Page 4 of King of Justice

“I don’t know. I’m stuck here with a writer from the Creators’ Rights. She’s not fazed, so I’m guessing someone will come get us out soon.”

“In Cold Spring?” Ethan exclaimed. “I doubt it.”

“Are you done raining on my parade? I haven’t had any coffee in five hours. Can we get to our agenda now?”

Ethan scoffed. “Jeez, someone’s cranky.”

“Well, it’s not exactly how I pictured spending my afternoon.”

“Okay,” Sam raised his voice a tad, aiming to put the conversation back on track. “So, Kure Pharma sent us these documents this morning…”

Having more work to tend to was a good distraction from the situation I was yet to process. The call lasted about an hour, during which we updated Ethan on his case, and after which I asked Sam to stick around.

“I know you can’t wait to start your break, and I won’t keep you for long. Just a couple of things. Please email Sandra Collins the updates as agreed and don’t forget to copy Nick. Also, make sure that Stacey updates our post-Christmas calendars; I’ll remind her, too. It’s gonna be tight for Jack Phil’s case, so we’re gonna need to get right on it when you’re back.”

“Got it.”

After I was done with Sam, I called Stacey to remind her of a few things. My head was about to explode, and I knew that if I didn’t get out of this room right now and get some coffee, it was only going to get worse. I sent my last email and shut the laptop, getting up and opening the door.

My eyes scanned the space outside and for the first time, I noticed what a good job Nichols had done, turning his mother’s old house into a work space. When my gaze finally met Sophie’s, she smiled. “How about that drink now?”

Returning her courteous expression, I slowly walked out and nodded. “Just point me to it.”

She stood up, and I noticed that she had her coat around her shoulders. “I’ll make it for you. What would you like?”

I smirked, shaking my head as I watched her walk past me. “How much did you hear?”

“You mean the yelling?” She giggled. “It’s okay. People from the city aren’t used to getting stuck, I guess.”

I followed her into a small kitchenette at the end of the floor. “Speaking of which, how long do you think before someone comes to our aid?”

“Coffee?” She held up a jar of instant brew. God, we were going to slum it in here, weren’t we? I must have failed to conceal my disappointment, because she was quick to point out. “We have a machine, too.” She pointed at an ancient coffee maker.

“I’ll drink whatever you’re drinking.”

She shrugged, her eyes carrying something that resembled an apology. “Honestly, I’m not that picky with coffee. Anything to keep me awake.”

“That’s all I can ask for right now.” For a moment, I watched her wash the cups and a spoon and take out a carton of milk from the fridge. Finally, I exhaled and leaned against the doorway, putting my hands in my pockets. “So… how about the help coming over?”

Laughing, she shook her head. “Well,” she drew it out, “I did try to reach Marcus—”

“Marcus?”

“Marcus Hill. He’s usually the one responsible for the snow removal,” she explained. “But given that, this is Christmas weekend… and with the storm and all.” She looked me in the eyes, pressing her lips together. “There’s a good chance nobody will come until Monday.”

She had to be joking. In a bit of denial, I dipped my chin as my eyes implored her to say it wasn’t so. “Monday?”

Pouring the hot water in, she started stirring. “Sugar? Cream?... Milk?”

“Does this not bother you at all?” I tried to conceal my anger.

She shrugged, adding sugar to her cup. “It’s not the first time. Besides, I’ve already made peace with the idea that my Christmas is ruined.”

I raised my voice an octave, “How can you be so calm about this?”

“It’s not the end of the world, is it?” she said matter-of-factly. “There are worse ways to spend Christmas. At least we’re not stuck in a car somewhere off the road.”

Her logic stunned me. “Is this how you weigh everything in life?”

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