
Tessa’s fingers curl against the counter.
“Why would Gable Ridge need a lawyer to talk to me?” she asks.
Hale’s smile stays in place.
“In light of recent developments, the county is reviewing your case.”
I almost laugh.
Reviewing.
Sure.
“And?” she asks.
“We’d like to offer you an opportunity to resolve this quickly and quietly.”
I step forward slightly.
“Define resolve,” I say.
Hale glances at me, then back to her.
“A financial settlement. In exchange for a signed agreement acknowledging the original ruling.”
Silence drops.
Heavy.
Deadly.
Tessa stares at him. “I’m sorry… what?”
“A settlement,” he repeats. “Compensation for your time served, in exchange for closing the matter without further legal action.”
My jaw tightens.
“Without admitting fault,” he adds.