Species Interaction Read Online Free PDF Page B

still back at the club. My dance outfit wasn't mine to begin with." My chin lowered as I quietly answered, ashamed and embarrassed for my predicament. "You see, Meat asked me to do a favor. He was looking for this Jack guy and needed a distraction."
    He sighed heavily and turned the engine over.
    "I'm innocent, I swear!"
    "Explain." He shifted into gear and pulled out of the parking lot.
    "Meat was doing his other job. You know he's a PI, right? Anyway, he needed me to distract this Jack guy so he could catch him."
    Dad pinched the bridge of his nose as his face turned a deep shade of red. I closed my mouth and reviewed the steps of CPR just in case.
    After a tense silence and a couple of turns, he spoke again. "I'm not sure I want to hear all this right now. I'll take you home. Pack a bag for you and the boys. I believe it will be a good idea for you to spend a few days with Andrew and me until your court date, anyway. That ruffian is responsible for all this. Getting my daughter to strip and arrested. The letch."
    "I'm sorry." My heart sagged heavily with sadness and remorse.
    As I packed our suitcases for the visit, I made a few phone calls. Cannibal held the first spot. The Neanderthal cackled so hard, I feared he'd choke. Serves him right to have to take care of himself for a few days. I called Bas who didn't seem the least bit surprised that I somehow ended up in this mess. Something about "it's never dull." Jessica showed sympathy and support, but I saw her lips twitch a time or two as she helped me and the boys gather clothes for a few days.
    Finally, I dialed my boyfriend. He managed to catch his quarry, but when he returned to the dressing rooms, he discovered my clothes and purse, although I wasn't anywhere to be found. He'd been searching since. I relayed what happened, and I could almost see him flinch in response. Unfortunately, I didn't get to talk long as Dad snagged the phone, had a few choice words, told him where we were going, and suggested Meat shouldn't bother to visit.
    Considering Dad just bailed me out and I bore some resentment with my boyfriend for dragging me into this whole situation, I didn't argue. Besides, I had a fully charged cell phone and could poof at will. Two aces in my pocket if needed.

Chapter 5
     
    After two days at the large ranch where my father and Andrew resided, my court time finally arrived. Dad pulled some strings to expedite the issue, probably as a noble gesture to save both our sanities and wrap up the whole ugly business pronto.
    Not that I was miserable. In fact, the stay turned out more like a vacation. I didn't have to cook all meals and clean up. Chores were shared. Andrew or Dad went horseback riding with me daily. The boys had built-in babysitters galore and thrived from the added attention.
    The only thing missing was Meat. I talked to him on the phone a few times, but still missed him horribly.
    The bailiff called my case, and I walked slowly to the spot where the accused are grilled. The judge appeared to be fairly young, an average sized, sandy-headed man, probably in his thirties. His gavel sat next to the name plate that read Judge Baker. I figured that could work in my favor as opposed to someone close to retirement. Hopefully, he had a strong heart. Dad warned me earlier I could kill an older judge. Surely, Dad jested. I had enough problems without being accused of murder as well.
    A small group of family and friends sat behind me, each there for support. Meat even showed up, although he earned numerous glares from Dad and Andrew. At least he came, looking yummier than ever.
    The prosecutor sat across from me, appearing weary and worn, although I guessed her age to be similar to mine. Her clothing held no wrinkles, her hair perfectly combed into a tight bun, but her pinched and exhausted face spoke of a job she thought to leave behind and soon.
    "How do you plead?" the judge asked in a bored tone.
    I peered up at him, clasping my hands, and schooled my body