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and allowed his mind to float back to the last woman
he’d been with; the blonde reporter from NBS. They had met up at a
quaint Japanese lounge on Broadway. Connor arrived first and
requested a secluded table in the corner. The lights were dimmed
and the fragrance from the purple orchid centerpiece added to the
ambiance. He’d used this lounge before and knew it would be
perfect.
    The reporter arrived right on time,
flashing her dimples as she approached the table. A knee-length
blue dress clung to her curves and brought out the deep color of
her eyes. Her well-toned legs ended in three inch strappy high
heels.
    Connor intentionally widened his eyes
to let her know he was pleased with what he saw. “You look
amazing.” He stood and grasped her hand.
    She blushed. “Thank you. And you.” She
gestured at his black-on-black Armani. “But Connor Dunstan always
looks slick.”
    Connor smiled to himself as they sat.
The waiter approached and handed them each a menu, asking if they’d
like to start with something from the bar. Connor’s date deferred
to him and he ordered Ginjo Saké. The sushi was exquisite, the Saké
was light and clean, and the night was magical. The two made it
through dinner before Connor’s date brought up the
inevitable.
    “ About these allegations …” She smiled
wickedly in an obvious attempt to hijack their evening for her own
benefit.
    She was outclassed, though. Like a
kitten playing with a lion. “Ah, ah, ah.” Connor twitched his
finger back and forth. “No business before the third glass of
Saké.” He picked up his glass and offered a toast. “To a gorgeous
woman, and the beginning of a beautiful relationship.”
    She dimpled again and tapped her glass
to his. With business effectively put on the back burner, the two
drank and talked for hours. Then the time came for her next move.
She glanced at her watch, announced the time as “late,” and said
she should call a cab.
    Connor smiled. Predictable. “Absolutely
not,” he replied
    She returned his smile, no doubt
thinking he was predictable as well.
    “ I drove. I’ll take you home,” Connor
said.
    She watched him under her lashes while
she scrolled through her phone contacts. “I don’t want to be a
bother. I can just call a cab.”
    Connor put his hand over hers,
effectively recalling her entire attention back to him. “It’s no
trouble at all,” he insisted. This was a dance, and he knew the
steps well. He paid the bill, tipped the valet, and then slid the
compliant little blonde into his SUV.
    “ I was planning on heading to the
office after I drop you off. Do you mind if we swing by my house
for my briefcase?” He led his partner into another spin of the
intricate steps.
    “ Of course, I would love to see your
place.” She smiled. As he turned over the engine, Connor struggled
to remember her name.
    Sandy? Sadie? Stacy?
Shirley?
    Connor reveled in the memory a while
longer. The reporter had been compliant and fun, nothing like the
temperamental red-head who’d just held a knife to his throat. He
wondered why Liberty had to be the damsel in distress he’d decided
to rescue.
    Maybe redemption is overrated.
     
    * * *
     
    Once again Connor ended up back at the
remains of his brother’s house. After mentally degrading his feet
for carrying him there against his expressed wishes, he conceded to
the ritual and grabbed a handful of ash.
    “ We’re leaving, Jake. We can’t stay
here any longer.” He whispered the words into the wind, eyes
stinging at the thought of never coming back. They were beginning
to water when gravel crunched behind him. He slid the gun out of
his pocket and spun around. A skinny, dark-haired woman stood
before him, holding out her hands in surrender. The smile that
stretched across her lips looked predatory, making Connor want to
take a step back. He held his ground though, and leveled the weapon
at her.
    “ I didn’t mean to startle you.” She
took a cautious step forward. “What