Page 54 of Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad World

“Agreed,” Rodrigo said readily.

Abasi nodded.

“And you call Elle.” Noah pointed at Abasi. “I need some deniability here.”

“So, you’re in?” Rodrigo asked as the two men held him with their gaze.

“I’m in.” Noah stood. “Don’t make me regret this.”

With that, he left the office. Already second-guessing his decision.

Chapter Eighteen

Noah didn’t make it to the loft. Watching over Annabelle would have to wait for the time being because the assistant district attorney had arrived with her boss in tow.

From the second-floor landing, Noah watched the district attorney sweep into the building like it was just another stop on his campaign trail. All bleached teeth and expensive hair plugs, the man oozed synthetic charm as he held out his hand to Rochelle in the foyer below. At least she’d had time to shower and dress in one of her many suits.

“There’s more people coming through here than Grand Central Station,” Noah muttered to Abasi, who’d come up beside him.

“The man has expensive taste in suits.” From his expression, Abasi was busy tallying up the cost of making the DA look perpetually camera ready.

“So do you.” Noah cocked his head at Abasi’s Italian suit.

“Yep, and I know howIcan afford to look this good. Got to wonder where a public lawyer gets the money for that sort of wardrobe.”

“District attorneys make decent money. I’m sure he can afford a bespoke suit.”

“From Italy? Or Sackville Row? Maybe he could afford one or two. But I did some digging and this guy has a wardrobe full of them. No DA on the planet makes enough to finance that.”

“I’ll take your word for it, seeing as I buy my clothes at the mall. We should probably dig into his background and finances. The leak could be anyone.”

Abasi’s expression made it clear he thought Noah had said something as obvious as the sun is hot.

“Ms. Davis.” The DA’s voice echoed through the tiled stairwell. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure you already know, but please allow me to introduce myself. I’m District Attorney Dwight Carpenter. Margaret has kept me up to date on the job you’re doing to protect our star witness. Isn’t that right, Margaret?”

ADA Grant gave a non-committal grunt.

The DA ignored her. “Benson Security has quite the reputation.” His smile was wide, and his gaze cunning. “Although, it seems you may have bitten off more than you can chew this time. I heard there was some trouble last night. How’s our witness?”

Oh yeah, the DA had an agenda.

“Election year,” Noah muttered.

“Duh,” Abasi said.

“Thank you, DA Carpenter.” Rochelle smiled serenely, her expression giving nothing away. “Ms. Simmons is perfectly fine. My team did everything within their power to ensure she remained safe and secure throughout the attack.”

The DA gestured up at Noah and Abasi. “That’s good to hear. Margaret tells me your team is quite experienced.”

“In many different areas,” Rochelle said evenly.

Noah leaned into Abasi and muttered, “Here’s hoping he doesn’t ask for specifics.”

Abasi didn’t reply.

“I gather,” the DA said, as though speculating, “that most of your team is immigrants. They might not be used to the way we do things here in the States.”

“They’re fast learners,” Rochelle said sweetly.