Chapter 23: Partly The Reason

"I want to start by saying I did not expect it to be this big," Lucas said. He leaned closer and stared into Lily's eyes.

"Okay," Lily said. She sucked in a deep breath and braced herself. "Spill."

She watched as Lucas gulped air down his throat. His adams apple bobbed. He purposely ran his fingers through his hair and disheveled it. He took off his coat and began to fold up his sleeves. Everything about him now made him look dangerously and ruggedly handsome.

If this was Lucas' way of trying to stall things, it probably worked just a bit. However, Lily was determined to get some facts out.

Lucas slumped in his seat and heaved a sigh. Then, he slowly began to explain, "What I am about to tell you is confidential. These are cases that are still pending in court or are still under investigation. Lily, I trust you enough not to say a word to others. What I tell you must stay only in this room."

"And to set the record straight, I can't tell you everything. You have to understand t