Randall gave her a steady look. “Until you are on the case, I can’t comment, Kate.”

“Touché. But I’m surprised Nina Woods would let you touch this. It definitely changes the complexion of the case.”

“Nina Woods does not have sole control over our client list, Kate.”

“And I’m surprised you would use me like that, Randall.” She said the words as softly as she could, but he jerked back as if she had struck him with them.

“I thought it would help you, Kate.”

“Help me!”

“Defending Harry Owen would make you a media darling.”

“I thought the firm was tired of media darlings.”

“No, they are just tired of media darlings who are associated with the wrong type of clients. Serial killers, violent ex-cons.”

“Not handsome MPs.”

“Exactly.”

“He could be worse than a serial killer, Randall.” She could not disguise the edge to her tone. And she did not want to. She was tired of the attitude in the firm. And she was becoming concerned that Randall was falling all too readily back into the firm mentality. Eddie had said Randall would have her back.

Eddie was wrong.

Randall’s gaze narrowed. “Do you really believe that?”

“No.” She shrugged. “But I don’t trust him.”

“I’m not sure I do, either. But right now he needs someone to help him.” Randall’s voice lowered. “I remember only too well what it felt like to have my colleagues and friends abandon me. I need to give him the benefit of the doubt. Just like you gave me the benefit of the doubt.” His eyes became tender.

And it hit Kate right in the place she wanted nothing more than to ignore.

The heart has a mind of its own.

Randall stepped closer to her. “Do you believe that I would use you?”

Not anymore. “No.”

His gaze held hers. “Do you trust me?”

What a loaded question.

And it obviously took her a fraction too long to respond.

A vein throbbed in Randall’s neck. “We need to talk, Kate. You seem angry with me. Is that why you’re leaving?”

“I’m not angry with you. And that’s not why I’m leaving.”

“You took longer and longer to return my calls. And then you went radio silent for a month. How do you think that made me feel?”

“I’m sorry. I just needed time.”

“Time for what? You’re supposed to talk to me, Kate. That’s what people who lo—”

He stopped. Then he said, “You don’t know how much it killed me when I heard about what happened with Kenzie Sloane and McNally. I wanted to be there for you. With you. But I couldn’t just leave my kids.”