Read Flee (The Aurora Lockette Series, Book 1) for Free Online Page A

the front of the classroom to start
class.
    “Attention, future counselors of law. Ms.
Lockette was just commenting on my late policy, which she appears
to have a problem with. So, Ms. Lockette, what will you say to the
judge when you run into a hearing ten minutes late? Please inform
the class of your argument.”
    “I wouldn’t be late to a hearing.”
    “Stand up please.”
    I did.
    “Again, let us say you were late to a hearing
or a trial. What would you say to the judge?”
    I took a deep breath. “I would explain the
reason for my delay and apologize.”
    “Uh huh. So, you would essentially say you
were sorry?”
    “Yes, I guess so.”
    “Sorry doesn’t cut it. Sorry doesn’t
represent your client who is paying you to handle their legal
affairs. Sorry won’t get you out of the severe tongue lashing and
order of contempt you will get from the judge. Sorry won’t cover
the legal consequences of your client losing a case because you
didn’t appear. And sorry will not cover the damage to your
reputation as a careless attorney who doesn’t respect a judge or
litigant’s time.”
    He lowered his glasses to stare at me. I
wished I could melt into the floor and disappear from sight
forever.
    “You may be seated.”
    What an a-hole, Bree typed on her
screen.
    I think I hate law school, I typed
back.
    And I did.
    ***
    At 12:50, I walked to the Mexican
restaurant. It wasn’t far, but I was kicking myself for wearing
heels.
    I managed to make it there a few minutes
early. The parking lot was full of cars and the inside was packed
with local workers. For lunch, the restaurant had a $4.00 all you
can eat lunch buffet. I’d never seen a Mexican food buffet before,
but it looked mighty tasty and I could actually afford it.
    I was loading up my oval black plate when he
appeared at my elbow.
    “Fancy seeing you here,” he murmured.
    I dropped the serving spoon I was using to
scoop the fruit salad onto my plate. It made a loud noise when it
rolled off the table and hit the floor.
    “Your skirt is ridiculous. It makes it hard
for me to concentrate,” he said.
    I continued loading my plate with different
foods, trying to appear nonchalant. “I’m glad you like it.” I
finally turned so I could see him, and damn, I was glad I did. He
was all movie star in a slick leather jacket and khakis. His
normally unruly hair had been smoothed into obedience. It hung
around his face, glossy and black. “You don’t look so bad
yourself.”
    We sat down at an empty table. “I only have
fifteen minutes,” he said, “so I have to eat fast.”
    “Go ahead and eat. I’m just glad I got to see
you.”
    He looked up from his food with a serious
face. “Is that so?”
    “Yes.”
    He took a swig of water before he spoke
again. “What are you in the mood for at dinner?”
    “I pretty much like everything. Maybe
Italian? But, you know, I’m open.”
    “I can handle that. Do you want to hit up a
trendy place or are you more low key?”
    “Low key. Like bottom floor low. I’m not one
of the cool kids.”
    That made him smile. “Basement low it is.
I’ll be at your door at 7:30.”
    “Sweet.”
    We finished our food and stood to leave.
“Aurora.” He leaned close to me. I could smell his aftershave,
which was very nice. “Don’t wear your silly skirt tonight. It’s
very, very distracting and I’m trying to be gentleman.”
    Heat uncurled in my belly. I watched him
leave the restaurant, all sinewy muscle and perfection.
    Holy giant rhino balls.
    I went back to school and sat through my
classes, but the rest of the day merged into a big giant blur.
Scary shadows forgotten, homework ignored. Finally, my last class
let out. I tugged on Bree’s arm while she was unloading her books
into her trunk. She’d agreed to give me a ride home.
    “Come on, let’s go!”
    “Simmer down, sweetheart. I’ll get you home
in time for your hot date.” She yanked her hand away and swatted my
hand. She shut the trunk and leaned against