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She made a sputter of protest but otherwise kept quiet

“So, do you have an offer to make me?” the sheriff asked “I don’t have to remind you that Texas is a death penalty state If Dr Haskell is convicted as a coconspirator, you could both be facing the same punishment”

“I know that,” Beau acknowledged

As Beau took in the sheriff ’s calculating smile, he felt the trap close around hi all the trumps, and they both knew it

Beau said, “If I plead guilty to Slade’s rant Natalie full immunity?”

The sheriff ’s suilty to Slade’s irlfriend gets a free pass Do that, and your service record and your history of PTSD should be enough to get the death penalty taken off the table You et probation down the line in, say, twenty years If you’re prepared to sign a confession, we can take care of this right now”

“That’s enough, Sheriff!” Tori was on her feet, quivering with fury “You’re in no position to bargain with my client! Any plea deal has to be e You should know that” She glanced at Beau “Both of you should know that This stops here and now!”

“A, take it easy, Tori” The sheriff’s de to put things in order for when Clay Dru on Monday Once he’s here, we can wrap this al like”

Beau recognized the name of Clay Drummond, Tori’s former law partner and now, evidently, county prosecutor He remembered little else about thewithin the law to put hi the plea deal the sheriff had offered

Tori swept the ballistics report into her briefcase “We’ll talk again when Clay is back in town,” she said to the sheriff “Meanwhile,with the tero s you have to say to theh me Do I make myself clear?”

“No need to be so feisty, Tori We’re still friends, aren’t we?” The sheriff ’s smirk didn’t waver

Tori flashed hiusted look and opened the office door to stalk out through the reception area Beau quickened his step to keep up with her deter lot did she speak

“Still friends, he says! For two cents I’d have given the man a black eye! And you!” She turned on Beau with fury “You didn’t do yourself any favors in there, offering to plead guilty! What in heaven’s na?”

“I’ed into this”

He opened the car door for her She slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine as he clier side