Crash Into Me ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 39

"We wanted to check on our favorite patient. How are you doing?" Eilene avoided saying feeling, because he was obviously in pain.

"Been worse."

"Did Dr. Lister give you an update on court?"

"No, she hasn't been by."

Eilene gave him a full report. Wincing, Anton managed a smile.

"God. I don't wish bad on most people, but some folks don't learn without a smack down.

"True," Newton said. "Look, I know you don't want the drugs, but being in pain slows your healing. As a man who's been in more than one infirmary, my advice is to ask the doc to dial it back a little, or give you something that's not as strong."

"Really? I can do that?"

"Yep."

"You were really wounded?"

Newton raised his shirt. He pointed to several scars on his chest, abs and back. "Shot three times, stabbed, cut, kicked by a camel, which broke five ribs—those f**kers have huge feet. And another bullet hole that I don't show anyone in public."

"Shot in the ass?" Anton asked, chuckling.

"No. Let's say I'm lucky I lived through it, and all the equipment works."

Anton hissed, covering his groin.

"Body armor doesn't cover nearly enough," Newton said, clapping the other man lightly on the shoulder.

"Okay, send her back in, and I'll behave."

Eilene gave him a kiss on his undamaged cheek. "Goodnight."

After the police, and the nurse left, Anton lay back, for once not slipping into oblivion. The case with Oats was good news, but better news would be for them to drop the charges against him. They had no real proof. A miracle might clear him. He could get on with his life—preferably with Tabitha.

He wondered, as he finally drifted to sleep, "Should I tell her the truth about who I really am?"

Tabitha had spent the hours after court, talking to the police chief and district attorney. Now, early evening, they were still talking. She wanted the charges against Don Winthrop dropped. They had no real proof, except for a sketch that looked marginally like him. The testimony of the couple from the campground fell apart. It had been their opinion, after all, not fact. There was no forensic evidence to support their claim. The video wasn't definitive enough, it was still hearsay. Even if it was Don on the video, there was no proof that he was the kidnapper.

"The necklace is back, correct?" Tabitha asked the police chief—again. She was having trouble getting the men to focus. They were too intent on what they didn't have, to focus on what they had. "You have men in custody."

"But not the guy who kidnapped you. You said it was the waiter."

"I said it might have been, not that it was." Concealing an exasperated sigh, she sat up straighter. The chairs in the DA's office were an attack on good posture.

"But the sketch!" the DA fussed, shaking it in front of her.

Tabitha slapped it to the desk top, pointing at it. "His was the last face I saw before passing out. He was on my mind. I spoke to my abductor, but he was wearing a mask. I'm sure it wasn't Donald Winthrop."

"You'd swear to that in court?" the DA asked.

"Must it get to court? You have no hard evidence, just wishful thinking. You have perpetrators in custody. Found with evidence in hand." She tapped a photo of the Tangiers Ruby.

"Unconscious. And Butler claims someone else stole it for him."

"And is there evidence that such a person exists? It's easy for him to make a claim. I could make a similar claim, and it would be just as ephemeral."

"You sure you're not a lawyer?" the chief asked.

"I am Israeli. There are more lawyers per capita, than any other country. My father, brother, uncles, cousins, and several aunts, are lawyers. I was groomed in the law from childhood. I became a doctor, simply to rebel."

The DA chuckled. "Some folks smoke crack...."

"What do you think, Simon?" the chief asked.

"The doctor's right, Manny. We really don't have a case. And after this blight from Oats, we couldn't seat an unbiased jury if we went to Manitoba!"

Manny perched on the edge of Simon's desk, crossing his arms. "Say that we drop charges, how public do we make this?"

"Very low profile. Just pull it off the books. That dumb ass, Oats, gave us enough of a PR nightmare. If word gets out that he strong armed an innocent man?" He shuddered, turning pale. "Jesus! We'll all be homeless!"

"Make it happen," Manny said, standing.

"Yes, sir."

"Gentlemen," Tabitha spoke softly, but clearly. "May I get this agreement in writing? To ease Mr. Winthrop's mind. He's been traumatized by this entire affair. It's been preying on his mind. Being in the shadow of guilt, has hampered his healing process."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

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Crash Into Me ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 38

The other two didn't falter. The man who had spoken, completed his draw, snapping a round at Newton. His poorly aimed shot went wild, smashing the awning over the buffet. Newton returned fire. He didn't miss, shooting the man in the leg. The leader's gun went flying from his grasp as he staggered and fell.

The second man, seeking an advantage, waited until his pal had occupied the cop, and raised his gun. The busboy threw two knives at him. They weren't sharp, but they were heavy. One caught him, handle first, in the gun hand, making him drop his weapon and yelp. He dove to the ground, going for it. A second barrage of flatware made him stop. The kid was incredibly fast and accurate.

Newton moved in quickly, kicking the weapons away. The door burst open and two officers rushed in, taking charge. Eilene eased out of the bathroom, with several patrons she'd taken with her.

The busboy stood with his foot on his victim's back, waiting for the police to cuff the criminal. Once they were restrained, the customers stood up, cheering and clapping. Newton gave the busboy a handshake and a man hug, thanking him. He also handed the kid twenty dollars. The other patrons gave them both money, and paid for Newton and Eilene's meals.

"You come in, anytime, eat free," the owner said in broken English. "You too," he told the other two officers.

They thanked her and took the prisoners to jail.

"More paperwork," Newton sighed. "Going out with you is dangerous, Stafford."

"Likewise, Newton."

"Also made me horny as hell," he murmured, nuzzling her neck.

Eilene pulled him closer, giving him a powerful kiss. "Me too."

"Meet at the station?" one of the officers said loudly.

"Yeah. Get right on that," Newton said, his lips a mere breath from hers. "We gots to go be cops, babe."

"Yeah. Oh, well."

"We're gonna miss the laser show after all."

"There will be other times. You know how to show a girl a good time, Hale Newton. Best sex ever, a great meal, and a gunfight."

"Best sex, huh?" He nibbled her ear.

"All those compliments, that's what you hear?" She laughed.

"The sex was the only thing I was personally responsible for. Going in the office is gonna suck so bad," he moaned.

"Pull up your big boy pants, Cowboy."

"That's the problem. I'm a big boy."

"Yes, you are." She ran her hand over his ass.

"Bitch," he chuckled.

"Dick," she countered.

They finally finished the paperwork and decided to go to the hospital to check on Don Winthrop. As they walked toward the elevators, they heard someone call their names. It was Susie.

"I hear you're responsible for the GSW I just helped treat."

"Yeah. Sorry," Hale responded.

"Don't be. He was an ass. Bleeding on my floor...." She turned to Eilene. "I had to put pressure on his thigh, and the dirt bag hit on me! Asked me to give him a happy ending!"

"Ew! What did you do?"

"I might have gotten confused about where to put pressure, and could, possibly, maybe....have probed the wound with my thumb...." She batted her eyelashes innocently.

"Ouch!" Newton cringed. "Remind me not to piss you off."

"You wouldn't ever. You're too well mannered." She got on the elevator with them. "So, how was it?"

Both of them gave her a puzzled frown.

"Oh, come on. It!" she made telling hand gestures.

Newton, hands in his pockets, chuckled deep in his chest. Eilene blushed, ducking her chin.

"Wow! That good! I'm jealous."

"It was so much better than just good," Newton bragged.

"And you're not the least bit proud."

"I'm proud as hell."

"And he has the right to be," Eilene added.

"Makes me really sorry I'm at work, and my husband is at home."

"Tell him to bring dinner," Newton whispered. "And grab an on-call room."

"Clever boy."

"Dated a nurse a few years ago." He winked, giving her a knuckle bump.

When Newton and Eilene reached the room, Anton was arguing, politely, with the nurse. He didn't want his pain med, but she was insistent. They tapped on the door, and the confrontation stopped.

"Maybe you can talk sense into him," the nurse said when the officers entered.

"He's a guy," Newton said. "More balls than brains."

Laughing, she went out.

"What brings you by?" Anton asked, a bit apprehensive to see the police officers.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

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Crash Into Me ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 37 CONTENT WARNING

"Because I can't change clothing, drive over there, and kiss you if I'm on the phone." He hung up abruptly, changed his clothing and drove to her house. He was extra careful, because he was incredibly aroused. It wasn't easy keeping to the speed limit, but he did. Pulling up in her driveway a few minutes later, he grabbed his bag and jumped onto the porch.

Eilene met him at the door, yanking him by the shirt. Dropping his bag on the floor, he pulled her to him, kissing her thoroughly. Backing her toward the hallway, he hoped the bedroom door was open, so he wouldn't have to guess.

She solved the problem by leading him in the right direction. When they were nearly naked, he asked for a condom. She pointed to a drawer. Together, they rolled it in place, and she marveled at the beauty of him. His skin was golden, with a light scattering of black hair.

They kissed and fondled a long time, bringing one another close, before backing away. Finally, he knelt between her thighs, gazing hungrily down at her. Black fire filled his eyes once more. With a swift lunge, he entered her, kissing her deeply.

"Hale," he purred. "My name is Hale. Be sure to remember it, when I make you scream."

Eilene couldn't get enough of looking at him. His body united with hers was the most erotic thing she'd ever seen. He was perfect, hard muscled, sleek, powerful. He filled her to perfection, finding all the hidden places she never knew existed. As her climax built, she felt a scream rising in her throat. She came in a white hot burst that shook her all over. He joined her moments later, growling her name.

When they'd finished, she gasped. "Oh, do me deep, Hale!"

Newton collapsed by her side, chuckling. "I'm glad you said that after we came, or we wouldn't have gotten our special moment."

"Can't laugh and maintain and erection, huh? Good to know."

Hale traced circles on her sweaty body before licking her breast. "You taste amazing," he said. "Do you taste that good everywhere?" His hand slipped between her legs.

"I want to shower before you find out."

"As you wish." He kissed her deeply. "But I want you again—first."

This time, their love making wasn't quite as spirited, but just as satisfying. They showered and while she was drying her hair, he put his condoms in the drawer, glad he'd brought them. She only had a small box, and he intended to use them all, if he could.

"You still want to go to the planetarium?" she asked.

"If you want to."

"We can't spend every second in bed, Newt—Hale."

"We could, but I'd enjoy going, if you want."

"I was looking forward to it. I don't get out much."

"Me either. How about dinner, then catch the show?

"And come back here for some really, delicious sex?"

"I like that. Delicious."

They kissed a long time. Newton was hoping for another round, but she broke their embrace.

"I don't have any food either, and I'm starving."

"I'd invite you to my house, but I don't even have coffee."

"We're about as domestic as hermit crabs."

"Yeah, but I bet we have better sex than they do."

He drove, and she told him where she wanted to eat.

"I'm in the mood for Chinese," she said when they stopped for a light.

"You just had two servings of Japanese, and you want more Asian?"

"Yes. Don't question." She held up her hand as if stopping traffic.

"So, sex with me makes you crave Chinese?"

"Yep. You know what they say about Asian food, right? An hour later, you're hungry again."

"We can take care of that, no problem."

They walked into the sparsely populated restaurant. By the time they had their meals, it was filling up. Eilene had ordered a combination platter. Newton got the buffet. He was sitting down with his third plate, when his head snapped up, focused on the door.

"What?" Eilene said, watching him.

He put a finger to his lips. "Call 911," he breathed. "Now."

"What? Why?" she whispered.

"Three guys. Strapped. Hostile. You packing?"

"It's dinner."

"Go to the restroom and stay there."

"Hale—"

He gave her a tight lipped glare. Three men had walked in, ready to rumble. Hale flashed his badge at the waitress, pointing to the kitchen. She scurried to the back, taking the hostess with her. The busboy, a teenager, was also watching the men. Hale carefully showed his badge and weapon. The boy nodded and kept clearing, but he took the knives from the dishpan.

The leader reached inside his coat. "Everybody on the—"

"I wouldn't," Newton said, gun pointed at the man. "Metro PD. Drop 'em, boys."

"F**k!" one man screamed. Dropping his weapon, he fell on the ground, hands behind his head.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

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Crash Into Me ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 36

When she'd frisked him, it had been all he could do, not to rub himself against her questing fingers. Hers were strong hands, capable of giving great pleasure, or inflicting equal pain. He'd rather skip that last part.

As soon as he got home, he stripped, dropping his clothing as he headed to the shower. Once there, he lathered up and enjoyed some personal time. When he picked up his clothing, he could smell Eilene on his shirt and jacket. She smelled like cocoa butter and coconut, a delicious combination. He wanted to eat it off her, capturing her scent and flavor on his tongue.

"Jesus, Newt. You need to get laid," he muttered.

With that hope in mind, he packed an overnight bag, complete with a full box of condoms. He wouldn't push, but he certainly believed in being prepared. That accomplished, he threw it in the backseat.

Time didn't pass quickly enough. He was so anxious to see Eilene, nothing held his interest. He picked up his house, put away his laundry and went for a long run on his treadmill. That all killed about two hours, and he was bored again. He was considering doing yard work, when his text alert sounded. Swiping the screen, he found a message from Eilene: Horatio, Horace, Herman, Hercules, Haime, Hershberger, Helios....

When he stopped laughing long enough to type, he sent back: Not even close.

Hector, Hollingsworth, Holiday, Hipparchus, Hippogryph

He sent her a selfie of him pulling a wry face, giving her a thumbs down.

Hitler?

Dad's Jewish. What do you think?

Hooter?

Though I'm VERY VERY fond of boobs—no.

Henry, Hal, Hank

Essentially the same name. It's amazing. The more you try, the further away you manage to get.

Hoyt.

Babe, just stop. No means no.

Hakeim. Hasaad. Hasamm.

I'm a Japanese Jew. Do you really think so?

Hadji

He called her.

"Hedonist, she said when she answered.

"Strangely, that name didn't occur to my parents."

"Japanese—Hirohito!"

Newton laughed so hard, he almost fell off the couch. "I'm dying here."

"Hiro. Haden. Hades. Hancock."

He giggled. "You said cock."

"Hancock," she corrected.

"Better. Hand-cock. A favorite pastime."

"Did you really do that before you came to pick me up?"

"Yes. And when I got home. I'm not embarrassed by it."

"Hezikiah," she said. "Nice, Hebrew name."

"Even if you were remotely close, why would I tell you?"

"You're enjoying tormenting me?"

"Yes. But it's only fair. Just talking to you, torments the hell outta me."

"What? How?"

"You have a very sexy voice. I heard you before I ever saw you. You were giving the commands at the SWAT test. I knew I had to meet the woman with that smoky voice."

She had no response. That was the sweetest, sexiest, most sincere thing any man had ever said to her.

"You there?"

"Digesting that information. You certainly know how to flatter me."

"Flattery implies I'm lying. I assure you, Eilene, it's the god's truth."

"Hershaw," she replied.

Newton burst out laughing. "No."

"Hibiscus. Hymen. Uh—"

Tears fell as he guffawed. It was several minutes before he could speak, and then only in gasps. "Stop! Stop! You're going to make me say something awful. Which wouldn't be my fault. Then you'd kill me."

"Harper. Hooker. Hetch."

"Eilene?"

"Yes?"

"I need to hang up now."

"Why?"

©2021 Dellani Oakes

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Crash Into Me ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 35

"You think Winthrop is guilty?" Harvey asked.

"Doesn't matter now. After this, there's not a court in the state that would convict him."

"But kidnapping?" Harvey protested. "That's federal."

"She wasn't hurt, there was no ransom demand, no real evidence of a crime."

"She was found near a swamp in a caterer's truck!"

"And, for all we know, it was some twisted sexual fantasy gone awry. If she says it wasn't him, there's no evidence that it was. Even if she pursues it, which I doubt, there's only her word that it might have been Don Winthrop. Nothing solid."

"What do you think?" Harvey persisted.

"Me? I'm an old warhorse, who thinks that once in a while, the criminal isn't such a bad guy. And maybe he should catch a break."

The others couldn't refute that.

After lunch, they all headed home. Newton was loathe to leave Eilene's house, but didn't want to push his luck. Eilene wasn't scared of getting involved, but she was skittish. He was greatly tempted to kiss her, but decided to wait until after their first, official date. Breakfast after shift, and lunch with colleagues was hardly the best venue for seduction and romance. However, he had to appreciate Jill's unsolicited comments about him. Nothing like a little girl power.

As he drove her home, their conversation touched on music, books they'd enjoyed, and a variety of light subjects. Eilene in particular, had a lot of questions, which he answered freely and honestly. He'd observed that she had a highly tuned bullshit meter, and he wasn't going to wreck their relationship by lying.

He still declined to tell her his first name, regardless of how much she tried. They pulled into her driveway and he turned off the car. Walking her to the door, he continued to tease her.

"At least tell me what letter your name starts with."

"Guess." He propped himself against the porch railing, arms crossed, legs slightly splayed. The position made his biceps bulge in a very distracting fashion.

Squinting, she tried to pull her gaze from the tasty view in front of her. "I could frisk you and look at your license."

He held his arms wide. "Please. I'd enjoy that. But in the spirit of full disclosure, my wallet's in the car."

"Of course, you'd say that."

She checked his pockets, expertly frisking him. She didn't miss his body's reaction to her touch. He was telling the truth. No wallet.

"It wouldn't be something mundane," she decided. "Not common, like Tom, Dick or Harry."

He smirked when she said dick.

"Don't even. I see it in your face, and I know how cops think."

"Didn't cross my mind. But you're right. However, it does begin with the same letter as one of those names."

"I'm going to go with H."

"Why?"

"Because D and T are too common."

"So, Dante's off the table." He pouted, snapping his fingers.

"Totally. And don't deflect."

"Pity. I always wanted to be Dante. It sounds edgy, dangerous."

"You don't need a name for that. You do fine on your own."

"Yeah?" He grinned, taking his relaxed stance again.

"Have you looked at you?" Her gesture encompassed him from head to foot. "You're all kinds of yummy, and you know it."

"I do. Do you?"

She didn't miss the hitch in his breathing, the dilation of his pupils, and the swell that his pants couldn't conceal.

"I might need convincing."

He couldn't stop himself. The urge to kiss her was too strong to ignore. Whatever he'd thought was going to be the perfect time, he was wrong. This was. Standing slowly, he advanced with a purpose. Eilene gazed up at him, intimidated by his almost aggressive stance. Dark fire burned in his eyes. Taking her by the waist, he pulled her close. Her head fell back from the sudden movement. Her mouth dropped open as she tried to form words, tell him to wait, but she couldn't.

Newton lowered his face to hers, capturing her mouth. Eilene gasped and swooned against him. Pulling her closer, he deepened the kiss, teasing her tongue with flickers of his own. After a blissful eternity, he released her and trotted down the steps. Without a goodbye, Newton drove off.

Eilene stood on her porch, staring after him, her fingers brushing her lips. Hands shaking, she unlocked her door. Closing it, she leaned back, sliding to the floor.

"Damn," she whispered. "Hot damn!"

Newton was glad he lived close. Driving was an effort, as he forced himself to concentrate. He had no self-control around her anymore, not after the shower talk that morning. The entire time they'd been in court, he'd been aware of her. Watching her on the stand, he'd become uncomfortably aroused, and prayed he wouldn't be called. He had a raging hard-on that his jacket wouldn't cover.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

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Is Their Love Strong Enough? Indian Summer ~ Historic Romantic Suspense by Dellani Oakes

 

In the spring of 1739, Gabriella Deza stands poised on the verge of womanhood. A product of her guarded upbringing, she is naive in the ways of love until dashing Manuel Enriques declares his love for her. Quite by accident, Gabriella uncovers a plot hatched by British spy whose job is to capture the town and fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Armed with her information, Manuel embarks on a dangerous mission to entrap the spy and save the town from being overthrown by the British. Unfortunately, Gabriella herself is caught in the trap and kidnapped. Can Manuel find and save her before it is too late? 

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Crash Into Me ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 34

"Yes, Your Honor."

"And your coworkers?"

"We were all witnesses. I feel very sure they will say the same thing."

"Let's save time, shall we? In a nutshell, Officer Oats used excessive force, and a man was seriously injured, had extensive surgery, and has to stay in the hospital at the city's expense. That about sum it up?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"You can sit down."

"Thank you, ma'am."

The defense tried to protest, but Judge Walker made an irritated buzzing sound, so he stopped.

"Stand up," the judge snapped at Oats. "I'm ready to pass judgment."

"Don't you want to deliberate?" Defense asked.

"There's no need. His actions seriously injured a young man, who wasn't resisting. In fact, according to witnesses, he was sitting quietly, having coffee. The city is footing a very large medical bill, because Mr. Oats couldn't control the urge to be stupid. So, here's the deal. Mr. Oats, you are no longer a police officer. You will surrender your gun and badge—"

"Your Honor, objection!" Defense yelped.

"One more word, you're in contempt. I'm not done. You will pay Mr. Winthrop's hospital bill. In full. Plus any therapy or follow-up appointments he may have. This isn't finished. There are criminal charges pending against you, and you will stand trial. If you're very lucky, you'll stay out of prison. But there better be a hell of a defense to make me change my mind. I'm done." She stood and the bailiff called for everyone to rise. Slightly stunned, they did so.

Oats turned to Canon and Eilene. "Couldn't wait to get rid of me, huh? Stabbed me in the back. This isn't over!"

"Would you shut up?" his lawyer yelled. "Do you know how deep your digging?"

"I expect your gun, badge and equipment delivered by five this evening," Canon said. "And listen to your lawyer. That's the first smart thing he's said."

As they filed from the courtroom, Newton caught up with Eilene, looking slightly shell shocked.

"Is she always like that?"

"No. Sometimes, she's terse."

He chuckled, taking her elbow and leading her aside. "You want to grab lunch?"

"Loose is going to want a war council. This isn't over. Oats' daddy is a heavy hitter."

He looked disappointed.

"We're all going to Uncle Jay's. You're coming. You're my ride." Grabbing his tie, she tugged him along.

"Meeting at Jay's," Canon said as they passed.

"Yep!" Eilene replied.

They left in a convoy, arriving in a group. Someone must have called, because they were expected. Several tables were pulled together and there were already pitchers of water and tea set out. One place had a small, metal pot and tea cup by it. Eilene sat there.

"Same as always, right love?" the waitress said.

"Yes, Sally. No one brews my blend like you."

"Oh, new face! What'll you have?" Sally handed Newton a menu.

"Don't you need everyone's?"

"They get the same thing every time. Same for you?"

"What do you get?" he asked Eilene.

"Best Rubens in the state."

"Oh, hell yeah. I'm in." He rubbed his hands together.

"You got it! Marty said he would. Be ready in a tick."

"Who's Marty?"

"The cook. He knows what people are going to order before they do."

"Psychic?"

"Only with food."

He leaned over, lowering his voice. "I really wanted a lunch date."

"I'll count this."

"Cool."

They spent lunch talking about unimportant things. Once the meal was over, they had shop talk over coffee and pie.

"I had no idea this had been such an issue," Newton said. "I guess the newbie needs to get caught up."

"We never openly discuss it at the office," Canon explained. "We don't involve the civilians. This gave him a serious image problem, that even his dad can't disappear."

"Who's his dad?"

"Former City Councilman, now running for County Council," Canon explained. "He's the reason we got saddled with the little shit. He squeaked by at the lowest end of the test scores. Something this public, can't be washed away. I'm real sorry that boy got hurt, but praise God, Oats is gone."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

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Crash Into Me ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 33

But he'd hung up. Feeling oddly pleased, she dried off and applied her makeup. She'd lied about her hair, as she'd washed it the night before. It went into a tight, French braid. She chose a tailored suit in a creamy coffee color, with a bolero jacket and flirty skirt. It was long enough to be discrete, but short enough to please her. Partnered with a dark rose, silk shell, she was ready. Not one for fancy jewelry, she wore a gold crucifix and simple gold hoops, about the size of a nickel.

Pleased with her appearance, she was touching up her lips when Newton arrived. He was dressed in a dark blue suit, something between navy and royal. His shirt was copen blue, his tie blue and black stripes. They stood on her porch a moment, admiring one another.

"I know it's just court, but wow. You look gorgeous," he finally said.

"You look good enough to eat," she murmured. "Oh, shit." She did a face-palm.

"I like where your mind's going, Sergeant."

"Oh, shut up," she mumbled into her hand.

"I'm being honest. We chose that as our form of communication, right?"

"Just drive, Newton."

"Yes, ma'am." He winked and backed up the car.

With his usual, cavalier style, he had them at the courthouse in record time. They met up with their fellow officers on the broad, shallow steps. The courthouse, built back in the Twenties, had a very neoclassical look. It seemed strangely archaic in the downtown, which was largely Art Deco in design. There was a scattering of more modern architecture, but the city had tried to preserve its historic buildings.

"You may be called as witnesses," Canon told them. "Oats really f**ked up my day off, but if I can nail the little turd, I don't care."

His team was behind him wholeheartedly. They all had been compromised, at one time or another, by Oats' behavior. Filing into court in rank order, Eilene found herself behind Dr. Lister. Since court wasn't yet in session, she leaned forward, tapping the doctor's shoulder.

Tabitha turned with a puzzled frown, but smiled when she saw Eilene.

"Hello, Sergeant."

"Hello, Dr. Lister. How's our favorite patient?"

"Mending. Lying about his pain."

"Yeah, seems to to with tough guy territory."

"So it seems. Though, they whine the most when they get a cold."

The bailiff walked in and court began. Eilene's favorite judge, Honoria Walker, took her seat and they all followed suit. Judge Walker had her own style, which often caught people unaware.

"So, you're back," she addressed Oats. "What's he done this time?" she asked the court clerk.

The man read off the charges.

"And a man's in the hospital, correct?" she asked the DA.

"Yes, Your Honor. Recovering from extensive surgery."

"How extensive? Is his doctor here?"

"He was called in on an emergency. However, his colleague, Dr. Lister, has offered to testify."

The judged flipped through the file. "That's the one he arrested for having coffee with the injured man?" she glared over her pearl studded reading glasses.

"Yes."

"Get her up here."

Tabitha was sworn in. The DA and judge asked a lot of questions, which she answered well. When they were done, the defense rose. He was a smarmy man. Tabitha disliked him on sight.

"Surely you're exaggerating the extent of your boyfriend's injuries."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"Oh?"

"We met that day."

"Yet, you're a regular visitor."

"If you characterize twice, as regular, yes."

"And yet you met that night."

"Yes. Am I on trial here, Your Honor?"

"No. She told us all this, so either get past it, or sit down."

Flustered, the lawyer tried to regroup. "Did you—um—you witnessed—the injury?"

"Inflicted by your client. Yes."

"Objection. Allegedly."

"Shut up," the judge said.

"Were you there?" Tabitha asked, an edge to her voice. "Because I was. And he shoved Mr. Winthrop to the pavement, slamming him in the back with his knee, using his full weight."

"Surely you exaggerate...." he repeated.

"I've performed the maneuver myself. Want me to demonstrate on you? With your hands cuffed behind you, of course. To be authentic."

"No further questions," he mumbled. Flustered, he sat.

Tabitha didn't know it, but she had a very fierce expression on her face.

"You're excused," the judge said. "Who's next?"

Canon was called, then Eilene.

"Are you going to tell us the same thing?" Judge Walker asked Eilene.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

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Books & Entertainment Radio Presents Dellani's Tea Time with Amanda and Carolyn!

Join us Monday11/8 from 4-6 PM EST on Blog Talk Radio when we chat with authorsAmanda Thrasher and Carolyn Bowen!

Daylight Savings is over. Are you awake yet? Today, we have some amazing authors, who will wake you up!

Carolyn Bowen was into life planning and career development before it was cool! With extensive advanced studies in psychology, adult learning, and career development, she has the background to guide you in becoming the best possible you! She’s also a well-read and beloved mystery author. Her writing credits include Cross-Ties, a historical romance, The Long Road Home, a contemporary crime fiction mystery, as well as the Sydney Jones Series: Primed for Revenge, Chance and One.

Amanda M. Thrasher is an award-winning author of YA, General Fiction, MG, Early Reader Chapter, and Picture books. Amanda is a multiple Gold Recipient of The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA), earning the award in multiple categories. Amanda founded and is the CEO of Progressive Rising Phoenix Press, an independent publisher. She shares her writing and publishing experience with others through school visits, book signings, trade conferences, and workshops for aspiring writers of all ages.

Crash Into Me ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 32

"Cross my heart." He slowly drew an X over his chest.

"You could make up anything by then."

"Yeah, but if I make you wait, I know you'll show up."

"I'll be there, that's a given."

"Good. Pick you up at eight." He got in his car and drove off.

Time passed slowly for Anton. When he wasn't drugged and asleep, he was being bathed, fed or seen by interns. Maddox took him to see CV, but the old man didn't feel well enough to visit long. He finally asked Maddox for a deck of cards, and played solitaire or practiced card tricks. Maddox brought some of her intern friends to visit on their breaks, and he taught them how to play poker—well.

"Never play me with real money on the table. I'm ruthless, and I cheat."

"Can you teach us to do that, too?" Maddox asked.

"Sure, babe. And you might be as good as me in—oh—five years or more."

"Really?" she brightened.

"No, I also lie." He winked his good eye. "A lifetime has gone into this."

The highlight of his day was another visit from Tabitha. She made a show of checking his vitals, and threw out the interns, threatening them with scut work. Anton didn't know what that was, but it made them scatter.

"You're doing better today. Talking, not writing. How's the pain?"

"I can ignore it."

"That's not what I asked." She glowered, arms folded across her chest. "Pain level."

"Four." He wouldn't meet her eyes.

"Liar."

"Six. Are you happy?"

"Still lying, but better. I've taken a hit like you did. Hurts like a mother."

"I have a high pain threshold."

She raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"Believe what you want."

"I go to court tomorrow," she said very softly.

"Trouble?"

"Not for me. I'm testifying against the over zealous asshole. His actions gave Metro SWAT a huge black eye."

"You mean like mine?" He pointed to his swollen eye, smiled and flinched.

"I knew you were lying."

"Please. I hate not being in control. I feel vulnerable."

"You're safe here, Don. I promise. You can let down your guard."

"When you let down your guard, that's when they catch you."

"I'll do whatever I can to protect you," she whispered.

The door popped open and his nurse came in. "Time for your pain med. And don't you dare tell me no. I've got Dr. Lister for backup."

"Shoot him up," Tabitha said.

Anton knew he couldn't win. Sighing, he relaxed. "Hit me, baby."

Smiling, the nurse gave him his shot in the IV port. Anton kissed her hand, then took Tabitha's. He caressed her palm with his thumb before brushing his lips across her knuckles. The nurse left as suddenly as she'd arrived. Anton sighed softly, the medicine already taking effect.

"I fell for you before we even met. So beautiful, strong—lonely. Like me." His eyes drifted shut.

Before leaving, Tabitha kissed his forehead. "Sleep well," she whispered.

Although she technically had the day off, Eilene had to be in court for Oats' appearance. Her phone rang as she was getting out of the shower.

"Yes?" she gasped.

"You okay?" Newton asked. "You sound breathless."

"Just getting out of the shower."

"You're naked?"

He sounded so happy, she giggled.

"And—wet," she said breathlessly. "My hair's hanging in long—dripping tendrils, circling my breasts. My body is—moist."

He made a strange noise and dropped his phone. She heard fumbling and cursing.

"Jesus, Eilene! So unfair! Do you know what that does to me?"

"Yep."

"Evil. Pure evil. I called to see if you want a ride. I'm heading to court, too."

"Sure, but give me a few minutes. I'm—wet," she said in a husky whisper.

"Oh, you bitch," he laughed.

"When do I expect you?"

"Later than I thought. I have to go jack off now."

"What? What!"

©2021 Dellani Oakes

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