The next morning, Landon pushed through the front doors of the Frank Crowley Courts building but stopped short when she saw the long line waiting to go through security. One of the beleaguered women in line looked up at her and pointed back toward the door. Damn, the line snaked outside, about twenty feet from the door. Landon started back out of the building to find the end of the line, when she heard a voice call her name.
“Landon Holt, what are you doing here?”
She turned and came face-to-face with one of her old law school classmates, Nick Glass. “Hey, Nick, what’s up?”
He pulled her into a hug. “Lots of stuff considering it’s been five years since I’ve seen or heard from you.”
“Yeah, I guess it’s been a while.” Landon wasn’t sure what else to say about it. When she’d split for Austin, she’d hadn’t looked back. “You doing okay?”
“I am.” He pointed at the building. “Working my way up the ladder.”
“You’re with the DA’s office?”
“Started right after the bar exam. I’m number two in Parker’s court.”
“And here I had you pegged for some white shoe firm.” Landon supposed she shouldn’t be surprised. “Of course, you were the star of our Crim Pro class. Glad to see you’re putting it to good use.”
“And what are you doing here?” Nick asked. “I thought you’d be working in the family business.” His face took on a surprised expression. “Wait, there’s no trouble in the land of all things Holt, is there?”
“I wouldn’t know. This Holt makes her own way in the world.” She pointed to the line. “Speaking of which, I have a meeting inside, so I better get in line.”
He shook his head. “Lines are for people who don’t know people. Come with me.”
She followed Nick back through the doors, past the waiting crowd. When they reached the security guard who was ushering everyone through the metal detectors, Nick flashed his ADA badge and said, “She’s with me,” and a second later she was standing in the lobby. “See?” he said. “Now where are you headed?”
“Donna Wilhelm. Not sure what floor. Hate to admit it but this is my first time here. I’ve been working in Austin since the bar. With Sturges and Lloyd.”
“She’s up on nine.” He narrowed his eyes. “Wait a minute. Are you working on Trevor Kincade’s case? Holy shit, can you believe he’s about to be indicted just when the regular season’s about to start?”
Landon heard the fanboy in his voice. “You want to tell me what you know?”
“Not much, but you know how it is when someone like that gets arrested, everyone’s talking. Donna’s a straight shooter, but don’t act like an out-of-towner or you’ll ruffle her feathers. She hates when defendants hire some fancy-pants out-of-town attorneys to handle cases.”
“Do I look fancy-pants to you?”
“Maybe just a little, but that’s because I haven’t seen you in forever.” He rubbed his chin. “Feel free to drop my name. We hang sometimes.”
“Is hang a euphemism?”
“Don’t even.” He held up his hand and pointed at a ring. “I’m happily married. Something you would know if you kept in touch.” He smiled to soften the jab.
“I’m sorry, Nick. It’s not just you, though, if that makes you feel any better.”
“It doesn’t, but you can make it up to me with a beer or three.”
They exchanged numbers and agreed to meet. Landon wasn’t sure she’d keep her end of the bargain, but it was nice to see a friendly, familiar face. Maybe a bit more of the same would help her acclimate to being back in Dallas.
She followed Nick’s suggestion and took the escalator to the fourth floor and the stairs the rest of the way to avoid the overcrowded elevators. By the time she reached her floor, she was winded and resolved to start working out since this was probably the first of many trips to see Donna Wilhelm. She located the desk for the family violence unit and waited for the receptionist to finish texting on her cell phone before she announced her presence.
“I’m here to see Donna,” Landon said. “She’s expecting me.”
The woman gave her a funny look, but picked up the phone and dialed. “There’s a Landon Holt here to see you. Would you like me to tell her you’re busy?”
Landon was about to butt in and say she had an appointment, but the woman held up a hand and spoke into the phone. “Okay, I’ll send her back.” She hung up and shoved a clipboard and a visitor’s badge across the counter. Landon scrawled her name and clipped the badge on her lapel. The receptionist buzzed her in and called out “third door on the left” before she went back to punching on the screen of her cell.
Landon counted down to the third door and found it partially ajar. She knocked once and waited until she heard a voice call for her to come in before pushing it open. As the door swung into the room, Landon blinked when she spotted a second familiar face. “Carly?”
“Oh, hi, Landon,” Carly said, cool as a cucumber. She made a show of looking at her watch. “I wasn’t sure you were coming, so we decided to get started.”
Landon stifled a growl. Carly must have gone through her calendar at the office because she sure hadn’t mentioned she was coming down to the courthouse this morning. Of course, she really had no right to be angry since it had been her plan to cut Carly out of the loop, but her anger had more to do with Carly beating her at her own game. But showing her anger would only give Carly a win, so she offered a big smile and made up a little lie. “No problem. I’m sorry I’m late, but I had to go over some important information with our client.” She stuck out her hand at the woman behind the desk. “You must be Donna. I’m Landon Holt. Nice to meet you.”
Donna’s smile was a tad forced, but Landon didn’t blame her. The notoriety of this case cut both ways. On one hand, a conviction could make Donna’s career, but on the other, most of Dallas was probably sending her hate mail for tying up their favorite player in court proceedings. If she botched the case in any way, she’d be blamed from all corners.
“Holt?” Donna asked, her forehead scrunched in a thinking frown. “Are you one of the—”
Landon knew where she was headed and cut her off fast. “Yes, I’m with the Austin branch of Sturges and Lloyd, but I’m here in Dallas for a while to work on this case. All hands on deck.” She winced inwardly at the cliché.
“You’re going to need them. Your guy is a killer, and I’ve got a solid case.”
Okay, so that was how it was going to be. Landon looked over at Carly. She was staring daggers at Donna, who was leafing through papers on her desk. Carly opened her mouth to speak, but Landon jumped in first. “Care to share? I mean if you have him cold, let us know what you’ve got and maybe we can shortcut this entire process.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
Donna steepled her fingers and maintained a neutral expression, but Landon could tell by the gleam in her eyes she was salivating at the prospect of working out a plea before she had to take the case to grand jury. “Depends on the evidence. From what I’ve seen you don’t even have enough to indict, but if there’s something I’m not seeing, feel free to let me know.” She heard Carly clearing her throat and turned to look at her.
“Us.”
“Excuse me?” Landon asked.
“Us. If Donna has some evidence to share, she should share it with us,” Carly declared. “So, Donna, as I was saying before we were interrupted, I would like to get a copy of the full police report. Can you make that happen?”
Donna looked at them with a curious expression. “Sure, but some sections are going to be redacted for now. And it’s the usual pre–grand jury procedure—you can look at it here, but you can’t take it with you or make copies.”
Landon watched as Donna handed Carly a stapled stack of papers. She wanted to act like it was nothing, but she couldn’t resist the urge to get a glimpse, so she walked over and stood behind Carly, reading over her shoulder. Carly read fast, faster than she did, and flipped the first page before she could scan a third of it. She was barely into the second page before Carly flipped again. Either she was a demonic speed reader or she was jacking with her. Landon started to say something, but a knock on the door interrupted them, and a guy in a suit, probably another ADA, stuck his head in the room. “Donna, I need you to settle something. It’s urgent.”
“I’ll come out there. No room in here.” She stood. “Be right back.”
Landon waited until she heard the click of the door behind them and pulled out her phone.
“Whatever it is, it can wait,” Carly said, flipping to the next page. “She’s not going to let us sit here all day.”
“You’re right about that, which is why we’re going to get what we need and be on our way.” Landon held up her phone like a camera and held out her hand. “Give me that.”
Carly eyes widened and she clutched the papers tightly with both hands. “No way. You heard the rules.”
“I heard what she said, but it included absolutely nothing about taking a picture of what we’re reading. Clearly, I don’t read as fast as you do, so I’m at a disadvantage.” She reached over and grabbed the report from Carly’s hand. “I’m merely taking steps to level the playing field.” Without waiting for a response, she snapped pictures of the document, ignoring Carly’s glare. She was on the last page when the handle to the door turned. She shoved the document back into Carly’s hands and slipped her phone into her bag.
“You get what you needed?” Donna asked as she walked back into her office.
“Almost,” Landon said. “I can see why the police charged Mr. Kincade, you know because of the relationship, but I’m still not convinced you have enough for an indictment.” She pointed at the police report in Carly’s hand. “Do you have anything besides what’s in that report?”
She was bluffing, especially since she hadn’t had time to read the report in between snapping photos of the pages, but Donna didn’t know that. She glanced over at Carly who, to her credit, maintained a neutral expression.
“We’re always working to develop evidence in our pending cases and we’ll comply with the rules of discovery.”
Donna delivered the words with an expression of smug satisfaction. There was something else and it wasn’t in the report. Landon guessed whatever Donna knew, she wasn’t going to share unless they wound up in trial. Time to get out of here, read what they did have, and make a plan to find out the rest.
* * *
“What the hell was that?” Carly spat out the words as they walked down the hall and away from the DA workroom.
Landon shrugged. “It’s called using your resources. She left us alone in the room with the documents. It’s not like I stuffed them in my shirt.”
In spite of herself, Carly shot a look at Landon’s chest. She wore a form-fitting dove gray shirt under her navy suit jacket, and there wasn’t a lot of room for a stack of paper along with her C-cups. Damn. She needed to find a way to keep from being distracted by the good looks and charm of Landon Holt. “It’s called breaking the rules, and talented attorneys don’t need to cross the line to get things done.”
“So now you think I’m not talented. But you hardly even know me.” Landon smiled broadly, which was only more infuriating. “Tell you what, let’s have lunch again and get to know each other. This time you pick the place.”
Carly started to snap that she wasn’t remotely interested in sharing another meal with Landon, especially not after the stunt she’d just pulled, but Jane’s words about working together echoed in her head. Plus she hadn’t had time to finish reviewing the police report, and now Landon had the only copy they could access. If she didn’t make nice with Landon now, she’d be at a distinct disadvantage.
“Fine. But I’m driving.” Carly didn’t wait for an answer before taking off at a brisk pace to the stairwell, down all nine flights, and out of the building. She smiled as she heard Landon puffing behind her as she strode into the parking garage, but her pleasure quickly dispersed when she realized what she’d done. She didn’t drive a fancy convertible, and she could just hear Landon making fun of her decade-old Honda Civic. She probably should’ve suggested they meet at the restaurant, but chances were good she would’ve changed her mind about the whole thing if Landon weren’t in the car. She took a deep breath and pointed the key fob at her vehicle to unlock the doors. “Ready?”
Landon nodded and slipped into the passenger’s seat. “Where are we headed?”
“Not far.” Carly maneuvered out of the garage and took side streets to Maple Avenue. Landon pointed at a popular Mexican restaurant up ahead on the left.
“I haven’t been to O’Jeda’s in forever. I’m swooning at the prospect of their fajitas.”
“Keep swooning because that’s not where we’re going.”
“Okay. Mind filling me in?”
“The way you filled me in before you started taking pictures of evidence?” Carly turned into a tiny parking lot across the street from O’Jeda’s and parked in front of a small brick building. She took the key out of the ignition and reached for her purse, but Landon’s hand on hers stopped her in mid-grasp. She looked up at Landon. “What?”
“I could tell you that police reports aren’t evidence, but I’m thinking you’re a better-than-average lawyer since you’re in the running for partner, so you probably already know that. So I’m pretty sure there’s something else going on here that extends beyond friendly competition to account for why you don’t like me, especially since you barely know me.” Landon grinned. “People generally like me. It’s my thing.”
For the first few seconds of her speech, Carly had been fixated on Landon’s hand on hers. It was warm and soft, but her touch was firm and electrifying and she hadn’t wanted her to move. Ever. But as she kept talking, it became clear Landon Holt was used to getting her way, and would do anything to make that happen, including touchy-feely hand-holding just for show. Carly moved her hand out of reach. “I hope your ‘thing’ works out for you since you’ll need it when you don’t make partner.” She opened her door. “Come on. I’m hungry.”
Octavio Avila, owner of Avila’s Mexican Restaurant, greeted them at the door and immediately pulled Carly into a big hug. “Carly, it’s been weeks. Where have you been? And who is this lovely lady?”
She tunneled her way out of his arms in time to catch Landon’s wide grin. Lovely lady, indeed. Octavio’s assessment was on point if you judged by looks alone. Landon pulled both of Octavio’s hands into her own while sporting her trademark smile.
“I’m Landon. I work with Carly. Nice to meet you.” Landon looked around. “This is a beautiful place. I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.”
Carly watched Landon work her big bunch of charm. Others might fall for the package, but Carly wasn’t one of them. Nope, not even. Octavio showed them to her usual booth and handed Landon a menu before walking away.
“Hmm,” Landon said. “You don’t need a menu, which means not only do you know the owner, but you have a ‘usual.’ Let me guess—the house salad?”
“You’re hilarious.”
“Some people think so.”
Octavio reappeared and asked if Landon was ready to order. She handed her menu back and said, “I’ll have whatever she’s having.” Carly waited until he was out of sight before picking up where they’d left off. “Speaking of being hilarious, I want to be perfectly clear that what happened back at the courthouse wasn’t funny. You’re new here, but I’ve been handling cases with these prosecutors for years, and I’ve been careful to earn their trust. If Donna had walked in while you were taking pictures she’d never trust me or anyone else from our firm again. Maybe those stunts have worked well for you in Austin, but not on my watch.”
“Not on your watch? What are you, a cop? Because you’re acting like you’re on the other side. We represent Trevor and we’re supposed to do everything in our power to help him, not suck up to the people who are trying to put him in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. If I take a few pictures of a police report so I can read it in my own time instead of huddled around a prosecutor’s desk, then I consider that perfectly acceptable advocacy.”
Carly wanted to argue the point but she couldn’t fault Landon’s rational explanation. She kept to the rules because that’s what people did, and when they didn’t bad things happened. Besides, she’d always gotten good results for her clients by keeping a clear separation between right and wrong, something Landon clearly didn’t get. “Let’s agree to disagree. Now show me what you got.”
Landon handed over her phone and had the good sense not to make any snide remarks about the fruit of the poisonous tree. “I glanced in the car. There’s not a whole lot there, but skip to page five and let me know what you think.”
Carly swiped the screen to the page Landon referenced and used her fingers to enlarge the image. This particular page of the report listed the witnesses the police had talked to in the course of their investigation. She skimmed the list of familiar names, neighbors of the victim and her family and friends, but one name stood out as unfamiliar, Kyle Dandridge. She pointed at the screen. “Who’s that?”
Landon’s jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
Carly shifted in her seat and looked at the name again. Okay, maybe it did sound a bit familiar, but she couldn’t place it. Wishing she’d kept her mouth shut until she could Google it, she went all in. “Seriously.”
“He’s only the best running back in this division, maybe even the entire league. He was Trevor’s roommate in college and probably knows him better than anyone else on the team. How is it possible that you live in Dallas and don’t know this?”
“Uh, maybe football isn’t really my thing.”
Carly felt the burn of a blush as she spoke and waited for a sharp rebuke, but Landon merely shook her head. “Unbelievable. Well, you have a lot to learn.”
“I don’t need to learn the game of football to defend Trevor unless he’s alleged to have committed the offense during a game.”
“‘Alleged to have committed’? Really?”
“Oh, so now you want to make fun of the way I talk?” Carly was about done with Landon having fun at her expense. “I was able to get Trevor’s suspension lifted without knowing a damn thing about the sport. So what if I speak legal jargon? I’m a lawyer and a damn good one. You’d do well to take notice.”
Landon’s eyes widened during her diatribe, and Carly braced for whatever additional crap she wanted to dish out. To her surprise, Landon merely said, “You’re right. Good job on the suspension, by the way.”
Carly waited a beat, but apparently the compliment wasn’t accompanied by any sarcasm. “Thanks.” She sighed. “Maybe I should know a little bit more about the game.”
“I could teach you.”
Warning bells sounded in Carly’s brain as she pictured the two of them perched in front of a giant screen TV, because that’s what she imagined all sports fans had in their living room. Landon would be standing over her shoulder, leaning in close to point out some finer point of the game, and she’d graze her—
“So, what do you think?”
“About what?” Carly scrambled to clear her head.
Landon cocked her head. “You and me and ESPN.”
“Uh, sure,” Carly replied, wishing she had a firm grasp on what she’d just agreed to. Before she could backtrack, Octavio appeared with two steaming platters of food.
“These plates are very hot,” he said as he sat the platters down in front of them. “Would you like some tortillas?” He directed the question at Landon, who looked to Carly.
“Do I?”
“No, you do not.” Carly suppressed a grin as she watched Landon gape at her enormous plate of food.
“This,” Landon said, pointing with her fork, “is not a salad.”
“Are you making fun of me again?”
“Not even. I might be a little in awe. What have we got here?”
“Chile rellenos. The best in Dallas. Probably the best in the state, but I haven’t made it to every place that serves them. Yet.”
“Ah, so it’s salads and Mexican food for you. Any other surprises?”
“Nope,” Carly said, tucking into a large bite of relleno. She adored this place and this food, but the portions were insane, and she’d be eating the leftovers for the rest of the week. Landon was well into her plate of food, and at the rate she was going, wasn’t likely to have anything to take home. “You like?”
“I love. And I too am a Mexican food aficionado, so there’s that.”
Carly smiled, but a small voice in the back of her head told her it was time to steer the conversation back to more professional and less social topics. “So what do you think Kyle Dandridge is doing on the list of witnesses?”
“That’s a good question. It could be just for general background information, but that question needs to top the list of things we ask Trevor. Speaking of which, I asked Rhonda to set up a meeting with him for tonight. He wants to meet at his place. Do you want to ride together?”
Instinct told Carly to say no. She should drive her own car, maintain her independence. So she was as surprised as anyone when she opened her mouth to politely decline and said, “That would be perfect.”