The Ex (The Corny Myers Series) Read Online Free Page B

popped two Hershey’s Kisses and dialed his cell. His phone rang several times before the line was picked up.
    “Hello,” a female voice answered.
    I looked down at the screen. Did I have the wrong number? “Uh, hello,” I said, “I’m calling for Steve Spears.”
    “He’s in the restroom. Can I have him call you back?” she asked.
    Steve never let his cell out of his sight. How did this woman get his phone?
    “No, I’ll call him on my next break or see him at home,” I said hesitantly.
    “Oh, is this Corny?” the woman asked.
    “Yes, I’m Corny Myers,” I mimicked her crisp, professional voice.
    “This is Special Agent Celeste Williams. I assume he’s mentioned our past relationship.”
    “Yes. Steve mentioned you were teaching the class he’s attending next week. He’s excited about the new drug detection program,” I replied.
    “You do know that if I hadn’t put in a good word for Steve, he wouldn’t have been invited to attend the seminar, even though he’s talented?”
    Was that a sexual innuendo?
    “I know he appreciates the opportunity,” I replied. I wish she’d hang up already; I’d been nice long enough. But she continued on.
    “I’m going to be reassigned back to the Seattle FBI office. I’m looking forward to Steve helping me get reacquainted with things again.”
    “Really…?”
    “Yes, really… Oh, I’m curious. Your name is very unusual. Is that some kind of nickname?”
    When people say something’s unusual, in that tone of voice, they’re making fun of you.
    “Corny is short for Cornelia. I’m named after my great-grandfather, Cornelius.”
    “Cornelia?” She laughed. “How quaint.”
    “I’ll talk to Steve later.” I was about to hang up when she continued.
    “Corny, the class I’m teaching is intensive and I’ve told Steve to expect long hours.”
    “Yeah, I know. Steve told me. We’ve already discussed this. He’s a professional; he’ll do what’s required of him.”
    “Good. I heard you recently moved in with him. We lived together for over a year. If I hadn’t relocated… well, you never know what might’ve happened.”
    “Well, nice talking to you… gotta go.” I hung up. I wouldn’t get catty, even if she did. I felt drained; I couldn’t believe Steve and Celeste had lunch together.
    Screw jury duty, Steve needed me…
    I settled back in my seat and watched Dick poke his attorney in the arm several times, but she ignored him.
    Not getting a response from her, he crossed his arms over his chest, slumped in his chair and yelled, “I’m not guilty!” Then pounded his fist on the table.
    “Mr. Dickers, please refrain from further outbursts,” the judge said in a stern voice.
    Dick poked his attorney harder this time. She said, “Ouch!” and rubbed her arm. She scooted her chair a couple inches away from her client.
    The judge smacked her gavel and said, “That’s enough, Mr. Dickers. Ms. Gordon, do you wish for your client to be put in restraints?”
    Dick didn’t like that idea. He jumped up from his seat and began to strangle Ms. Gordon.
    The judge banged her gavel and yelled, “Order in the court, order in the court!”
    The two hundred and fifty plus pound bailiff grabbed Dick by the back of his jumpsuit and pulled him away from Ms. Gordon. Dick was taken away bloody and in more trouble than when he arrived.
    “Ms. Gordon, do you need medical attention?” the judge asked in a concern voice.
    “No, I’m okay,” she replied while she stroked her throat with her fingertips.
    She’d have a nasty bruise on her neck by the end of the day.
    “Ms. Gordon and Mr. Miley, do either of you have anything else to say before I dismiss the jurors?”
    “No, Your Honor. Thank you for your time,” Mr. Miley said.
    “No, Your Honor.” She looked to be on the verge of tears.
    The judge smacked her gavel once, which got our attention and said, “Jurors, you’re dismissed.”
    The day’s weather changed from a torrential downpour to