Page 75 of Cause and Effect

I went downstairs, said good morning to the girls, and poured them some cereal.

“Why did Julian spend the night?” Stella asked.

“Are you two dating each other?” Sara asked.

“We’ll discuss it later. Now isn’t the time. I have to get ready for work.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Julian

“What is going on here? Why the urgent meeting?” Judge McCray asked.

“Your Honor, I respectfully move to withdraw as counsel for the defendant.”

“On what grounds, Mr. Hamilton?”

“Since the beginning of this case, I’ve acted in good faith, believing I had all the relevant facts to build a proper defense. I have recently discovered that my client has been untruthful with me and has compromised my ability to ethically and effectively represent her moving forward.” I glanced at Liza to show the judge the video.

“Where did you get this?” he asked Liza.

“It was sent anonymously, Your Honor. We have no idea who took that video or where it came from.”

“Did you inform your client, Mr. Hamilton?”

“Yes, Your Honor, I did.”

“Did you try to get her to change her plea?”

“I did, and she refused. I cannot and will not stand before this court and argue a case built on lies.”

“Motion to withdraw is granted. We’ll reconvene when the defendant has time to retain new representation.” He looked at Liza.

“Thank you, Your Honor.” I nodded.

“Ms. Evans, I can’t say I’ll be sad not seeing you argue this case,” he said.

“Don’t worry, Your Honor. You’ll be seeing me next week for another case.” She smiled.

After leaving the courthouse, we climbed into the back of the Escalade. Since we left her house this morning, Laurel had been acting out of sorts.

“What’s wrong with you?” I asked.

“Nothing. Why?”

“Because you’ve been weird since we left the house.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“You’re barely speaking to me, Laurel. Oh, by the way. My father and Love are hosting dinner tomorrow night and invited you and the girls. I’ll pick you up at six o’clock. Roman, Morgan, Maddie, and Parker will be there.”

“I don’t think?—”

“It’ll be fun.” I grabbed her hand and brought it to my lips.

She instantly pulled away. I furrowed my brows.

When we reached the firm, I went into my office, shut the door, and stood in front of the window with my hands tucked tightly into my pants pockets. I felt tightness in my chest and clenching in my stomach as I thought about Laurel. My fears were at the forefront of my mind—a voice of caution warning me of my past. When she referred to ‘us’ this morning, my heart began to beat rapidly—a constant reminder of the potential pain and heartbreak. I could hear my heart thumping in my chest like a pounding drum.

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