Page 19 of Trial Run

Brooke looked flustered at the question, and she didn’t answer right away. “You don’t have to tell me,” Reggie said. “I was just making conversation. I went and checked in on another trial that’s going on here this week.”

“And here I thought you didn’t want to be at the courthouse anymore. Can’t get enough?”

“That one’s personal.”

Brooke’s eyes widened. “Is it the guy who shot you?”

“The guy who hired the guy who shot me and several others—Harry Benton. His trial isn’t about that, but it may be the only satisfaction any of his victims get. The DA is prosecuting him for threatening a judge—the woman I was talking to in the cafeteria the other day. It’s kind of confusing and I’m not sure I really get the strategy, but I don’t have a say in it.”

“That sounds frustrating.”

“I try not to think about it too much.”

“Yet, you looked in on the trial. How’s that going?”

“About as riveting as this one.”

Brooke reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I hope the guy goes away for a very long time.”

Reggie had barely warmed to the touch when Brooke let go. The movement had happened so quickly, she would’ve thought she’d imagined it, but the effect of her touch lingered. Protective, sweet, thoughtful. She’d needed the connection more than she realized. “Thank you.”

The rest of the day went surprisingly fast. Rigley called a succession of witnesses whose testimony was quick and to the point. The theme was simple: Mitchell had a history of seeking favors from local officials, and often skirted close to the line between influence and bribery. Gloria punched back at each of the prosecution witnesses in an attempt to imply that her client had engaged in the same kind of behavior anyone with business was expected to if they wanted to get anything done. The back and forth went on the rest of the day, and when the judge finally recessed for the day, Reggie could hardly believe it was already five o’clock.

She ran into Brooke again as they were leaving the jury room, and they walked to the garage together. They were almost there when she mustered the courage to say, “I don’t suppose you’d like to go for ice cream again.”

“Twice in one week?”

“Yeah, I know. It’s a long shot. Besides, you don’t look like the kind of woman who indulges on that level.” She didn’t even try to hide the fact she was flirting.

“You’d be surprised.”

Was Brooke flirting back with her or was she so out of the game, she didn’t know the difference? “So, you’re in?”

“I can’t,” Brooke said, looking genuinely disappointed. “I promised my son I’d help him with a project. Not that I understand half of what he’s studying. But I do make a mean flash card.”

“I’m sure you do more than that.”

“Lots of moral support if that counts for anything.”

Reggie flashed back to her conversation with Skye. “It does. Trust me, it does.”

Brooke pointed to her car. “Guess I better go.” She lingered for a moment before she opened the door like she wanted to say something more, but after a moment of silence she waved and said, “See you tomorrow.”

Reggie kept walking and resisted looking back. Brooke had a lot going on and so did she. The bubble of jury duty might make it seem otherwise, but she had no business trying to start something with anyone while she should be studying for her exam and starting her new career, let alone a woman with a young son, a full-time job, and a college degree in the balance. Flirty ice cream dates be damned.

She got into her Jeep and was driving out of the garage when she spotted Brooke’s car still parked with Brooke behind the wheel looking like she was about to cry. Without thinking, she pulled over into a space nearby, walked over, and rapped on the window. Brooke cracked the door.

“Is everything okay?”

“He won’t start.”

“He?”

“The car’s name is Seth. We’ve known each other a very long time.”

“He seems to have served you well. Do you have AAA?”

“I barely have enough money to pay to get out of this parking garage, so no. And before you ask, I’ve done all the usual things. I know his quirks, and this is something new.”

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