CHAPTER 45:
A GENTLE HAND
It had been a week since Bella was attacked and she was back at work. Bella inserted case files into her filing cabinet, the last of her clients done for the day. Mari interrupted Bella as she manoeuvred her body to the desk then turned.
“Hey, Mari. Are you off?”
Her eyes were red and puffy. “I guess I am.”
Bella angled her head, curious. “Have you been crying?”
Mari shrugged. “Just boyfriend blues, Bella. Nothing to worry about. I guess I’ll get over it.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you were seeing someone.”
“I love the guy and the bastard broke up with me. Maybe it was for the best. I mean, he was a little possessive.” She rubbed her eyes then fiddled. “Anyway, enough about me. You have a good night.”
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
She swallowed and r
