Chapter 25

The jail loomed into view. It was an enormous redbrick cube with a low, flat-roofed building in front. Well-trimmed bushes and palm trees lined the parking lot and gave the compound the appearance of a government office building, at least until a visitor spotted the razor wire–topped fences.

"I thought you were only representing me regarding that search warrant," Jess said as soon as the guard closed the door.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I didn't ask you to."

"No, but Savannah did."

"Did she ask—or did you suggest it?"

He arched an eyebrow. "Why would I do that?"

"Because you're still trying to win her back."

"You may not have heard, but I filed for divorce."

"But the papers aren't final yet, are they? And I see how you look at her."

The mention of the divorce brought a sharp stab of pain. "We're here to discuss your criminal case, not my marriage." He tried to keep the anger out of his voice, but he wasn't entirely successful. "Do you want me to represent you or not? And it's totally fine if the answer is not. I'd actually prefer it. I want to be back in Birmingham permanently by Christmas."

She folded her arms across her chest. "Promise me you won't use this to try to worm your way back into her heart."

"Wait."

He sighed and turned back. "What?"

A calculating expression creased her face. Had she been testing him? "I want you to represent me."

"Are you sure? I know some very good local defense attorneys, and I'd be happy to—"

"I'll pay you the same rate as my New York lawyers—fifteen hundred dollars an hour. Will that be satisfactory?"

He blinked. That kind of money would be a big help when he was finally able to start the Justice Chamber. "Sure."

"Good. How soon can you get me out on bail?"

She leaned forward, and there was new urgency in her voice. "I need you to get me out in the next week. What will that take?"

She hesitated. "I have a very important meeting. It's confidential school business."

"Okay, well, I'll see what I can do."

She laid a hand on his arm. Her fine-boned fingers were surprisingly strong. "Hez, you have to win this."

***

The door opened, and Nora stepped into the room with a University Grounds coffee in her hand. "I came as soon as I heard."

Nora handed her the coffee cup. "You know I can't talk about the case, but let me just say they do have some evidence."

Nora sat on the chair beside her. "I know you're hurting, Savannah, but you have to let this play out. Who's her attorney?"

"Hez. He might be in there right now. They haven't let me back yet."

"He's a great attorney."

"I see the wheels turning," Nora said.

"He filed to make you happy."

Nora lifted a brow. "Oh? And how did he react?"

"Maybe Beckett would help. He might have the power to get into files and places you can't."

"I can understand that, and I think that's wise. What about your dad? He's got the money to hire a private investigator."

"We've got to get you out of here. You saw Hez?"

Jess nodded. "He agreed to represent me."

"Not yet. Hez says that will come at a hearing."

"I know you didn't hurt anyone. I'm going to find out who's behind this."