The Power to See

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  So she wasn’t taken. Dominic couldn’t help but grin like he just won the lottery. “No problem.” He was eager to learn more about her. As they walked side-by-side, Dominic could smell her sweet perfume in the air.

  “It’s hard being back home. My father is very old-school and thinks I need a man to take care of me. He’s been pressuring me to get married. I’m not even involved with anyone. I want to think about what I want from life and to not be influenced by my father.”

  “That’s a hard thing to do—to figure out what you want without being influenced by others—especially family. It’s funny how one event can change the entire course of your life. My girlfriend broke up with me on graduation day. I was going to propose. Apparently we were on two very different pages.” He couldn’t believe he just told her that.

  “I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. It just came as a shock. I was thinking my life was heading in one direction, and now it’s taken a complete turn, and I’m entertaining jobs I didn’t even know were possible.” They reached the end of the pier and turned left.

  She stopped at a sleek black Mercedes Roadster. “Here’s my car.”

  Dominic was shocked to see this car in person. Usually it was something you only saw in magazines or at car shows. So she was rich, too.

  She spun around to face him. “That’s exactly what I was talking about when I said that you can’t choose a path in life because nothing happens the way we plan. I believe things happen for a reason. I hope her breaking up with you is for the best, and you find someone better to share your life with.”

  If things really happened for a reason, then he had to believe meeting this girl tonight was a sign. Clearing his throat, Dominic asked. “Would you like to go out sometime?”

  “I’d love to.” She held out her hand for Dominic’s phone. “Here’s my name and number, call me anytime. By the way, what’s your name?”

  “Dominic.”

  “It’s nice to meet you Dominic.” She gave him his phone back.

  “The pleasure was all mine.”

  As Dominic walked away, he glanced down at his phone. Her name was Brianna. For the first time since Claire broke up with him, he was happy. It was nice to know that there were other possibilities out there.

  It was Thursday. D-day. Matt drummed his fingers on the stick shift impatiently. He’d been informed the DEA was going to fake his death using a car bomb, but he didn’t know the details other than it had been dubbed Operation Explode. The light turned green and Matt turned into the parking structure at Eric Smith and Associates.

  His cell phone rang. “It’s about time you called,” Matt said.

  “Park and act like nothing’s wrong,” Chris said.

  “What do you mean like nothing’s wrong?” Matt backed into a parking spot, giving him a clear view of approaching cars and people.

  “Operation Explode has been canceled.”

  Matt sighed. He really wanted to work on another case. He’d had enough of being a lawyer to last a lifetime. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Matt replied, “I don’t understand. We’ve tied Eric Smith and Associates to the Chavez Cartel. We know all of their key players. What else do you want me to do? Sooner or later, they’re going to figure out who I am.”

  “Have you heard Hector Esteban was arrested? Your firm’s going to represent him.”

  “Yeah, the firm is—he works for the Chavez Cartel.” Chris better not assign Matt to work on Hector’s case. He squeezed the steering wheel.

  “Here’s the thing,” Chris said, “we have surveillance on Richard Bennett’s son, Dominic. Last night Dominic was seen at the Crystal Pier with a young woman. We ran her plates and didn’t come up with anything, so we followed her. She went to Salazar’s place.”

  Matt failed to see the significance. Of course Salazar would try to lure Dominic with a beautiful woman. Drug cartels frequently used sex to draw men in.

  Chris continued, “She left the Salazar residence today and drove to Eric Smith and Associates. I did some further digging, and she’s an attorney there, assigned to Hector’s case. Her name is Brianna LeBlanc.”

  Matt knew that name. Although he’d never met Brianna, he’d heard several people comment on the drop-dead gorgeous girl the firm had recently hired. But something didn’t fit. Chavez and Salazar were rivals. So, why would a girl go from Salazar’s residence to this law firm—a firm linked to the Chavez Cartel?

  “What do you want me to do?” Matt asked.

  “Figure out what’s going on,” Chris ordered. “See how Brianna fits into the picture. Since she’s on Hector’s case, I want you to get assigned to represent him too.”

  Matt rubbed his face. “Which judge is hearing it?”

  “Judge Carr.”

  “Make the call. Let him know what’s going on. I’ll do the rest.” The sooner he figured this out, the sooner he’d be out of there.

  ***

  Being assigned to Hector’s case proved to be easier than Matt anticipated. He went to Steve’s office, prepared to argue why he should be on the case, when Steve asked Matt to head it up. Steve said he was busy preparing to go to trial for another client, and didn’t have the time necessary to devote to an important person like Hector.

  Now, all Matt had to do was find Brianna. However, before he could approach her, he wanted to know more about her. Matt went to grab a cup of coffee in the lunchroom. This was his best bet for striking up a casual conversation. He was in luck today as there were four females, including the firm’s head secretary, in the lunchroom talking.

  While pouring a cup of coffee, Matt asked, “Has anyone seen Brianna today? I have a case I need to discuss with her.” Matt noticed the raised eyebrows, smirks, and even a few eye rolls. “What?” he asked innocently.

  “Not you too!” the head secretary laughed. “Do you want in on the office pool? Twenty-five dollar entry fee.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Matt responded.

  “Brianna. I have an office pool going. Most everyone’s already in on it. If you can get Brianna to go out for either dinner or a drink, you win the money.”

  Matt couldn’t believe this had been going on without him even noticing.

  The secretary continued, “But your chances aren’t good. Just about every male in the building has asked her out, single and married alike. She’s turned them all down.”

  Now it was Matt’s turn to laugh. “Have you considered the possibility she already has a boyfriend?” The secretary pursed her lips. “Or,” Matt continued with a devious smile, “perhaps the right person hasn’t asked her.” Her face went flaming red. Matt chuckled. “I don’t want in on the bet. I really do just want to discuss a case with her.”

  “Then I’m sure you can find her in her office.”

  Taking a sip of coffee, Matt left the lunchroom, amused. Standing just outside the door, he leaned in, hoping to hear something important.

  “I don’t know what everyone sees in Brianna,” one of the women said. “She’s so arrogant.”

  “She walks around here like she owns the place. Her nose is always in the air. Have you seen her posture? It’s too perfect, it’s not normal,” someone said.

  “Speaking of not normal, Matt is hot. He’s young enough to be my son, though.”

  “I know, his eyes are dreamy.”

  “And that body . . . .”

  Matt walked away. He’d heard more than enough. Ignoring the last part of that conversation, Matt wondered how difficult it would be to get close to Brianna and gain her trust.

  ***

  When Brianna set Hector up, she’d made sure there was a loophole—a way to guarantee she could get the charges dropped . However, looking over the evidence, somehow, somewhere, that loophole had managed to close. Now she faced the daunting task of actually needing to find a way to get him acquitted.

  Sitting at her desk, Brianna glanced through her emails. There was one from Steve, so she quickly read throu
gh it. Steve decided to hand Hector’s case over to Matt since Matt handled the Jose Chavez case so well. Brianna leaned back in her chair. She didn’t particularly like working with Steve, but he was safe and she understood him. Matt, on the other hand, was known for having a cocky attitude and he thought he was God’s gift to women. Brianna was used to handling men like him, but she would prefer not to deal with Matt right now. She didn’t need someone trying to get in her pants every two seconds.

  Technically, she hadn’t met Matt yet. She did manage to catch a glimpse of him here and there. It was strange, she’d never had trouble talking to a man before, but for some reason, she was afraid to approach Matt. He had the reputation of a shrewd pit bull in the courtroom although he looked like a GQ model. He was always exceptionally well dressed, and he wasn’t a dinosaur like most of the men at the firm. Matt was older than she was, but only by about ten years. And Matt was definitely into himself, which, unfortunately, indicated he was arrogant.

  Putting Matt out of her mind, Brianna called the jail and set up a meeting so she could confirm the details of the arraignment with Hector. The thought of being alone with him was frightening. When she briefly met him at the initial appearance, he sent chills through her body. Hector was a tall man with dark olive skin, brown eyes, and long black hair. He was muscular with tattoos and seemed like a criminal who could tear you apart without much effort. He never spoke to her, but he kept looking her over, clearly irritated by his representation. As overprotective as her father was, Brianna couldn’t believe he wanted her handling this case.

  ***

  After checking in at the jail, Brianna took a seat in the waiting room. She glanced through her paperwork, wondering how she was going to get Hector acquitted.

  A shadow fell over her and Brianna glanced up into a tanned face with vivid blue eyes.

  “Brianna?” he asked in a husky voice.

  So, this was the elusive Matt from her firm. His lips curled into a smile, and she knew this man was trouble. Brianna carefully stood, trying to appear self-assured and in control. “Yes, I’m Brianna LeBlanc. And you are?” She decided to play with him a bit—attempt to take his confidence down a notch or two.

  “Matt Fueller,” he responded.

  “Yes, Steve mentioned you would be valuable in assisting me on the case.”

  Matt’s smile faded and he cocked his head. “Assisting you? I thought Steve put me in charge, and you’re the paralegal assisting me.”

  Arrogant bastard. “You are quite mistaken,” Brianna said. “I’m handling the case, not you. If you care to help, you’re more than welcome. But I’m in charge. This is my case, and this is my client. Are we clear?” She would not let this man walk all over her. She needed to remain in control.

  “So you’re not a paralegal?”

  Brianna couldn’t tell if he was making fun of her or not. She squared her shoulders and replied, “No, are you?” She was sure her face was bright red.

  Matt was about to respond when their names were called and a correctional officer escorted them to a private room. When they entered, they found Hector sitting at a table, his hands and feet bound.

  Not wanting to give Matt the opportunity to take charge, Brianna said, “Hello, Hector. You may recall my name is Brianna LeBlanc. This is Matt Fueller. We’re here from Eric Smith and Associates, and we’ll be representing you.” She took a seat across from him. Matt slid onto the seat next to her.

  Hector sneered at Brianna, his eyes roaming over her body and stopping at her chest.

  Brianna wanted to remain professional since Matt was in the room. “I spoke with the prosecution this morning,” she said. “They’re seeking the maximum—twenty years. I want to go over your arrest to make sure we can’t get you off on a technicality.”

  Hector licked his lips suggestively. Brianna focused on her notepad, unable to look at the crude man.

  “Why don’t you tell us everything you remember about your arrest,” Brianna said.

  Hector gave no indication he was going to respond.

  “Mr. Esteban, you understand English don’t you?” Brianna asked.

  “My English is just as good as yours,” Hector leered. “But I’m not really all that interested in talking about my arrest with you. Why don’t you come a little closer so I can smell you?” He leaned forward with a lecherous smile.

  “Excuse me?” Brianna scooted her chair back. “I’m your attorney, not your eye candy. I need for you to work with me here.”

  “I am more than willing to work with you, but if you really want to help me, then come a little closer.” Hector’s eyes darted to Matt.

  Brianna had the distinct feeling that if Matt weren’t next to her, Hector would somehow find a way to rape her. Glancing down, she made sure his feet here still locked in the chains and secured to the table.

  Trying to appear confident, Brianna cleared her throat and said, “Mr. Esteban, I don’t have time for this. Your arraignment is less than two weeks away. Don’t you want to get off?”

  “I know that you will get me off. I have no doubt you will.” Hector laughed as he gyrated his pelvis.

  “Hector, get a grip,” Matt said. “I’ve done her and she isn’t worth it. It’s like fucking a brick wall. She’s nice to look at, but that’s it.” Brianna’s face went flaming red. Matt continued, “Has Phillip talked to you?”

  “You know of the deal?” Hector asked, a look of surprise on his face.

  Brianna’s heart thudded in her chest. How did Matt know Phillip? And how did he know about their arrangement to get Hector cleared of all charges in exchange for information on Chavez?

  Matt continued, “I do.”

  “He told me everything is taken care of, not to worry,” Hector replied.

  “It is,” Matt said.

  “I want to be clear,” Hector leaned forward, dropping his voice to a whisper. “All of the charges dropped, or the deal is off.”

  “You have my word.”

  “Then why are you here wasting my time?” Hector demanded.

  “We want to make sure they’re treating you okay and to see if there’s anything we can get you.”

  “I just want out.” Hector banged his fist on the table, making Brianna jump.

  “Like Ms. LeBlanc said, the arraignment is coming up. I plan to have the case dismissed shortly thereafter. Hang in there. If we can get you anything, let us know.”

  “She’s not worth it?”

  “Not at all.”

  “She does look a little tight-assed.”

  “We’ll be in touch. Thanks for your time.” Smiling, Matt stood and left. Not really sure what else to do, Brianna followed him.

  She forced herself to kept her mouth shut until they were outside. As soon as the door swung shut, Brianna stood in front of Matt, blocking his path. “What the hell was that?” she demanded.

  “What?” Matt responded as he stepped around her.

  “Inside, what just happened? I came to interview Hector, and you completely took over and brought up Phillip. How do you know Phillip? What have you been told? And what was all that nonsense about me?” Brianna tried to catch up to Matt.

  “Relax.” Matt slid his hands casually into his pockets. “First of all, Hector wasn’t taking you seriously. You’re a young, attractive, female attorney, and he isn’t used to someone like you having any sort of authority. He’s never going to respect you, and there’s nothing you can do to change his mind.” Matt stepped off the sidewalk and into the parking lot. “Secondly, the Phillip I was referring to works at the jail. I asked him to check in on Hector and make sure he’s okay. What Phillip are you referring to?”

  “Never mind,” Brianna mumbled. She had no idea if he was telling the truth or not. “Do you even know anything about the case?”

  “No, and that’s where you come in. I need you to bring me up to speed.”

  “Well, I needed to discuss the case with Hector and you cut that short.”

  “He had no intentio
n of discussing anything with you. Tell me everything I need to know and I’ll go back and talk to him—alone.”

  “This is my case, not yours.”

  “But you need me.” Matt stopped and faced Brianna with a blinding smile. “Now, don’t worry. I’ve handled a million cases like this one.” His tone was condescending.

  Matt wiggled his eyebrows, then opened his car door and slid inside. He started the engine, pulled out of the parking space, and drove away without ever looking back.

  She wanted to pound him. Matt was arrogant, conceited, and full of himself. If he weren’t so unbelievably handsome, with his dark blonde hair, tan skin, and blue eyes, she would surely hate him. Brianna spun around and headed toward her car.

  A vehicle pulled up alongside her. “Meet me for dinner tomorrow night,” Matt said. His car window was down. He must’ve circled around the parking lot. “We can go over the case and you can tell me how you want to proceed. Okay?”

  Meeting him for dinner was not a good idea. Dinner was far too intimate. “How about when we get back to the office?”

  “I have several other cases I’m working on. If you want my help, it’ll have to be tomorrow night. Dinner or nothing.”

  “Fine.” What was she doing? Technically her father had insisted she do this favor for him. Having dinner with Matt was just part of the job, right?

  “Seven o’clock at Vincent’s in Del Mar,” Matt said before he drove away. Again.

  Dominic loved driving the Porsche. The acceleration and cornering were amazing—he felt like a kid in a go-kart. The engine behind his head was so loud, it fueled the excitement of being behind the carbon fiber steering wheel.

  Glancing down at his phone for directions, Dominic turned onto La Jolla Farms Road. Holy hell. These were multi-million dollar homes situated alongside the cliffs with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. These were the type of places that, even if Dominic won the lottery, he still wouldn’t be able to afford.

  The road narrowed and Dominic came to a secluded, gated entrance. He pulled up to the gate and a security guard verified Dominic’s identification and performed a quick search. Then the gate opened. As Dominic passed through, he noticed surveillance cameras and armed men along the interior wall.