“Sure, sure. I’d be happy to take over.” Jason smiled at Laurie.
“Dante’s got her bags out in their car. Why don’t you head out, grab her things, and put them in your truck while we wrap up here? Dante—keys?” Rick looked at Dante.
Dante pulled out the keys. He described the vehicle and the bags to Jason, who left to go get everything. Without saying a word, Rick stepped out of the office, closing the door. Dante could still hear him talking on his cell phone, calling in Laurie’s new protection team.
Dante glanced over at Laurie. She stared at her lap, twirling her engagement ring around her finger. Dante felt a flicker of happiness, remembering the moment she said yes to him. He reached over to catch both of her hands in his. He brought one of them up to his lips, and he gently brushed the back of her palms. Then he rubbed each of her hands for a minute or two.
“I’m sorry, Laurie.” He looked up into her eyes. “I’m sorry for everything.”
“It’s not your fault he won’t listen to us.”
“I know, but I’m still sorry.”
“What about your dad’s friend. Isn’t he the director? I thought he was going to call him?”
“Yeah, I’m sure he will.”
“Well, maybe he’ll order Rick to let you stay with me.”
“Yeah, maybe he will.”
Laurie paused for a minute.
“You’re a terrible liar.” She frowned.
Dante smiled. Then he rose from his chair. He helped Laurie up from hers to wrap his arms around her. He rested his chin on top of her head and kissed her hair. Then he closed his eyes. The image of her sitting by the waterfall in Hilo came to him.
“Laurie, if anything happens, if you need me, I’m going to give you the number to my burner phone. They won’t let you call me, I don’t think, but I still want you to have it just in case.” He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket.
Laurie nodded, taking the paper from him. She tucked it into her pocket. Then she rested her head back against his chest.
“I hope the trial starts soon,” she murmured. “I hate being away from you.”
“I hate it too.”
He eased back so he could cup her face in his hands. He rubbed her cheeks with his thumb, as he took in her gorgeous, sapphire eyes.
“I love you.” He kissed her lightly.
“I love you, too.”
They kissed again. It was slow, thoroughly consuming. Then Dante kissed her cheeks, her forehead, and her hair. He breathed in the scent of her shampoo, which he loved.
Laurie rested her head over his heart.
The door opened and Rick and Jason both stood on the other side.
“Ms. Shelton, the DA’s ready to interview you now.” Rick nodded.
Dante and Laurie collectively sighed, as they untangled from their embrace. Dante took her hand as they exited the office together.
Jason gave Dante back his keys with a quizzical look at their clasped hands, but said nothing.
Dante began filling Jason in on all of the medical records, doctor’s notes, and prenatal care Jason would have to arrange. The young man started to blush with every mention of the OB/GYN, until Dante suggested he just write it all up in a report and give it to Rick. Relieved, Jason thanked him, turning to Laurie.
“The DA thought you would be more comfortable in his office. He’s waiting for us upstairs.” Jason smiled sheepishly.
“Dante, I’ll get you all set-up in a new apartment. I have all of your belongings in storage.” Rick hooked his fingers into his belt loop and rocked on his heels.
Dante turned to Laurie. His heart jangled uncomfortably in his chest, as he faced the moment he had to part from her.
“If you need anything you have Jason or Rick call me, okay?” He ran his fingers over her hair, pressing his forehead to hers.
“Please be safe.” She laid her hands on his chest.
“You too. Do whatever they tell you. I mean it—whatever they tell you. Jason will keep you safe.” Dante kissed the bridge of her nose.
“I know.” She grasped at his shirt. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah.” Dante’s voice cracked with emotion. “Real soon. I’ll see you real soon.”
“Okay.” Laurie sounded like she was going to cry, but she blinked back the tears.
They hugged each other for a while, until Rick cleared his throat.
Dante finally let her go, and Laurie took a tentative step back. Her nose was red and her cheeks were sallow, but she looked like all Dante had ever wanted.
Dante stood, with his hands resting on his hips, just staring down at the woman he loved as Jason began to lead her away.
Laurie followed Jason as he headed down the office hallway to a back staircase. She threw glances at Dante as she walked to the end of the hall. Then Laurie paused, fidgeting. She swayed from one foot to the other. She looked almost scared enough to run back to him, and Dante wished she would.
Jason took a step back to stand at her side. He said something to her, gesturing toward the stairwell.
Laurie looked ahead of her, then looked back. She gave a timid wave goodbye and mouthed that she loved him. Then she stepped out of Dante’s sight with Jason at her heels.
Dante ran his hands through his hair. He blinked back the tears in his eyes. He stared at the empty hallway, and for a brief second, he considered running after her—refusing to let her go unless they let him leave with her. Rick clapped him on the shoulder, anchoring him to the spot.
“Let’s go get you a new apartment,” Rick said with forced cheerfulness.
Rick’s words fell on Dante’s deaf ears. He turned away from Rick, and leaned against the secretary’s desk with both hands. He tried hard to get his emotions back under control, but the pit of his stomach rolled. He felt helpless.
Rick squeezed his shoulder again.
“She’ll be just fine.” Rick patted him on the back. “Jason’s one of our best men. I’ll tell you everything. I mean it. I’ll make sure Jason has your number. You can talk to her every day, if you want.”
Dante nodded and took in a shaky breath. Rick squeezed his shoulder, until the pain began to subside. Dante pulled himself upright.
“Go splash some water on your face, and we’ll get going, all right?” Rick jutted out his chin in the direction of the kitchen.
Dante nodded. He walked to the small kitchen beside Rick’s office. He did what Rick told him to do. Then he left the office with his boss to find some empty place to live an empty life for what Dante hoped would be a very short time.
EPILOGUE
“All rise,” the clerk called from the doorway. “Court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Cane presiding.”
The buzzing courtroom rose as the judge entered, striding forward with his black robes billowing behind him. He sat down and tapped his gavel several times, as the contents of the courtroom began to hum with anticipation.
Dante was late, having been caught behind an accident up the street. He slid to the right of the door at the back of the courtroom. He began to scan the rows of seats, but the room was crowded.
“You may take your seats,” the gaunt Judge Cain told them.
Dante had seen Judge Cane many times. He was a stern man, presiding over the courtroom without even the slightest hint of a smile. Dante could see why the unshakeable Judge Cain would get Kaimi’s case.
“Madam Chairperson, has the jury reached a verdict?” Judge Cane asked the woman at the head of the jury box.
The woman rose. Everyone’s attention focused on her, except Dante’s. He moved up along the right side of the courtroom, focused on the small head of long blonde hair in the second row. Flanked by two men on each side, he knew there was no way he could reach her. He saw Dean sitting on the end. He flashed Dean a smile. Dean smiled back, nodding once in return. Dante climbed over the woman sitting on the end of the row behind Laurie. He breathed in the scent of her shampoo and instantly felt a sense of relief.