Trusting Danger (Danger, #2)(57)

It wasn’t only Claire’s description of Christopher that had convinced Grayson. He’d seen Chris himself when the teen had been led down the hallway to the meeting. The boy’s downtrodden expression and the polite words he’d exchanged with the jailhouse guard had made a big impression on Grayson.

Hopefully, Claire was right and the kid would get on the right path if given the chance.

Eli agreed to see what he could do, and then ended the call.

Bracing himself for bad news, Grayson dialed his aunt’s number for an update on his mother.





Chapter Forty-Four





As she got ready for class Wednesday morning, Claire had a little more bounce to her step than she’d had in a while. Spending time with Grayson last night had been so much better than their Hatfield-and-McCoy situation in the safe house. They’d chatted over dinner, getting to know each other a little better, and he’d expressed a sincere interest in the case she was defending.

At times, she’d looked up from her plate and caught him studying her after he’d asked a question, a softer expression on his face than she’d ever seen before. It had sent tingles of awareness down her spine, and she’d worked hard to keep her voice steady as she answered.

After dinner, he’d helped her clean up the kitchen—although with takeout, it didn’t take much effort. He’d accidentally brushed against her once on his way to the sink, and her body had reacted in a way she hadn’t felt in months.

It was exhilarating, this attraction to Grayson, but as exciting as it was, it also scared her.

Was he as drawn to her as much as she was to him? Did he feel it too, that frisson of awareness every time their eyes met?

And if he did, what did it mean? Where could this relationship go, if there even was one?

When she’d gotten up this morning, Grayson had been in the living room, watching the sun rise from the wide windows there. He’d gone with her to walk Charlie, and had fed him for her while she took a shower and got dressed for class.

She was a little disappointed when he’d told her during their walk that Alex would be meeting them at the law school and taking over for a few hours. Grayson had a meeting he couldn’t miss but would be back later in the day.

“Ready to go?” he asked when she stepped into the living room and picked up her tote.

“As I’ll ever be. Facing my classmates should be oh-so-fun after being used by my professor as a cautionary tale.”

Grayson’s gaze swept over her outfit, a silk tank and slim-fitting slacks, a cashmere cardigan over her shoulders for the coolness of the mid-October air. He gave her a wry grin. “At least you’ll look good while doing it.”

Claire laughed, enjoying this light side to him. It’s going to be a great day.





Chapter Forty-Five





Eli had been able to set up a meeting with Michael Alvarez, the assistant US attorney who was prosecuting Christopher Jones’s case, and had asked Grayson to join him. As he and Eli walked into the Judiciary Center building, Grayson brought his boss up-to-date on the information he’d gathered on Eric Sewell, the heckler from Thomas Parker’s speech.

“You’re not going to believe it, but he was down here last week.”

Eli’s eyes widened. “How’d you find out?”

“He got a speeding ticket while he was here in DC. I’ve contacted the local PD in Boston to let them know he’s a person of interest in Claire’s case.”

“Are they going to pick him up?”

Grayson nodded. “Later today. I’ll get an update after they interview him.”

Eli and Grayson were escorted to Alvarez’s office. When Eli knocked on the glass-paneled door, the prosecutor motioned them inside. In his mid-thirties, Alvarez had gelled black hair and equally dark eyes, and wore a charcoal-gray suit. His expression was guarded as introductions were made.

Grayson’s phone vibrated in his pocket as he and Eli took the seats in front of Alvarez’s desk. He ignored the call and met the lawyer’s gaze. “We understand you’re prosecuting Christopher Jones for distribution of meth.”

After Grayson had explained why they were there, Alvarez steepled his fingers. He didn’t look the least bit sympathetic to Chris’s situation.

Grayson sat forward in his seat. “We’ve been after this ring for months and have information we’re willing to give you on Chris’s behalf, in exchange for his charges being dismissed. We’re still working on finding the ringleader, and whatever actionable information we find, we’ll share with your office.”

Alvarez’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. Jones should have provided the information himself.”

“He’s afraid.”

Eli’s deep voice cut in. “Let’s remember that this is a kid we’re talking about. He’s only nineteen.”

“An adult in the eyes of the law,” Alvarez countered.

Heat rose to Grayson’s face, but he forced himself to sit back as Eli continued.

“I did some pretty stupid things at that age but was lucky enough to have parents who set me straight. This young man doesn’t have the same advantage.”

The prosecutor leaned back in his chair, studying them for a moment before he spoke. “Fine.”