by Marie James
Kaleb clears his throat and slowly turns his attention to me. I can’t help but grin. Once his eyes meet mine, I grin at him and wink.
“The District Attorney’s Office is working on getting Blake Evans’ case ready for the grand jury and they want you there to give your victim impact.”
I take a step back, feeling Garrett’s hard chest behind me. I reach down for his hands, hoping it will calm the sudden tremble in mine.
“Your testimony is vital for the case.” He reminds me. The same words he used at the police station a few weeks ago.
“Okay.” I respond weakly.
He reaches into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and I get a glimpse of his leather shoulder holster and large, black gun. The sight terrifies me and if it weren’t for Garrett holding me, I’d crumple to the floor.
He hands me a folded up piece of paper. With trembling hands I unfold the paper and notice it’s a subpoena. I honestly didn’t have a choice. I raise my eyes and glare at him.
He clears his throat, obviously uncomfortable. “The prosecution prepares subpoenas. I’m only the messenger.” He insists.
I grin at his insistence. I know he’s only doing his job.
“I can come get you and carry you to the courthouse if you need me to.” He offers.
My body registers a low growl from Garrett. “I’ll make sure she gets there, detective.”
Kaleb nods and reaches into his back pocket and pulls a few business cards out. I almost laugh knowing what is about to happen.
“Well,” he hands me a card. “Call me if you need anything.” He reaches a card out to Josie and I see him wink at her. “My cell number is on the back.”
He pulls his empty hand back, gives each of us a sharp nod, and exits the apartment.
“Alexa?” I hear Josie’s feeble voice behind me. Without a word or look in her direction I hold the card over my shoulder and giggle when I feel her rip it from my fingers.
I turn and walk back to my room, shaking my hands at my sides as I walk, attempting to rid myself of the nerves I’ve just been struck with.
“What was that all about?” Garrett wonders, hiking his head towards the kitchen.
“Josie?” He nods. I huff on another giggle. “She has the hots for the detective.”
“She barely acknowledged him…” he drawls, stating the obvious.
“Yeah, that’s Josie!” I sit down roughly on the bed.
Garrett moves across the room, climbs on the bed, and pulls me across his body. “You going to be okay dealing with all of this?”
I pull my head back and look in his eyes. “Are you going anywhere?”
“Never.” He whispers against my lips before kissing me passionately.
A note from Marie James
This entire experience has been a whirlwind. By the time Coming to Hale was released Begging for Hale was nearly done as well. As I write this book 3, Hot as Hale is more than half complete (apparently it is more difficult to write when you are completing a book as well as promoting another!
I still work full time and if it weren’t for the flexibility of my job, I’d NEVER be able to get anything done! My amazing husband has supported me every minute, giving words of encouragement and sometimes just downright bitching at me for not having it done faster! His support and guidance in all of this has been amazing and I’m blessed to have him. My children are too young to even understand my writing (Thank God!!!) but they know when I am in the process of it that I’m happy and doing something I love!!
My bestie Jody has been my biggest fan from day one and has also helped with edits and scenes throughout out the entire series. She’s invaluable to me and I’m more grateful than I can ever express!
A few people I have met along the way that had they not jumped in and helped a brand new Indie Author out, I would have never survived. Shout outs to Author Kimberly Bracco, Christy Prichard, and Tammy Becraft. These ladies have been there anytime I had questions or needed support in the industry or even an ear to vent and bitch about the minutia of the process. I’m honored to know you guys!!