Page 66 of Cause and Effect

“Send the fucking video to the ADA now,” I said, storming out of Morgan’s office. “I don’t want to be disturbed, Melinda.” I slammed my office door shut.

I walked over to the bar in the corner and poured a glass of scotch, tipping it to my lips as I paced around the office angrily. I couldn’t believe Georgina lied to my face. But the most shocking part was that she did murder her husband. If I couldn’t convince her to change her plea, I’d have to file a motion with the court to withdraw as her attorney.

“Melinda, get in here and shut the door,” I shouted.

“I don’t know what has you all worked up, but you don’t have to shout, boss.”

“I need you to prepare a motion in case we need to file it.”

“What motion?” she asked.

“A motion to withdraw as Georgina’s attorney.”

“Are you kidding me? Julian, what is going?—”

“I’m not discussing it right now. Just do as I ask.”

“Sure, okay.” She left my office.

“Is it safe to come in?” Laurel stuck her head through the door.

“How long have you known?” I asked.

She stepped inside my office and shut the door.

“Morgan only showed me the video this morning.”

“And why would Morgan even think to follow Georgina?” I finished my scotch and set the glass on my desk.

“Because I told her that I was positive Georgina was lying,” Laurel said. “I told you the same thing, but you didn’t want to hear it. You didn’t want to believe Georgina could do such a thing. But I couldn’t in good conscience go along with things when I knew something wasn’t right. Can you imagine if, after the trial, something came out that proved Georgina did kill Derek? You’d be getting looked into. I was protecting you, Julian.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t need your protection.” I grabbed my suit coat from the back of my chair and stormed out of the office.

Laurel

I sighed, placing my hand on my head. My phone rang. Pulling it from my pocket, it was from an unknown number. I was in no mood. I sent it to voicemail and waited, but they didn’t leave a message or call back. I left Julian’s office, grabbed my purse, and left the building for lunch.

I glanced through store windows as I walked down the street. I had no choice but to stay close to the office because I didn’t have a car. Speaking of. I hadn’t heard from the repair shop yet, so I decided to give them a call.

“Hi, this is Laurel Evans. I’m calling about my vehicle.”

“Hello, Ms. Evans. Your car will be ready for pick up around five o’clock. Just a reminder that we’re only open until six.”

“Thank you. I’ll be there at five.”

After I ended the call, and before I could toss it back into my purse, it rang—an unknown number. I answered it but didn’t say a word.

“Laurel,” I heard a muffled and distorted voice. “You look beautiful like you do every day.”

“Who is this?” I shouted.

Click.

My heart raced out of my chest as my eyes scanned my surroundings—front, back, side to side. His voice was filled with both familiarity and an eerie sense of unfamiliarity. It could be anyone walking or standing on the street.

I raced back to the office and found Morgan.

“Here. Take it.” I handed her my phone. “I need you to try and find out who’s calling me. He spoke today, Morgan.”

---