Читать книгу Piano in the Dark - Eric Pete - Страница 15

I sat in our conference room, the impressive view of downtown Houston behind me, as I assisted Jacobi’s depo prep—deposition preparation—of one of our clients. I sat at one end of the large mahogany table, looking at the police report in my hands as Jacobi, opposite me, asked the questions. The well-kept Latina cougar named Iris wasn’t very believable in her version of facts yet. It was our job to change that. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes when Jacobi placed his hand atop hers to calm her down, feigning ignorance to the dazzling wedding ring she wore. Oh-so-empathetic; I’d seen this move before by him.

I received a text just as I was about to interject. Same number as yesterday that I didn’t recognize.

Tomorrow’s today. U still swamped with work?

Yes. As usual.

I replied to my anonymous jokester. Jacobi was right here, so it couldn’t be him. Now my mind began racing with this distraction, wondering if perhaps it was a wrong number.

Even if I treat u to lunch?

Where?

I asked, knowing I was too busy, but allowing the amusing game to continue.

The Breakfast Klub.

U had me at hello. But I’m still in the middle of something.

Don’t make me beg.

Who is this?

“Chase, do you have anything to add?” Jacobi asked, getting my attention. His hand still rested on our client’s and she didn’t seem to mind. The blank stare of my face probably had them both puzzled.

“No. I think you pretty much summed it up,” I lied, looking up from my phone. Another buzz alerted me, compelling me to gaze downward once more.

I was rewarded for my devotion with a photo of a smiling Ava. Wow. I’d hoped it was her. The text that accompanied it read:

Take a break. I’ll hold a seat 4 u…if u hurry.

I had many a question, like how did she get my cell phone number. But right now, I only had a desire to be there face-to-face.

I abruptly stood up, interrupting Jacobi as he stressed the importance of listening to his instructions during trial and not letting the defense get under Iris’s skin. Right now, he’d rather be under her skin himself. I caught his attention, motioning randomly toward my head as if I were still addled from the car wreck and needed some air. He nodded for me to get out of there. As I left down the hall, I wondered if they’d be there when I returned or perhaps in some nearby hotel room pursuing a serious debriefing of one another.

As I cast silent aspersions, I reminded myself that I was no better hustling to rendezvous with some random female…for lunch.

On my way.

I texted, calculating how fast I could safely get there without risking another crash.

At least Jacobi was single.

I had no reason to heed the siren call in my head.

Yet I followed.

With no regard for the rocks ahead threatening to crash and submerge all I held dear.