Free Absolute Power (Southern Justice #1 by Cayce Poponea Page B

Charleston were taxed based on how wide they were. Folks got around this by building them sideways. Builders created a “fake” front door to make it appear to open from the street. During teatime, these fake doors were left open, allowing visitors to walk onto the front veranda of the home. This was where I found Ms. Georgia and Carson, iced tea and china gracing the table they sat behind.
    “Well, look at my luck, two beautiful women to spend my afternoon with.” Carson rose from his chair, his famous gamecock polo shirt on and khaki pants rounding him out. He pulled me into his massive arms, with a kiss to each cheek.
    “Thank you, although I think Georgia and I are the lucky ones. Having one of Charleston’s finest protecting us from any evil trespassers.”
    One of the downsides to living in an old home near other old homes, which were on the historic registry, was the occasional straggler who wandered over and made him or herself at home.
    “Sit, sit.” Carson pulled out a chair for me as Georgia made me a glass of tea. “What else can I get you, darlin’?”
    I shook my head. “This is great, thank you.”
    Georgia wasted no time in catching me up with the goings on in the neighborhood. Her eyes twinkled as she spoke of the Bensons across the street, who had been trying to sell their house, telling everyone they were downsizing because the kids were getting older and would soon be out of the house. “The truth is, as I told you both, they are getting a divorce. She caught him, in the act, with Ms. Richfield.”
    Bridget Richfield, a proud member of the city’s historic planning committee, and avid collector of well-to-do husbands, had finally landed the most sought after man in town.
    “Although, I think it was much more than what they are telling. I can’t put my finger on it, but something else is going on there.” Georgia took a drink of her tea, a glint of something in her eye.
    “I’m glad you were able to make it today, Claire.” Carson touched my arm. “I wanted to talk with you about something.” His eyes looked serious and my heart jumped a little. “I know you noticed the way Dylan Morgan was eyeing you up last night.” A soft breeze fluttering across the yard caused our eyes to drift to the fountain in the center of the garden. Water splashed against the stones, discoloring them. “Now, don’t get upset with me, but I told him to stay away from you.” His eyes left the now calm fountain and came back to my face.
    “Dylan Morgan is a hardworking Detective, a great brother and son. He is also…”
    “A big ball of bad decisions?” I interrupted.
    Carson’s eyes went wide as Georgia began to cough on the drink of tea she had just taken.
    “Are you okay?” I got up from my chair, rubbing her back as she dabbed her napkin against her face.
    “Yes, yes. Just went down the wrong pipe.” She continued to cough.
    Returning to my chair, I resumed the unnecessary conversation. “Listen Mr. Carson, I know all about Dylan Morgan.” His eyes went wide and his mouth opened to say something, but I interjected. “No, no, no, not in the biblical sense,” I clarified. “Girls just seem to flock to Dylan. He is, without question, a handsome man.” My hands were waving in the air to emphasize my point. “From what I hear,” I continued with my index finger poised in the air, “he is well aware of the effect he has on most women. What I can confirm to be true is, he has no moral standards for the women he chooses to spend time with.” I looked in Georgia’s direction. “Judging by the lack of greeting he extended to me, and the fact he took a porn star into the bathroom for a quick…romp.” I censored, needing to be careful with my language. Ms. Georgia was a lady after all. “I highly doubt I registered on his radar.”
    Carson leaned back in his chair, his eyes confirming the confusion his lack of words were telling me. “Besides,” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “I have a