Page 203 of Ruthless Court

“Need help?”

“I had it.”

Krista looks at Stella.

Stella looks back.

Nothing is said.

Nothing needs to be.

Krista’s shoulders lose some of their height.

“I was just telling her those were my usual seats.”

Stella takes one Diet Coke from my hand.

“They aren’t tonight.”

Krista’s jaw tightens.

“Haverhill and I have history.”

“So do Kane and I,” Stella says. “I still know when he wants someone in his section.”

The emphasis lands cleanly.

Krista glances toward the court where the players are finishing warm-ups.

Her face closes.

“Whatever.”

She turns and disappears into the crowd.

I watch her go.

Then look at Stella.

“I had that handled.”

“I know.”

“You swooped in like I was about to get stuffed into a locker.”

“I wanted my Diet Coke.”

“You used your terrifying volleyball-queen stare.”

“I looked at her.”

“You looked at her like you were deciding where to bury the body.”

Stella takes a sip.

“Effective, though.”

“I had a plan.”