Cole had dropped it off early that morning, while Jackson had been working out. His friend had also indicated that Donald Carson was now so terrified of being labeled a sexual offender by the police, it was a sure thing that he’d never assault a woman ever again.Because the sleep-deprived detective hadn’t stuck around, Jackson had had to explain to Taylor that he hadn’t left her in the night and done away with Carson. He knew his tone had been edgy, his instincts still raw from being unable to go after the bastard himself. He had a feeling Taylor had seen that all too clearly, because she hadn’t pressed him for anything other than Cole’s name on the drive to her apartment.Now, while she changed, he made several calls to his legal people. An idea was brewing in his gut, but he wanted to be certain he was right. As he’d told her the night before, he didn’t want her gratitude. Neither his heart, nor his pride, would ever settle for such a paltry emotion from this strong woman.He was the child of a broken marriage, reared by nannies and the survivor of a loveless union.
