The Cartel Lawyer by Dave Daren (popular books to read .TXT) 📗

“Yes,” the reporter grinned. “I found their name on a few judicial campaigns from several years ago. And the mayor’s. But it’s been a while since they gave directly.”

“Because they realized it was better to give through the super PACs,” I added with a nod of my head. “They don’t have to worry about individual limits on campaign donations.”

“We’ve really found an amazing story,” Eloa said as she gave me a thousand kilowat smile.

“We have,” I agreed. “I think we have enough to take it to the DA.”

“Oh, my gosh!” she exclaimed as she clapped her hands together and bounced in her seat. “Yes. We should do that right away. Actually, you do that. I need to write up the story.”

“I’ll need a copy of your research,” I warned her.

“Obviously,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

She grabbed my forearm with both of her hands as she stared up at me with an intensity that made me wonder if she was going to kiss me. It would be tempting, but it was clear that she’d had a few drinks, and I wasn’t interested in pursuing anything unless she had a clear head.

“Yes?” I asked when she continued to watch me.

“This is the best news you ever could have given me,” she whispered before she turned to search through her bag.

“I’m glad I could make your night,” I said. “Does this mean I’m forgiven for the midnight phone call?”

“Definitely,” she said and then gave a little happy squeak as she found a black flash drive. “Here you go!”

“This is much more tame than I was expecting,” I teased as I took the USB and put it in my briefcase with my notes, pen, and laptop.

“Well, that one’s just for you,” she said. “Mine is shaped like a panda.”

“That makes more sense,” I said with a grin.

“So what should we do now?” she asked as she confiscated my rum and coke then took a long swig.

“I think I should get you home,” I chuckled when she finished the drink.

“I can call a cab,” she said with a shrug. “I know you said you’d give me a ride, but I don’t want to be a bother.”

“I’d feel much better knowing you made it home safe,” I told her as I watched her pack up.

“You’re so sweet,” she said as she looped the strap of her messenger bag over her shoulder. “I would prefer to get a ride from someone I know rather than a stranger.”

I resisted the urge to remind her she’d known me for a day, though I did wonder if she trusted everyone so easily. It seemed a little counterproductive for a reporter. But she’d also convinced someone to give her the financial history of the Everson Juvenile Detention Center in the span of one afternoon so she was clearly good at what she did.

“Shall we go, then?” I asked as I stood and offered her my hand.

“To home I go!” she exclaimed as she slapped her palm in mine and stood.

“Everything okay?” Drew asked when she wobbled on her heels, and I had to wrap an arm around her to steady her.

“Yeah,” the beautiful woman said as she straightened and took a step away. “You made those drinks strong.”

“You drank both of them?” the grizzly bartender asked with a lifted eyebrow as he turned his attention to me.

“She did,” I said with a one shoulder shrug. “I’m going to make sure she gets home safe.”

“She better be,” the tough man warned with a stare that would have melted the flesh off of my bones if I hadn’t already survived Osvaldo’s displeased scowl.

“I can take care of myself,” Eloa huffed at us before she flipped her hair and sauntered out into the night.

“I’ll make sure she’s okay,” I promised the bartender. “Have a good night.”

I followed after the Brazilian bombshell and found her right next to my ancient blue Honda.

“This is your car right?” she asked as she patted the passenger side door.

“It is,” I replied while I walked around to unlock the door for her and make sure she made it into the seat.

“I only live a few minutes away,” she informed me as I slid into the driver’s seat and cranked the engine.

“Great,” I said as I pulled up Google Maps and then handed it to her.

She put in her address, which was, as promised, only a few miles away, and I realized that it was probably one of the renovated buildings at the edge of the warehouse district that had been converted to lofts.

“I’m just going to close my eyes,” she said as she leaned her head back against the seat.

I didn’t bother to answer as I started toward her home. With only a few cars on the roads at that time of night, I was able to pull up in front of her building in a few minutes. It still had an old warehouse look to it, thanks to the red brick and iron staircases, but the overhead doors had been replaced with glass ones, and the old windows had been updated with modern storm windows. There were lights on in a few of the upper windows, and the lobby was still brightly lit as well.

“We’re here,” I said as I gently put my hand on her shoulder.

She jolted, looked around, then yawned while she put her hand over her mouth, and let out the most adorable squeak I’d ever heard in my life.

“Did I really fall asleep that fast?” she asked.

“You did,” I said with a smile.

“Ugh,” she said while she stretched out her neck. “I can’t believe I’m so tired. But it was a long day.”

“It was,” I agreed.

“Are you okay?” she questioned as she tilted her head to