Yes, the guy was now under an ethics investigation by the state medical boarda sidebar that could cost him his license or, at the very least, put a dent in his lucrative medical practice. But that wasnt the same as a judge acknowledging that Detective Keir Watson had done his job right. Kenna the Terminator Parker hadnt even really cleared Dr. Andrew Colbern of conspiracy to commit murdershed just raised enough doubts about Keirs competence and a few seconds of static on the recording hed made of the conversation that Colbern was walking.
Did you see how she booked it out of the courtroom right after the judge announced his ruling? Hud punctuated his condemning tone with a long swallow of his beer. Thats just rubbing her victory in our faces.
Keir eyed the foamy amber liquid in his mug. She probably went off to pop open a magnum of champagne at our expense.
Hud turned the brown bottle in his hand, then grinned. Well, then lets just hope shes drinkin it alone, my friend.
You got that right. Keir clinked his mug against Huds bottle, but he couldnt match his partners good humor.
Theyd failed to prove Colberns guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Terminator. Interesting what kind of justice a lot of money and a killer law firm could buy.
Well, reputation meant everything to him, too. Keir Watson didnt botch cases. When he investigated a crime, he got answers. No matter how long it took, he got the job done.
I swear that woman is going to make me a better cop, Keir vowed, remembering the smug smile on her copper-tinted lips as shed packed up her briefcase and passed him on her way out of the courtroom. Next time she shows up in court, she wont be able to raise the issue of entrapment and question technicalities or make her client look more like the victim than the woman he tried to have killed. The next time Im testifying against one of her clients, Ill make her look like the idiot.
Hud raised his bottle again. Then, to the downfall of the Terminator.
Amen. Keir swallowed a healthy portion of the beer and whiskey, savoring the heat seeping down his gullet. Half a drink later, Keir still couldnt erase the tension in him and felt himself turning inward, replaying each step of the case hed put together, and each trick Kenna Parker had used to pull it apart.
He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar, only half listening to Hud regale him with a story about his first encounter with an attorney as a teenager, protesting a ticket in his small-town traffic court. Something about the lawyer being the judges second cousins daughters boyfriend, and the judge declaring a conflict of interest and dismissing the speeding ticket because the guy was family, and there wasnt anyone else in town who wasnt related who could represent him. Hardly a problem someone with Kenna Parkers legal eagle pedigree would ever have to face.
Sitting here tonight, fuming over the case that had gotten tossed, Keir knew he wasnt very good company. Hud, on the other hand, could blow off the tension once he was away from the job in ways that Keir wasnt able to. Maybe hed better cut his partner loose to play a game of pool or share a drink with one of the local ladies who had a thing for cops. Keir downed the last of his beer and Bushmills and pushed the mug away, intent on heading home where he could stew in silenceor more likely, pull out his case file against Andrew Colbern and reread the transcript of his undercover conversation to figure out exactly where hed misspoken so he wouldnt make the same mistake again.
He clapped Hud on the shoulder of his plaid flannel shirt and stood. Hey, buddy, Im heading home.
Hud threw up his hands and frowned. Youre kiddin me, right? The night is young and this place is crawlin with opportunities. His brown eyes swept the bar, indicating the disproportionate number of female to male customers. I need you to be my wingman.
Chuckling at his partners humorous determination, Keir tossed a couple of bills onto the bar to pay for their drinks. Sorry. Guess Im lousy company tonight.
Tell me about it. Im givin you my best stuff and all Ive gotten out of you is a smirk.
Keir conceded the truth with a nod. Its not your job to make things right when a case goes wrong.
The hell it isnt. Hud polished off the last of his beer and swiped his knuckles over his mouth to erase the foamy mustache. Youll still be in a mood when you come back to work on Monday, and Im the guy who has to look at you all day. He pushed aside the money Keir had put on the bar and set a twenty-dollar bill in its place. I dare you to stay and have a little fun. I know theres a lady here tonight who can put a full-blown smile on your face and make you forget all about the Terminator. In fact, Ill bet you that last round of drinks that I can score some action and be smiling before you.
Really? Hud knew his weakness for refusing to back down from a dare. Keirs older brothers had given him plenty of practice at holding his own growing up. Still, he was about to tell his partner that hed take that bet on some other night when he wasnt quite so tired or distracted, when the Shamrocks owner, Robbie Nichols, set a beer and shot on the bar in front of him. Keir frowned. I didnt order this.
The bushy-bearded Irishman nodded toward someone behind Keirs back and winked. She did. Good luck to you, Detective.
Keir turned to see a sweet little strawberry blonde smiling at him as she wove her way through the maze of tables to reach him. Maybe he should take a lesson from his laid-back partner and blow off a little steam. Suddenly, spending Friday night at home with work wasnt as appealing as it had sounded a minute ago. Are you responsible for this? he asked the man staring, openmouthed, beside him.
I wish. Hud had turned, too, and was shaking his head. Even on your worst night, the ladies love you. Why dont I have that kind of luck?
Because youre half hillbilly. And Keir buttoned his collar and adjusted his tie as the young woman approached a man in a well-tailored suit is like catnip to the ladies. Keir picked up the drink. I promise you, my friendif youre going to bet me, youre going to lose.
Robbie returned, popping the cap off a chilled bottle of beer and setting it in front of Hud. Not to worry, Detective Kramer. The ladies got you one, too.
Ladies? As in plural? Quickly tucking his shirt into his jeans, Hud stood beside Keir, focusing in on the burgundy-haired woman with glasses trailing after her friend. Game on, catnip boy.
The strawberry blonde reached them before Keir could respond to Huds challenge. Hi. Im Tammy. I hope youre not leaving. My sister and I took a vote and decided you were the cutest guy here.
Cute? Well, now, didnt that make him feel about twice this girls age and a little less eager to win the bet? Still, from a very young age, his mama had taught him to have manners, so Keir extended his hand. Im flattered. Keir Watson. Thank you for the drink.
Keir? Thats an unusual name.
Its Irish. My mother was born in Ireland.
Awesome.
The shy redhead at her shoulder looked a few years older and a little less enthusiastic about picking up a guy in a bar. She nudged her friend and glanced at Hud. Tammy, its getting late. How long is this going to take?