Page 55 of Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad World

“Yes, but a steep learning curve is no substitute for local knowledge and experience. I have to agree with ADA Grant in this matter: it would be best if Ms. Simmons left her protection to the professionals.” He smiled benignly at everyone around him. “We have a lovely safe house ready for her. She’ll be quite comfortable there.”

“As much as we appreciate the offer,” Rochelle said, standing her ground, “Ms. Simmons is unable to leave this building, and to take her from it would render her incapable of testifying for your office.”

His eyes narrowed. “That sounds suspiciously like a threat, Ms. Davis.”

Rochelle smiled. “Of course not. It’s just fact. If you want to discuss it with her psychiatrist, I’d be happy to call her.”

“I don’t believe that’s necessary. I would, however, like to speak with our witness.” The DA pointed to the stairs. “May I? I’m eager to meet Ms. Simmons. That’s one courageous little lady.”

“Little lady?” Noah whispered. “Are we in an episode ofThe Dukes of Hazzard?”

“More like Monty Python,” Abasi grumbled. “I’m outta here. I don’t shake hands with snakes.” He turned on his heel and headed for the office door.

“Of course.” Rochelle stepped aside, no longer blocking the stairs and gestured for the DA to proceed. “Please, follow me. Annabelle’s up in her apartment right now.” She shot Noah alook, but he already had his phone out, texting Katrina to give her a heads-up while the DA and his police escort climbed the stairs.

“I heard you’d moved in,” Dwight said, holding out a hand to Noah as he reached the second floor.

It was a firm shake. No clammy palm or attempt to assert his dominance.

“Only place to be when you can’t move the client out,” Noah said.

“True, so true.” Dwight grimaced. “This can’t be the job you expected when you answered Margaret’s call for help.”

“We know how to pivot at Benson Security,” Noah assured him.

The DA sauntered into their office, his gaze taking in everything. The man might come across as a “good old boy,” but he was shrewd and didn’t miss a thing—qualities that probably made him excel at his job.

“Looks like a police station,” the DA said with a grin.

“Well, half our team is former law enforcement.” Rochelle joined him in the room.

“And the other half?” the DA asked.

“They have different skills.” Rochelle gestured to the stairs up to the third floor. “Shall we?”

“Of course.” Dwight’s attention lingered on the whiteboard, full of information about the Demon Brothers, before he followed Rochelle up to Annabelle’s apartment.

Behind them, Noah kept a close eye on the DA’s entourage while ADA Grant did nothing to hide her irritation at her boss’s interference in her case.

“Polls down?” Noah asked as he fell into step beside her.

Her lip curled. “Nothing like a major case to bring the voters out in an election year.” She glanced at her wristwatch with clear frustration.

“In a hurry?” Noah asked.

“This isn’t my only case,” Margaret said. “Although it will seem like it until it’s over.” She glanced around before lowering her voice. “How’s Annabelle doing, really?”

“Good. She’ll make an excellent witness.”

“If we make it to trial,” Margaret said darkly. “The Demon Brothers certainly stepped up their game last night. The shop looks like a bomb hit it.”

“No, the bomb took out their motorcycles. The first floor just suffered a fire. I know things are worrying right now, and the Demons are certainly unpredictable, but no matter what happens, we’ll keep her safe,” Noah promised.

“I sure hope so,” Margaret said grimly. “Because if you don’t, we’ll all go down for losing our witness, not to mention our only chance of putting Eddie Hanson away for a very long time. My job is hard, Mr. Merchant, but I’d still like to keep it.”

“Interesting.” Noah held the door to the apartment open for her. “I’ve been wondering if losing mine might be the best thing that could happen to me. There are only so many years a man can get shot at before he starts questioning what the hell he’s doing with his life.”

Margaret blinked at him, appearing surprised by his candor. “Have you ever considered that you might be in the wrong line of work?”