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“Of course not,” Elena said. “But you were going through the motions in there. Still no luck?”
I sighed, deciding to let her make an assumption. We weren’t close friends in the sense of socializing outside of this building. But she was someone I trusted and whose counsel I valued. Even in the twenty-first century, the Benton County bar was made up of mostly men. Elena was the only woman on the entire bench. And I felt bad for misleading her.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “That just really sucks. How is Lock taking it?”
“He’s typical Lock.”
“Sexy as hell?” She smiled. I knew she’d always loved Lock. It was why I couldn’t tell her what I’d been thinking. Not yet. “You know plenty of the single ladies of Benton County still resent you for snagging our most eligible bachelor.”
“Are you one of them?” I said, trying to play along.
“Me? Lock? No chance. I’ll admit I had a crush on him when I was sixteen. But no, you’re good for him.”
“I hope so.” I blushed.
“You are. He was broody and dark before you came along. Which, admittedly, added to his appeal.”
I probably should have changed the subject. But she’d opened a door. “Did Lock have a lot of girlfriends before me?” I fought hard not to add “or after.”
Elena tilted her head to the side, flashing a curious smile. “Are you worried about that?”
“No. Just ignore me,” I said. “I was just really hoping this would be the month.”
“Well, dammit anyway,” she said. “But… might the timing not be ideal right now?”
She had a sly twinkle in her eye. “What have you heard?”
“You’re an assistant prosecutor. A brilliant one. But that job is usually a stepping stone, not an end point. I heard a rumor your boss has eyes on higher office in next year’s election cycle. If he leaves, you’d be a natural to replace him.”
“Now you sound just like Lock.”
“I’ll always be grateful for his support in my campaign. I know full well I might have lost this seat without him.”
“He was glad to do it. And not because of who you’re related to. Just don’t do anything crazy and make a bid for the Michigan Supreme Court anytime soon. Though Lock thinks that’s in your future.”
“He is determined to put Lasalle Harbor in play in Lansing. If you ever do decide to run for office, you can count on me to help.”
My phone rang. “Sorry. I should have silenced that before I walked into your courtroom.”
Elena waved me off. “Take it. I’ve got an evidentiary hearing in about twenty minutes.”
I looked at my screen. Roy Dennison. “Thanks,” I whispered to Elena, then showed myself out.
“Hey, Roy. I was just about to call you. Judge Clarke denied the Cummings suppression motion. Good work on that warrant. I have a good feeling we might actually be able to convict that monster this time.”
“Good news,” he said. “Is your docket clear for the rest of the afternoon?”
“Uh… yes. Why?”
“I’m on my way back to my office from Ann Arbor. I should be there in an hour. We’ve got a major break in the Gretchen Small case. Her car was found at the bottom of a muddy ravine in Lodi Township.”
“Is there a body?” I asked.
“No. But the car’s covered in blood. Washtenaw County’s got the State Police crime scene unit out there. They gave me the highlights of what they’ve found so far. I want to go over it with you.”
“I’ll meet you as soon as you get back,” I said.
I walked into the parking garage. I’d have just enough time to grab lunch before Roy got back.
