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“You know, I tried to get Angel to come out to dinner once she got out, but she said she was waiting for you,” Mark said as the waitress cleared the last of their plates.
“My hero,” Luann said softly as she snuggled against Angel. “I liked the judge.”
“He’s great when it comes to defendant’s rights, but when you’re guilty of something, like stealing a motor home, he can be ruthless,” Mark quipped as he snatched up the check.
“You’re not going to believe this.” Jill seemed giddy as she rushed across the restaurant. “The cops have pulled Gloria in for questioning.”
“Good,” Mark blew out. “Let’s hope they get it right this time. Luann, this is why you need to sue. When the police develop tunnel vision, people get hurt.”
“I’ve also heard that the Cabot lawyers are circling the wagons.”
“Defending Gloria?”
“Not a chance. After the old lady heard about the restraining order, that wench was on her own. It’s the old lady who could be facing charges.”
“For what?” Luann quietly asked.
“Honey, she tried to have you killed.”
“I almost forgot about Metzger.”
Jill clapped, clearly giddy from the courthouse gossip. “Let’s celebrate! Mark, the bubbly is on you.”
“Sorry,” Angel begged off.
“Come on.”
“I’m on parole,” Angel clarified.
“Crap, I can’t believe I keep forgetting about that. I just find it hard to believe that...” Her words trailed off as she seemed to be at a loss for words.
“That I’m a criminal?”
“It doesn’t make sense.”
“No, it doesn’t. I’d like to think that’s who I was.”
“What now?” Luann nervously asked as she tightened her hold.
“I pay the check,” Kemper said. “Angel has a couple of days off.” She opened her mouth to protest. “You earned them. Relax, because come Monday, we need to start work on Luann’s lawsuit.”
“Don’t want to,” Luann nervously squeaked.
“It’s the only way to ensure this won’t happen again,” he pleaded. “Plus, you can use the money to start your life over again. I’m not asking for a lot. I just want to make a point and have the people who railroaded you admit their wrongdoing. Trust me, after everything we’ve dug up, they will settle quickly. Take the money. Honestly, I don’t pay Angel enough.”
“Okay,” Luann reluctantly agreed.
“Pay the bill. I want to take my girl home,” Angel encouraged.
“Home?” Luann shyly asked.
“Mark helped me find an apartment,” Angel explained. “It’s not much. Like he said, he doesn’t pay me enough.” Angel felt a gnawing in the pit of her stomach. “Do you want to live with me? I’m sorry. I didn’t ask.”
“Home,” Luann brightly agreed.