Page 12 of The Defense Rests
It’s not just about the case.
When Kai sits across from me, I see the pain and the same apprehension in his eyes.
"Fire your lawyer." He says bluntly while staring into my eyes, not a hint of playfulness to be seen. His eyes are tinged with red. Had he been crying?
It takes a minute for my brain to catch up. I thought this was a date. A way to reconnect. Clearly, my brain misinterpreted our gathering this evening.
"Excuse me. What?" I give my head a little shake. I know he's not asking me to fire my attorney so late in the game. I already told him it would be hard for me to find a new one that would even consider representing me.
"I need you to fire your attorney." Straight to the point. No explanation.
"I told you already. I won't have anyone if I do. I must sign this settlement by Monday, or it will proceed to trial. My lawyer is useless now. Could you imagine what he'd be like if this wentto trial? But at least I have someone to represent me." I tell him, trying to keep my lip from quivering.
"I can't talk to you like I need to until you fire your attorney. Please, Shaun, read between the lines here," he begs. "Trust me."
"I do trust you. But you have to see it from my perspective." I take a sip of my water. "Will I have new representation if I do?"
Kai hasn't taken his eyes off me since he sat down. He doesn't answer until I see the slightest of nods. It was almost undetectable until I saw the edge of his mouth lift before he picked up his menu.
"Okay," I whisper before pulling out my cell phone and pushing the number for my soon-to-be ex-deadbeat lawyer. After three rings it goes to voicemail. "Clint, this is Dr. Shaun Whitmore. Due to the lack of support you have provided in this case, as of April 23rd at 6:18 pm, you are excused from this case moving forward. My new attorney is here to witness this message."
Before looking up at Kai, I shoot off a quick text and a brief email, so all my bases are covered, and then slide the phone back into my pocket. Taking a deep, steadying breath, I finally look back up at Kai. "What is this about, Kai?"
He shakes his head at me and holds up a finger. "I need you to hire me."
"Clearly, I need someone now since you told me to fire my lawyer. But the clinic has its own team of lawyers. They will never pay outside the firm that they use, and I can't afford it."
"Pro Bono." Two simple words. Why is he being so cagey at the same time he's vibrating like a reptile about to shed his skin?
"Yes, of course you can represent me. Now, can you please tell me what's going on?"
"I know this is going to sound shady, but I can't tell you. Not yet, at least." He takes a long gulp of his water. "I'm heading backto the city because it's going to be busy for the next thirty-sixish hours, and I can get more done there without distractions."
"Um, yeah. Of course." My eyes are looking all around me, trying to find something to focus on.
Kai puts his hand on top of mine and offers it a little squeeze. "Legally, I can't tell you what's going on because I still work for the law firm. But please. Whatever you do, do not be late to the meeting on Monday. You won't want to miss the show." He gives me a little wink and picks up his menu, as if he hadn't just dropped a huge subliminal message.
Seven
Shaun
Tapping my foot nervously, I wait for literally anyone to show up. It’s enough to drive me insane. Not knowing my fate is adding to the stress, and I feel a sharp pain shoot through the right side of my chest. Am I about to have a heart attack? I use the tips of my fingers to press on the spot. It's a sharp pain on the wrong side to be a heart attack. Just a little zinger, as I like to call them.
The doors begin to open, and I can see Mr. Malloy and Heather through the glass windows before they make their way into the room, taking seats across from me.
"Good morning," I offer a polite greeting, and get a brow raise from Mr. Malloy. Heather smiles and nods but doesn't say anything.
I look at my watch and it's ten o'clock. Where is Kai? I pull out my phone to text him when movement on the other side of the glass wall grabs my attention. The tension in my neck evaporates instantly.
"You're late." Mr. Malloy reprimands Kai as he stops to take a deep breath, leaning on the chair closest to the door. His cheeks flushed. I cock an eyebrow at him, asking the silent question,Are you okay?
Kai lifts his chin and grins before turning to face Mr. Malloy. "I was getting some documents signed for my client.I wanted to cover all my bases before this morning's meeting, and Judge Claudia Orozco was kind enough to squeeze me in. I swear the elevator stopped on nearly every floor on my way here," he jokes.
Mr. Malloy lifts a brow and smirks my way. I keep my face neutral.
"Is your attorney MIA again,Mr. Whitmore?" Mr. Malloy asks with a snide tone, intentionally calling me mister instead of doctor. I won't correct him this time because he's trying to get under my skin. I won't let him think he has the upper hand.
"I will allow the proceedings this morning," I tell him sharply.
