“He didn’t kill her. He didn’t kill anyone. No amount of evidence will convince me otherwise.”
“You’re off this case, Ms. Quinn. Turn everything over to Banner.”
“I’m more than competent to investigate this case and keep my objectivity.”
“Are you? I think you’re overestimating your abilities, Ms. Quinn.”
“I think she can.”
“You’re besotted, Jericho. I see the way you two look at each other. Your judgment in this case is off, but I’m giving you a second chance to prove yourself. Prosecute Hamilton to the fullest extent of the law. That’s your job.”
“Matt, I know my job and Kate knows hers. I think you’ve made a mistake in removing her.”
“It’s still my decision. Keep your eye on the ball. And you, Kate. You keep your nose clean, or I’ll have to take more drastic action. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That’s all.”
They rose and stepped out of his office.
“Well, that was really fun,” Kate said as they were a few feet down the hall. “All over the fact that the Mitchells have money. That’s all it’s ever about.”
CHAPTER11
Kate stood at the window overlooking Jericho’s property. She had arrived at his house twenty minutes ago after punching in his code. She heard a car drive up and park. Glancing down into the driveway, she saw it was Jericho’s black Mercedes.
She looked at her watch and saw that they still had plenty of time to get to the fundraiser. She had arrived at Jericho’s long before he had, thanks to Eric’s help in clearing her desk. She had made a quick stop at home first, but she hadn’t lingered there, packing only a few clothes, toiletries, and the items she would need tonight for Jericho’s bold seduction.
She looked at her bag in the corner. He was in for a wonderful surprise when they got back tonight. She shivered at the thought of what she wanted to do to him.
She heard the front door open, and she walked to the guest room door and opened it. Jericho came down the hall. His eyes lit up when he saw her.
“What are you doing in there? You could have used my room.”
“I didn’t want to intrude on your privacy without being expressly invited.”
“It would have been no problem. It won’t take me long to get ready.”
He kissed her and when he tried to deepen it, she pulled back. “Oh, no, you’ll make us late, Jericho.”
“I missed you.”
“There will be plenty of time for that tonight.”
“Promise?”
“Absolutely. Now get to your room.”
“You could change in my room.”
“Uh, no. That’s not a good idea.”
“Right. Forty-five minutes.”
As soon as she closed the door, she slipped out of her robe. She took the plastic off the electric-blue dress she’d bought for this occasion. Stepping into the slinky fabric, she slipped the straps over her shoulders, turning toward the mirror to lace them over her bare back.
She smoothed the silky material with one hand, turning this way and that in the mirror to check for wrinkles. The dress had tiny straps that left her shoulders bare and most of her back, as well, sheathing her body sleekly. It had an asymmetrical hem with a side slit and mesh inset into the bodice and rib cage that showed just a hint of her skin. Her hair was pulled up in a haphazard knot on her head with cascading curls, and diamond studs glittered at her ears. Taking a deep breath, she left the room to wait for Jericho.