He exhaled. “So tell me again why you are joining Eddie’s practice if you want to help victims?”

“I met with John Hillcroft this morning. He told me to get some criminal defense experience so that when a job becomes available, I’m in the running.”

“But you could do that here.”

“Not in the family practice.”

The narrowing of his eyes acknowledged the truth of what she said.

“And Eddie offered me a partnership. It would take at least another five years to make partner here. And I can’t trust any of them. They haven’t had my back, and they haven’t had yours.” She threw him a challenging look. “Why are you staying with them?”

His lips twisted. “I can’t afford to leave. Two kids, a mortgage and all that. I was almost bankrupted after the criminal charges. I even leased my yacht to a company in the Caribbean to cover the bills while I was away. Fortunately, the billables from the merger in Manhattan helped my short-term situation. If I switched firms, I’d have to buy in to a new partnership. And the partners at McGrath Woods sweetened the pot. They’re hoping that my contacts in Manhattan will open up some new markets for them.” He shrugged. “Also, they knew that I could have stayed with the firm in Manhattan if I’d wanted. But I wanted to bring the kids back here.”

That was news to her. It hurt that Randall hadn’t told her he’d been offered a permanent position in Manhattan. But then again, she hadn’t given him the chance.

“Hillcroft didn’t suggest I partner with Eddie. In fact, he warned me against it. Do you know why?” Eddie and Randall were very old friends.

Randall frowned. “No. I don’t.”

“Did you see him while I was away in Italy?”

“Yes, of course. He stayed with me for a week after the kids and I returned from New York. And then Nick and I helped him move into his new place.”

“How was he?”

“He seemed fine.” But they both knew that Eddie would always put a good-natured smile on the situation. The question was whether he would drown his sorrows later.

“I guess I’ll know soon enough. I’m having dinner with him tonight.”

Randall took a step toward her. And just like that, the air held its breath. “What about tomorrow night? My boat was sailed back last week and is tied up at the waterfront right now. We could have dinner at the Bicycle Thief and then go for a cruise on the harbor.”

This was the moment. The rollercoaster was sitting, idle on the track. Waiting for her to jump onboard.

She knew if she turned it away, it would find another track.

She had never liked rollercoasters.

Ever.

She swallowed. “It sounds lovely, Randall. But I have to take a rain check.”