Page 6 of The Defense Rests
Now, that belief is challenged, questioned, and threatened by the sheer force of my personal feelings.
I spent the weekend scanning the entire file onto several USB drives. The legal arguments for Shaun's defense were clear. But, I also saw gaps in our firm's case against him. Shaun’s attorney could construct a solid defense based on the lack of conclusive evidence of negligence. However, something isn't adding up with our client either.
The ethical considerations are a constant undercurrent, a dark shadow lurking in the corner. I could win this case, utilizing my skills to secure my client's payout and earn a nice bonuscheck. But at what cost? The cost of Shaun's reputation? Career? His…everything?
Movement in the hallway pulls me from my thoughts as I see several people outside the glass wall. The room is soundproof, so I can't hear the conversations. A lump lodges in my throat as Shaun is escorted into the conference room by Rebecca. I look up at the clock, and we still have about ten minutes until the meeting begins.
"Dr. Whitmore, this is Mr. Kai Kapling. He has taken over as lead prosecution on this case for the firm and will be meeting with you this morning. The others will be in shortly." Rebecca says gently, offering me one of her soft smiles before closing the door behind her. How can she work for Mr. Malloy? She's too kind for that horrible man.
Shaun's mouth is agape. Shaking his head. "Kai?"
"Hello, da–" I catch myself before clearing my throat and tacking on, "Dr. Whitmore. It's nice to see you again." I tell him, voice shaky. Where the hell did daddy almost come from?It's because he has always been your daddy,my inner dialogue supplies.Protect him.
"Dr. Whitmore. Sounds so formal coming from you," he tells me teasingly before putting his palms up to me. "I know. We need to keep it professional. But, if I may, you look well. I'm glad to see life has treated you kindly," he tells me sincerely. His eyes glistening with unshed tears. Not sure if it’s from seeing me, or what he’s gone through with the lawsuit. Maybe both. My eyes follow suit, and I feel the sting.
"Thank you. I must admit, I was shocked on Friday when they handed this case over to me and saw your name on it. This is difficult for me. And I think you know why." I tell him, concern lacing my tone.
"You have a job to do. I expect you to do it to the best of your ability. Show Daddy how good you are." He gives me a wink, and I feel my face heat. "Make me proud."
The longing in his eyes is undeniable. When I look up to the glass wall, Mr. Malloy is smirking as he makes his way into the room with some documents in hand.
"Dr. Whitmore, it's good to see you again," Mr. Malloy tells him in that all too familiar gruff tone.
"Is it?" Shaun asks before taking a seat across from me without being asked.
"Right. Well, let's get down to business. We have a settlement offer that is the best you're going to get." Malloy tells Shaun, whose attention is on his phone. Brows pinched.
"Wait. Shouldn't we be waiting for Shaun's, I mean, Dr. Whitmore's attorney?" I ask.
"He should have been here by now. Excuse me for a second." Shaun tells us, looking a bit concerned and pushing the call button on his cell. After a few seconds, he puts the phone upside down on the table. "It went straight to voicemail. I'm okay continuing the meeting without him. I'd like to hear about this wonderful settlement offer. Still, I won't be signing anything until my lawyer has a chance to look over it." His voice laced in sarcasm.
When I look up at Jackson Malloy, again, the lawyer with two last names, he offers a tight smile, but his face is turning a darker shade of red. "Of course. We wouldn't expect less from you." Jackson reaches over for the file we have on Shaun and slides it in front of him. "It seems you're very thorough in your work." What. The. Fuck.
Images of being in the courtroom, facing off against seasoned prosecutors like Mr. Malloy, and keeping my cool float to the forefront of my mind. I don't want to keep referring to him as Jackson because that is too personal. I want to keep him atarm's length. He knows we have a weak case, and he's trying to bully Shaun into signing the settlement. I haven't even seen the final version of it, and it makes my skin crawl to know that there is something else at play here.
I slide my phone out of my pocket, the smooth surface cool against my feverish palm. I keep my phone on my lap, out of sight from Mr. Malloy.
I hesitate.
The simple act of texting feels like a monumental task.
Me: DON'T SIGN ANYTHING!!!
Me: Where the fuck is your lawyer?
Shaun's phone buzzes on the table, and I feel my forehead dampen. Mr. Malloy stops rambling about the settlement as Shaun picks it up, and his eyes widen before he looks at me. I swallow.
"Something you want to share with the class, Dr. Whitmore?" Mr. Malloy asks.
"No. Just a text from my lawyer. He's not able to make it. Something came up." He types out a few things on his phone before clicking the side button to silence it. He lifts off his chair to slide his phone in the pocket of his slacks. "My apologies. Please continue."
My phone vibrates in my lap, and when Mr. Malloy is rereading the settlement, I take the opportunity to read the message.
Teddy Bear: Language.
Teddy Bear: He's a deadbeat but 2 late for a new rep.
My heart aches at the thought of Shaun getting the short end of the stick on this case, and nobody is stepping up to help him.
