for me to do something that proves I should be locked up.”
“That isn’t true.”
“Isn’t it?” He barreled on. “We both know my sister is the prime suspect in your brother’s murder because our father is Rusty Colton and we were raised on the rough side of town. Blood tells.”
“When the victim spells out her name with his own blood it sure does.” She regretted the words immediately. She held up her hands in surrender. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t fair. I don’t really believe Demi killed Bo.” She was surprised she didn’t get frostbite from his brittle, cold glare. “I do believe you could be a benefit to those kids.”
He leaned across the console. “Being exonerated by a good DNA test and a witness who found God doesn’t make me role model material.”
“No, it doesn’t,” she agreed, refusing to let him intimidate her further. “What you’ve done since as a business owner and a K9 officer does. Your perseverance and determination to build a life and reputation against steep odds would be a big inspiration to kids struggling to find a way out of their own challenging situations.”
He eased back in his seat, studying her with that hard blue gaze.
“Have I grown a second head?” she asked.
“No.”
“Then let’s go get Nico.” She reached for the door handle again.
He hit the power lock button. “Hang on. What hardships make you qualified to mentor at the youth center?” he demanded.
“Oh, no hardships at all.” She sweetened the words with a sugary smile. “My life’s been utterly perfect.” She dropped her sunglasses back into place. “I volunteer out of the goodness of my heart, wearing rose-colored glasses on my quest to change the world.”
She flipped the lock button manually and exited the car. Clinging to the last of her dignity and composure, she managed not to slam the door. Whatever had possessed her to speak to him that way, she wasn’t going to apologize. Someone should have knocked that chip off his shoulder years ago. He had no right to assume he knew anything about her.
Of course, prison must have been dreadful, but life didn’t hand out free passes to anyone. Frustrated with herself as much as with him, she stalked across the street and waited in front of the building.
Gripping the microchip scanner, she reminded herself Nico was the top priority. Going in riled up and anxious would only put them all at risk, especially if Nico was inside. She took deep, slow breaths and pulled herself together for the task ahead.
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